Floor shakes when walking new house

The joys of moving into a new home! It's not uncommon for floors to creak and shake a bit when you first start walking around, especially if the house is new or has been recently renovated. Here are some possible reasons why your floor might be shaking when you walk:

  1. Settling foundation: New homes can take some time to settle into their foundation, which can cause the floors to shift and creak. This is usually a normal process and should resolve itself over time.
  2. Flooring material: If your new home has a new floor installation, such as hardwood, laminate, or engineered wood, it may take some time for the flooring to acclimate to the surrounding environment. This can cause the floor to creak and shake.
  3. Subfloor issues: If the subfloor (the layer of material beneath the flooring) is uneven, warped, or has gaps, it can cause the flooring to shift and creak when walked upon.
  4. Structural issues: In some cases, the floor shaking could be a sign of a more serious structural issue, such as a foundation problem or a weak spot in the floor joists. If you notice any other signs of structural distress, such as cracks in walls or ceilings, it's a good idea to consult with a professional.
  5. Flooring installation: If the flooring was installed incorrectly or with inadequate fastening, it can cause the floor to creak and shake.

To minimize the floor shaking, you can try the following:

  1. Wait it out: If you suspect the floor shaking is due to settling or acclimation, give it some time to resolve itself.
  2. Check the subfloor: Inspect the subfloor for any gaps, cracks, or unevenness. If you find any issues, consider consulting with a professional to address them.
  3. Secure the flooring: If you suspect the flooring was installed incorrectly, consider consulting with a professional to resecure the flooring.
  4. Add area rugs: Adding area rugs can help reduce the noise and vibration caused by walking on the floor.
  5. Consult a professional: If the floor shaking persists or is accompanied by other signs of structural distress, consider consulting with a professional contractor or structural engineer to assess the situation.

Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your home's structural integrity. If you're concerned about the floor shaking, it's a good idea to consult with a professional to rule out any potential issues.