What’s That Sound? Noises Your Roof Makes & How To Deal with Them

Expert Tips For Dealing With Unusual Sounds From Your Roof

Your house likely makes a lot of noise. You may hear creaks and groans and even strange whooshes. You may hear them during the day or in the middle of the night. Often, these noises don’t mean anything. They are just a normal part of the house shifting and settling.

However, you should still pay attention to the noises since they could indicate a larger problem.

Your roof can make noises, as well. Here are some of the common noises you might hear your roof making with some information about what’s behind the noises:

Moisture-Related Creaking: Identifying & Addressing Evaporation Noises in Your Roof

New construction materials usually have not been given the proper time to dry out. The lumber usually still has moisture inside it. If you moved into a new home or you have recently had renovations done to your home – or a new roof installed – you may have fresh lumber in your roof. When that moisture starts to dry out, the wood will creak.

You don’t need to do anything if the trouble is only that moisture is drying out of your wood or that your house is still settling. However, you should contact a qualified roofer in Phoenix to be sure that there is no other issue present.

HVAC System Noises: Causes & Solutions For Roof-Related HVAC Sounds

Many homes have an HVAC unit attached to their roof, or they have ductwork running through their attic. You can find more here– information about the right ways of installing HVAC systems and maintaining the same. The movement of the system, the different mechanizations, and even the changing temperature and moisture levels around the system can cause noises from your roof. What one can do to keep the noise down is keep the ducts clean by hiring a professional.

If you hear these noises, you should talk to a Phoenix roofer or an HVAC specialist. If your HVAC system malfunctions, it could dump water into your roof area, or it could allow unhealthy moisture levels to build up.

Temperature Fluctuations: How Changing Weather Affects Your Roof & Causes Noises

Temperatures can change rapidly in the Phoenix area. It can be blazing hot outside, causing you to run the air conditioner, and within a few weeks, it can be so cold that you have to turn on the heater, you can check out Power Mechanical to supply power for all of these appliances. All those temperature changes can be managed with AC Repair which can help the materials in your roof to expand and contract, which can keep the roof comfortable. Again, if you hear any of these noises, it’s best to check in with a Phoenix roofer. A professional can let you know if the noises are the result of any issues or just because of temperature changes. It could be that the extreme temperatures have also caused damage to your roof that needs to be repaired.

Detecting & Responding To Leak-Induced Noises In Your Roof

Any number of things can lead to leaks, such as the breakdown of roofing materials in the hot sun, a branch breaking or knocking loose some shingles or tiles, or just the natural aging process. Often, leaks can be silent. You only notice they are there because there’s a yellow or brown stain on your ceiling. But sometimes, you can hear a lot of strange noises because of leaks, such as a trickle or plop.

If you suspect a leak, call in a residential roofing contractor in Phoenix as soon as possible. Any amount of time that a leak is left untended can result in serious damage to the materials in your home, which can result in costly repairs.

Possible Causes Of Roof Noises

Not every sound coming from your roof is a sign of trouble, but some definitely deserve closer attention. Understanding what’s behind those noises can help you determine whether it’s time to call a professional for inspection or roof repair in Phoenix.

1. Wind & Weather

We know that when there are strong winds, having an unstable roof can cause problems… and fear. After all, if you hear noises on your roof after bad weather, you should be alert to assess the condition of your roof. For example, it may be due to vibrations in the vent covers.

However, what about whistling or buzzing noises? It is common for air to seep through small cracks or openings. If this is intense, it may mean that your roof is definitely broken. 

This is something very important you need to know. In mild cases, there will only be small detachments. However, if the problem is serious, the tiles could come off completely. This can create a “spillover” effect on the rest of the tiles. You could start losing the vast majority of the tiles on your roof!

2. Structural Movement & Temperature Changes

First, you should know that, over time, it is inevitable that there will be changes to the structure of your home. Including your roof! Often, there are small noises that come from the natural adaptation of your home. However, if the noises are very loud, it could mean something else. Generally, this is due to moisture damage or the weakening of the structure itself, which requires urgent inspection by a specialist.

Now, let’s move on to temperature changes. If you live in Phoenix, you know that it is one of the hottest cities in Arizona. This generates unbearable heat, which can affect not only the internal temperature of your home, but also the strength of your roof. Think of your roof as your home’s direct protection from the sun. Higher temperatures can mean bigger problems. 

When there is a thermal fluctuation of this type, you may hear creaking or cracking noises. You may also hear a slight “knocking” sound, which occurs when the panels expand and contract frequently, something that often happens with temperature changes in metal roofs. 

For example, if it is very hot during the day and it starts to get cold at night, these temperature changes cause those noises. To give you a reference, it is similar to what happened with old ovens, which reacted with noises when they started to cool down.

3. Loose Components, Debris & External Impact

As part of the natural passage of time, nails, fasteners, and vents can become loose. When there is no wind, you may not notice anything. However, during strong blizzards or even intense heat waves, you may hear noise coming from your roof. The noise is similar to the sound of someone knocking on a door. 

On the other hand, the noises may also be due to external impacts. For example, if there are cats in the area around your home, they may be scratching your roof. When they scratch and claw at it, not only will you hear those sounds, but your roof may also be weakened. 

Steps To Take When Your Roof Makes Noises

Don’t panic, as it’s probably not an urgent issue:

• First, listen: It may seem obvious, but listen. Pay attention to what you hear. When does the noise occur? Is it a clear noise? Has anything unusual happened? Based on this, you will have more information to consider. 
• Inspect the floor and your property: if the floor is spotless, there is no problem serious enough to cause a direct leak. If, on the other hand, water starts to fall, for example, you obviously have a problem that has already penetrated your roof. 
• Call a roofing specialist: we do not recommend checking your roof yourself, unless you can climb up there 100% safely. In any case, it is advisable to get peace of mind by calling a specialist. If you are in Arizona, Canyon State Roofing can help you.

The key is to be able to act calmly. Then, the professional will tell you what steps to take.

Importance Of Roof Inspections & Maintenance For Noise Prevention

Often, noises in your home are not cause for concern. They’re just the result of the weather, natural shifting in the house, and temperature changes. But you should pay attention to the noises and talk to a roofer about what you hear. You may need a roof inspection in Phoenix to confirm that nothing more serious is going on that could further damage your roof and your home.

Get In Touch With Canyon State Roofing For Noise-Related Solutions & Preventative Care

If you hear these or other strange noises coming from your roof. Our experienced team at Canyon State Roofing will perform an inspection to determine if a problem exists and what the root of the problem is. We’ll then perform quick roofing repairs to ensure that your roof is strong and healthy again. 

We’ll also provide recommendations to protect your roof against the same kind of problems in the future. We perform routine inspections to ensure that there are no lingering issues with your roof, and we offer energy efficiency upgrades, as well. Contact us in Phoenix today to schedule an inspection or a roof repair.

FAQ Questions

Here are some of the most common questions our customers ask.

When Should I Call A Phoenix Roofer About Unusual Sounds In My Roof?

Ideally, always. Checking a roof yourself can be dangerous. However, it is necessary when you hear loud noises or when accompanied by other signs of wear or tear on your roof, such as water falling from your roof. This is dangerous, especially if you have electrical appliances plugged in.

How Can I Tell If Roof Noises Mean There’s A Leak Or Water Damage?

Drips after rain through your roof mean that something is broken. A professional will determine what is happening and repair it as quickly as possible.

What Does It Mean If I Hear Dripping Or Trickling Sounds In My Attic?

It usually has to do with water. You should ask yourself if it happens after or during rain, which is most common. In any case, you should call a specialist when you notice it.

Are Roof Noises Normal After A New Roof Installation?

Yes, but they shouldn’t persist for many weeks. When a roof is installed, the materials need to settle and even withstand changes in temperature or humidity. However, if the noises persist, call the technician who installed it.

Could Roof Noises Be A Sign Of Loose Shingles Or Structural Movement?

Unfortunately, yes. In fact, this is quite common. If the tiles are loose, they will cause noise. But if there are much louder creaks, there may be structural problems with the ceiling, which a professional will be able to identify.

What Maintenance Steps Help Prevent Roof Noises In The Future?

It is best to seek professional help when you notice the first signs of wear or breakage. However, to avoid complications, have your roof inspected before the rainy season.