Many homeowners may hear strange noises from their roofs or attics at night. These noises, such as cracking and groaning, might be more noticeable because it is usually quieter in the house at night. Residents will likely hear these noises in an upstairs room since other noises are absent.
The reassuring thing is that unless you live in an older property or have a lot of weight in your loft, the noises you hear are likely nothing to be concerned about. It’s typical for attics to make creaking and cracking sounds that can become quite loud sometimes. There’s no need to worry that the roofing has been damaged or is about to collapse; it’s just the natural sounds of the roof settling. Here are some common reasons why it makes those noises:
Temperature Changes
Wooden roofs are prone to making creaking noises as the temperature changes. As the air cools in the evening, moisture can form on the wood sheathings and cause the timbers to expand or compress. This often leads to a loud cracking sound, which you’ll likely hear when the room is first aired and cooled down. This is due to the wood shrinking as the air cools, which can be quite alarming if you’re not expecting it.
An efficient ventilation system can help reduce the noise from an attic and regulate the temperature during the summer, resulting in lower cooling costs. This can provide a quieter environment and help you save money in the long run.
Lack of Ventilation
The attic in many residences needs to be adequately ventilated due to the need for proper openings. Passive ventilation options such as grille vents, flat vents, and turbine vents are available to allow fresh air to flow in and out. Active ventilation, such as ceiling fans and exhausts, is also viable. An example of active ventilation is crisscross dimple ceiling fans that help circulate air more efficiently.
So even though it’s beneficial to increase attic and roofing ventilation, it’s not necessary to be concerned if your roof is making a louder cracking sound. This is simply due to the structure of the beams that sustain the roof.
Wind
Heavy wind can make wooden structures, especially tall buildings, creak. But if you hear a creaking sound in mild weather or when only a slight breeze blows, it’s time to call in a specialist. The noise might indicate a structural problem due to aging, shoddy quality, or water damage.
Weight
If you’ve climbed onto the roof and noticed that it’s creaking when you step in certain areas, it is best to contact a roofer. Only investigate the issue on your own if the roof appears to be flexing or giving under your weight.
To Summarize
Don’t worry too much about creaking noises on your roof at night. Since the canopy is exposed to harsh elements daily, it’s just the material expanding, contracting, or reacting to wind, ventilation, and other factors. However, it’s best to call a professional roofer to inspect the potential problem if it becomes more common.
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Wilderness provides a wide range of services to residential and commercial clients, including installing 5″ seamless eavestroughs, Soffit and Fascia, blown insulation, vinyl, Hardie Siding, interior and exterior painting, cedar shake conversions, and flat roofs for residential and commercial projects. Our team is equipped to handle your needs concerning roofing in Saskatoon, ensuring a quality job every time. Get a quote by calling (306) 717-8741!