If Your House Creaks at Night, This Might Be the Problem
Creaking noises around your house at night can be annoying. If you’re like my wife and a little jumpy, it might have you wondering if someone is in your house or even pondering if your house is haunted. Normally, there is a perfectly normal explanation. Here are some of the most common reasons your house creaks at night.
1. Temperature Fluctuations
One of the more common reasons your house creaks in the middle of the night is temperature fluctuations. If you have hardwood floors or doors, they might be especially sensitive to temperature changes. Different parts of your home (floors, walls, roof) will cool down at different rates at night as the sun goes down. There’s nothing you can do about this, but it is nice to know that it’s nothing serious.
2. Settling Foundation
All houses settle over time, particularly within the first few years after construction. This settling can cause minor shifts in the foundation, creating popping or creaking sounds in walls and floors. Even older homes can continue to settle gradually, especially if built on soft soil or near shifting ground. Seasonal changes, rain, or drought can accelerate foundation movement. Creaking from foundation shifts is normal, but large cracks or doors that stick could be red flags.
3. Loose Floorboards or Subflooring
If the creaking seems to come from underfoot, your floorboards or subfloor may be loose. Over time, nails or screws can work themselves out slightly, especially in high-traffic areas. This allows the wood to rub together or against the fasteners when stepped on or even as the house shifts naturally. Nighttime quiet can make these minor sounds more noticeable. Adding screws to secure the floorboards more tightly can often fix the issue.
4. Ductwork Expansion
Your home’s heating and cooling system can also contribute to nighttime noises. As warm or cool air flows through metal ductwork, the metal can expand or contract, making pinging or creaking sounds. These noises usually happen when the system turns on or off and the ducts adjust to the temperature change. Thin or poorly insulated ducts are more prone to noise. While not harmful, noisy ductwork can often be fixed with insulation or adjustments.
5. Changes in Humidity
Humidity levels can affect wood just as much as temperature changes. As moisture levels rise or fall, wood can absorb or release water, causing it to swell or shrink. This can result in minor structural shifts and creaks, especially in floors, doors, or framing. Winter heating systems often dry out the air, amplifying this effect. Running a humidifier during dry months or a dehumidifier in damp seasons can help stabilize conditions. Balanced humidity reduces stress on materials and lowers creaking over time.
6. Pest Activity
While less common, creaks may also signal unwanted guests in your walls or attic. Rodents, squirrels, or even raccoons can move through crawl spaces, creating faint or sudden noises. Termites or carpenter ants can also cause structural weakening, leading to subtle creaks or shifts. If the sounds include scratching, gnawing, or movement, pest activity could be the culprit. It’s best to have a professional inspection to rule out infestations.
Don’t Let the Creaks Keep You Up
House creaks in the middle of the night might keep you awake; they might even spook you a little bit. Normally, there’s a reasonable explanation for why it’s happening. There could be temperature swings or changes in humidity, loose floorboards, or even changes in your foundation. Whatever the case may be, a quick inspection can provide you with peace of mind.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.