What can cause vibrations in a house?

• <div><p>Hearing or feeling vibrations in your house can be unsettling, but there are a few <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/i-hear-vibrating-motor-sound-my-walls-night-it-my-pipes-or-it-related-air-vents-or-furnace">possible causes for a vibrating noise in your wall</a> or floor. Light bulbs and fixtures, circuit breakers, loose pipes, or faulty wiring could all cause vibrations. If you’re not sure what’s causing the vibrations, you can call a contractor to assess your home and narrow down the cause.</p></div>

Will a seismic shut-off valve save me money on earthquake insurance?

• <div><p>Depending on where you live, your insurance company may require you to have a seismic shut-off valve. It depends on local regulations along with the specific provider. If it’s not a requirement, many providers will offer a discount if you install an earthquake valve, which can save you 5% or more. Contact your provider to learn about potential savings for your plan. </p></div>

Top-rated earthquake retrofitting specialists.

Get matched with top earthquake retrofitting specialists in Douglas, WY

Q: Besides grounding outlets, how else can I protect my home?

• <div><p>Grounding is a great first step to prevent electrical shock, but you can take it further with GFCI outlets and AFCIs (arc fault circuit interrupters). In particular, AFCIs help protect against the type of electrical arcs that cause fires, like if a mouse chews on a wire or your laptop starts overheating at the wall. These are required in some areas of your home.</p></div>

Q: How effective is earthquake retrofitting?

• <div><p>A home with proper earthquake retrofitting can sustain minimal damage in earthquakes of <b>up to 7.0 magnitude</b>, although risks are higher based on how close and deep the earthquake is. A home closer to the earthquake epicenter will sustain greater damage, especially if the earthquake is closer to the surface of the Earth, but retrofitting can help minimize the risk of injuries.</p></div>

Q: What Is a gas shut-off valve for earthquakes?

• <div><p>Earthquake gas shut-off valves, or seismic gas shut-off valves, are safety devices that attach to your natural gas line. When an earthquake hits, the valve automatically turns off the flow of gas. Earthquake gas shut-off valves can prevent gas leaks, which are especially dangerous after a quake due to the risk of fire and explosion.</p></div>

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BDPeak Engineering, LLC

5.00(

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BDPeak Engineering, LLC

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

BDPeak Engineering provides structural engineering design & drafting services for commercial, residential, industrial and institutional projects. Forensic Investigations & Engineering services are offered for residential & commercial structures. BDPeak was founded on two principles: honesty and integrity. We are professionally licensed throughout the United States, primarily focusing on the Rocky Mountain region. Our staff has been practicing structural engineering and serving the region for 15 years. BDPeak is professionally licensed in Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota & Texas.

"Working with Bryan and BDPeak Engineering was an overall great experience. Being first time home builders, Bryan helped make the process as smooth as possible and helped put any concerns we may have had going into it at ease. His attention to detail and communication was second to none. He was very responsive throughout the whole process whenever we had any questions and always met the deadlines he had set. I would most definitely recommend using the services BDPeak offers for any prospective building projects."

Chris P on December 2022

"Working with Bryan and BDPeak Engineering was an overall great experience. Being first time home builders, Bryan helped make the process as smooth as possible and helped put any concerns we may have had going into it at ease. His attention to detail and communication was second to none. He was very responsive throughout the whole process whenever we had any questions and always met the deadlines he had set. I would most definitely recommend using the services BDPeak offers for any prospective building projects."

Chris P on December 2022

CTE-VBMIS Group

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CTE-VBMIS Group

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38 years of experience

CTE-VBMIS Group is a company headed by Mr. Eugene D. Ninnie, P.E., AIA, LEED AP. Mr. Ninnie has been a real estate professional, architect, professional engineer and contractor for over 30 years. He applies this experience in solving your specific problem. The CTE-VBMIS Group of companies are RealEstateSolutionsUSA and RESolutionsUSA RealEstateSolutionsUSA is a Site dedicated to our Preferred BUYERS looking for that specific Investment Property RESoltuionsUSA the company is a Site dedicated to people looking to sell their Home or Property FAST. CTE-VBMIS Group is an Architectural/Engineering/Construction/Real Estate Investment Company Utilizing RealEstateSolutionsUSA and RESolutionsUSA company experience profile and the experience and talents of CTE-VBMIS Group, RealEstateSolutionsUSA and RESolutionsUSA assists and help our Preferred BUYERS and MOTIVATED SELLERS and are able to provide unique and specialized solutions for any Real Estate Problem BUYERS and SELLERS have.

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

Grounding is a great first step to prevent electrical shock, but you can take it further with GFCI outlets and AFCIs (arc fault circuit interrupters). In particular, AFCIs help protect against the type of electrical arcs that cause fires, like if a mouse chews on a wire or your laptop starts overheating at the wall. These are required in some areas of your home.

Hearing or feeling vibrations in your house can be unsettling, but there are a few possible causes for a vibrating noise in your wall or floor. Light bulbs and fixtures, circuit breakers, loose pipes, or faulty wiring could all cause vibrations. If you’re not sure what’s causing the vibrations, you can call a contractor to assess your home and narrow down the cause.

A home with proper earthquake retrofitting can sustain minimal damage in earthquakes of up to 7.0 magnitude, although risks are higher based on how close and deep the earthquake is. A home closer to the earthquake epicenter will sustain greater damage, especially if the earthquake is closer to the surface of the Earth, but retrofitting can help minimize the risk of injuries.

Depending on where you live, your insurance company may require you to have a seismic shut-off valve. It depends on local regulations along with the specific provider. If it’s not a requirement, many providers will offer a discount if you install an earthquake valve, which can save you 5% or more. Contact your provider to learn about potential savings for your plan.

Earthquake gas shut-off valves, or seismic gas shut-off valves, are safety devices that attach to your natural gas line. When an earthquake hits, the valve automatically turns off the flow of gas. Earthquake gas shut-off valves can prevent gas leaks, which are especially dangerous after a quake due to the risk of fire and explosion.

The Douglas, WY homeowners’ guide to earthquake retrofitting services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Angi
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Oct 22, 2025Oct 22, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Earthquake Damage? [2025 Data]
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How Much Does Earthquake Valve Installation Cost? [2025 Data]
A seismic shut-off valve stops the flow of gas during an earthquake, protecting your home from fires and explosions. Here’s what your earthquake valve installation cost will look like.
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Aug 26, 2024Aug 26, 2024
What Is an Earthquake Gas Shut-Off Valve and Do You Need One?
In a seismic event, an earthquake gas shut-off valve could stop gas leaks and save your life. Learn more about its costs, installation, and benefits.
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Jul 23, 2024Jul 23, 2024
Who Should I Hire for Earthquake Retrofitting?
If you live in an older home in an area prone to seismic activity, you likely need to hire a seismic retrofitting company to protect your home from earthquakes.