Debunk Paranormal

We all hear about people experiencing creaks, moans, groans, footsteps, doors and even cupboards opening or closing on their own. Well its time we look into this, what could cause them?

First we will look at homes settling, all homes settle some for many years. Now do all homes settle the same? No construction methods, materials used, location, weather all play a part in this. What can cause this? First we will look at the ground the home is built on, its constantly moving, this puts and releases pressure on the home. Weather as it changes also makes homes move and wood to swell or contract. Different woods may do this at different rates causing creaks, groans, loud popping noises. This can also cause a door or cupboard to open or close. This is why if you experience this at an investigation you can’t get it to repeat. The shock the house feels when this happens open jars items.  Try experiments in your own home hit the side of your cupboard see if your doors pop open. Set a clear bowl with water on the floor and walk, watch for excess ripples. This can show a floor moving and can explain items that fall of counters, tables. Does the home have children? If they do you know they run around causing even more home vibrations.  Bounce in the center of a room and watch for items shaking.

Construction has codes that are supposed to help this but some contractors and DIY may cheat, this can really cause movement in a home. It’s a good idea if your doing an investigation to look for cracks near doorways, cracks in corners, cracks between a wall and ceiling. Look at the floor to make sure its level, carry a laser level with you to check the home out. This can give you a clue about home movement.

What else do we need to look at? Look at floors, counter tops, for heavy material, (marble, granite, ect). Look in cupboards to see if they are loaded down. These can put strain on your home framing or flooring causing movement and noises. If the home has an upstairs look for water beds, workout rooms with excess weight, anything that can put an extra load on the homes construction.

Now how many of you do this? All of you should, remember you are looking for the truth not guesses when it comes to a client. Sound like work yet? It should you owe it to your clients to understand what can happen in a home.

This will be read in two ways one from people who really want the truth and two for those that do a half ass investigation who will just say its to much work.