Have you recently heard a popping or creaking noise throughout your house at night? If so, you may be wondering why these sounds are happening and if your roof is in any danger. While your roof may need to be repaired or replaced, the sounds you hear likely aren’t indicative of anything too serious. However, it’s a good idea for you to reach out to a roofing company like ours to make sure that the creaking noises aren’t a sign of a larger issue.
Creaking Roof Caused by Humidity and Temperature Changes
If you happen to hear popping, wheezing, or creaking noises in your home at night, these sounds are typically caused by temperatures having dropped overnight. Since the attic doesn’t obtain as much air conditioning or heating, the frame surrounding this space will be more impacted by the temperature drops that take place at night.
When the temperatures warm up during the day, the wood in your attic will expand. At night, the wood will contract, which leads to the noises that may be keeping you awake. Any popping you notice is caused by the contracting wood. The creaking is likely the result of you making even small movements in your home.
Even though these sounds can be unsettling, they’re usually nothing to be concerned about. Your roof isn’t in danger of breaking or collapsing because of some slight creaking sounds. If, however, these noises are disturbing your sleep, there are techniques you can use to mitigate or eliminate these sounds, which include everything from spray insulation to additional bracing.
Creaking Roof Caused by Windy Weather
While the creaking sounds you hear are normal, you might also hear creaking or popping sounds whenever the wind blows at night. In this scenario, you may need to look at your roof to see if you notice any warped areas, missing shingles, or other indicators of damage. You can also look in your attic to see if there’s any damage.
Our roofing company can provide a comprehensive inspection that will identify any problem that could be causing the sounds you hear. If you hear these noises when the wind blows, it’s possible that more beams would need to be nailed directly into your attic for better support. The addition of ventilation around your attic could also reduce these sounds.
How to Resolve a Creaking Noise
If you want to get rid of the creaking sounds for good, there are several things you can do to reduce the noise or dampen it. One option is to use spray foam insulation. When you add insulation to the attic in your home, you’ll be able to better regulate the indoor air temperature while also absorbing noise. While spray foam insulation can be more effective, regular insulation is more affordable. Our roofing company can install this insulation for you in a manner that produces the best results.
Another solution is to add more bracing in the attic. Even though your house should be able to withstand most of the elements, you can reduce the creaking sounds you hear by having diagonal bracing installed in your attic. Adding extra support doesn’t create problems with your home’s structure, which is why there’s no downside if you want to limit the noises you hear. Keep in mind that installing bracing takes more time than adding insulation.
In the event that the noises in your home occur when the wind is blowing, there are several fixes you should look into. Adding support beams in your attic will also help with this problem. If the issue is caused by damage to your roof, our roofing company can repair any of the damaged areas. You can also reduce wind noise and improve your attic’s moisture and temperature control by adding ventilation. Soffit vents and ridge vents are two popular solutions you can have installed.
Obtain a Roof Inspection
If you believe that the creaking noises you hear are caused by damage to your roof, we can provide your home with an in-depth roof inspection. This process varies depending on the exact roofing materials that are used. If your home is equipped with a shingle roof, the issues that are most commonly detected during an inspection include:
- Clogged gutters
- Mold growth
- Shingle deterioration
- Signs of water damage
When a roof begins to deteriorate in quality, creaking noises may become more common. If your roof is missing some shingles, replacing them can reduce the sounds you encounter at night.
As for metal roofs, the main issues you should be on the lookout for include loose seams, damaged flashing, and rust. All of these problems can worsen the sounds of creaking. For instance, if the seams become loose, the roof’s underlying structure would be more prone to water buildup and odd sounds whenever it’s windy. The development of rust can eventually lead to small and large holes along your roof.
When a Creaking Noise Indicates a Roof Replacement Is Necessary
When we perform a roof inspection, it’s likely that the issues we identify as causing the creaking noises will be minor and won’t require a full replacement. However, the creaking sounds you hear could be caused by your roof having deteriorated substantially over time. When a roof is nearing the end of its lifespan or a large storm recently swept through the area, replacing your roof may be necessary to keep the creaking sounds from continuing.
Keep in mind that every roofing material comes with an estimated lifespan that’s specified by the manufacturer. If a roof hasn’t been properly maintained after it was initially installed, it may need to be replaced before the recommended lifespan. Asphalt shingle roofs have an estimated duration of 30 years. Metal roofs can last for anywhere from 40-70 years when well-maintained.
Even if your roof was only installed 10 years ago, it may need to be replaced if an extreme weather event occurs. Whether your roof is damaged by a tornado or hail, extensive damage will likely increase the amount of creaking you hear whenever the wind blows at night. When you hear creaks and pops in your home, our roofing company can help you understand where these problems come from and what the right solution is.
Inspecting your roof for signs of damage is a task that should be handled by a professional. When you call our roofing company, we can take a look at your roof to give you peace of mind that the creaking sounds you hear aren’t a problem. Our team at Jim Rhubart Roofing offers several additional roofing services that residents of Woodbine, NJ might be interested in, including roof maintenance, repair, and replacement services. If a severe thunderstorm has recently passed through, we can deliver timely storm damage repair to make sure your roof remains in great condition. If your roof hasn’t been replaced for decades, we’ll provide you with an honest assessment of your roof’s condition and the possibility that a roof replacement is needed. Call Jim Rhubart Roofing today to find out how you can benefit from our roofing services.
