Did you wake up to the sounds of creaking, cracking or popping coming from your roof? If so, it may be time to call in the professionals to help you determine what’s going on. While roofing noises can be concerning, they aren’t always indicators of more serious problems that could lead to costly repairs down the road. In fact, most roof creaks and cracks are harmless and will go away after some time if they are not serious issues that need immediate attention.
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Common Sounds You’ll Hear From Your Roof
Crackling, popping and creaking can be a common sound of your roof as it expands and contracts. Commonly, you’ll hear these noises come from under your attic floor or in between your ceiling joists. Although there are several different causes of creaks and cracks it usually indicates a problem with the insulation, which may or may not need to be repaired.
You may hear these noises come from around your chimney, fireplace or sometimes even your windows. If you’re hearing strange sounds coming from outside of your house it could be that they are being caused by your roof. The most common cause of roof noise outdoors is usually wind. Crackling, popping and creaking can also be a result of excess moisture build-up on a cold roof during warmer months. As water sits on your shingles it eventually begins to freeze, causing ice dams which trap additional water underneath them.
Although it’s easy to determine where some roof noises are coming from, many homeowners mistake them for other household sounds. It’s not uncommon for a squeak or pop to be mistaken for something inside your house such as pipes or old windows. However, if you’re hearing these noises and have ruled out everything else in your home it could mean that there’s an issue with your roof and you should contact a professional immediately. The longer you wait to address any roof issues, especially when they occur outside of your attic floor, can cause more damage and additional noise over time.
When You Should Worry About These Sounds
While some cracking and creaking sounds are normal on a roof, when you hear them accompanied by other signs of distress – like popped nails or shingles that are curled up at the edges – it may indicate an issue. The sound can be caused by expansion and contraction as moisture levels rise and fall in your attic, but it can also mean that more serious damage has occurred to your roof. Regular inspection by a licensed roofing contractor will help identify these types of issues before they become severe.
It’s important to remember that it’s not just visual damage you need to watch out for. If your roof has cracks or gaps that allow air and moisture into your attic, it can affect its performance over time, as well as raise your energy bills if you find yourself dealing with mold and mildew.
A skilled roofing contractor can conduct a thorough inspection of your roof to see where any problems might be hiding. They may even be able to help prevent future damage from occurring by identifying signs of aging in key areas before they become problematic.
If you suspect a problem with your roof, it’s best to call in a professional. A licensed roofing contractor can provide an expert evaluation of any potential issues and offer options for repair or replacement as needed. Some DIY repairs might be possible if you’re not looking at significant damage, but we strongly recommend that you speak with someone who knows what they’re doing before starting any work on your own.
Fixing Roof Noises
If you hear sounds coming from your roof, there’s a good chance it’s creaking or cracking. To figure out if it’s a structural problem that needs to be addressed immediately or simply a cosmetic issue, try taking these simple steps:
- If you see loose shingles or flashing, call your roofer immediately. An easy fix could turn into a big problem if left ignored for too long.
- If you’re just hearing creaks and crackles, try to narrow down where they’re coming from. Once you find their origin, there are a few things you can do:
- First, look at your attic. Are there any vents or cracks around your roofline that could be letting in noise? If so, seal them off with caulking. Also, pay close attention to plywood seams on your roof; if nails aren’t holding everything together tightly enough, wood may separate when it expands during hot weather. Check for loose nails and re-secure as needed by tightening up screws or using a nail gun if necessary.
If you’re still having problems after taking these steps, it’s time to call a roofing contractor. They’ll be able to tell you if your issue is cosmetic or something more serious, and then they can get started on a repair. According to Home Advisor the average cost to repair a roof is between $379 to $1,649. Relatively small amounts compared to repair costs down the road if roof problems are ignored.
If You’re Concerned, Schedule a Professional Inspection
Not everyone knows how to identify where noises are coming from or wants to climb up on their roof. But if you hear persistent creaks, knocks, and pops that go away when you bang on your ceiling or wall, it’s worth finding out whether they indicate a more serious problem like a sagging joist than just wood settling.
It’s not always easy to figure out when to schedule a professional inspection for your roof. It depends on what you hear or feel, and what you see when you climb up on your roof. You should be concerned if you notice significant cracks in your tiles or damaged flashing around chimneys, skylights, vents, or pipes. Also pay attention if you notice that shingles are curling up from your eaves or have completely fallen off your roof.
Most roofing contractors offer inspections and/or estimates to homeowners who call. This helps to ensure that you’re not paying for a service call unless it’s truly necessary, which will save you money. If your roof really needs work, most companies can provide a written estimate within 24 hours of your inspection.