What to Do if Your Roof Makes Cracking Noises

Does your roof make a popping or cracking noise?  

While this noise can be worrying and make you feel as if your roof will collapse every time the wind blows, the good news is that the issue may not be a serious problem. Depending on when or how often you hear the noise, there could be a few reasons behind it.  

Here are a few common reasons your roof is making popping or cracking noises.  

Thermal Expansion and Contraction 

If you notice that your roof is making popping or cracking noises on sunny days, a possible reason is thermal expansion. Thermal expansion is the increase in length, area, and volume of materials when they increase in temperature. Thermal expansion happens because of an increase in particle-to-particle distances between atoms and molecules due to an increase in their average kinetic energies.  

When the sun hits your roof, the temperature rises. As the lumber in the roof expands, it moves and rubs against other pieces of wood that are moving at a different rate. As a result, it creates a popping noise and when the wood cools down after the sun sets, the same thing happens in reverse.  

Subpar Roof Framing  

If your roof makes cracking and popping noises throughout the day, it could be a more serious roof problem. The problem could be with the roof framing or roof rafters. If the entire roof system is not solidly braced, the roof will flex to absorb this force. The flexing will then create a popping noise. 

Possible roof framing issues include roof rafters that were not cut square, a lack of proper bearing on supporting members, loose shims, or a portion of the roof sheathing not being fully supported.  

How to Stop the Roof from Making a Popping or Cracking Noise 

Roof work is dangerous, and even the smallest roof job poses risks.  

If your roof continues to make a popping or cracking noise, contact professional roofers. They will inspect the roof and roof rafters to diagnose the issue properly and safely.  

The roofer will likely first look at the connection of the roof rafters and where they rest upon the exterior load-bearing walls. If the roof detaches from the house, the roofer can see evidence of it here.  

If it’s determined that the roof is detaching from the house, a roofer may recommend installing metal connectors. Although this task is best taken care of by professionals, if you decide to install them yourself, use approved structural screws for these connectors. Also, it’s recommended to use a cordless impact driver so you will have no problem installing the screws.  

CertainTeed Roofing Company  

Certainteed roofers are a team of professional technicians that will inspect and fix your roof in no time. We have an outstanding reputation in the area for providing high-quality services at affordable prices.  

Whether you have a noisy roof, broken shingles that need to be replaced, sagging gutters, or a roof leak, our team of roofers will solve your roof problem quickly and efficiently. Don’t wait for your roof to get noisier — contact us today.