Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
(OP)
I've done an investigation of a house and have mostly sorted out the structural issues, but the owners are concerned about ongoing extremely loud (they scare the dog) popping sounds that occur pretty continuously all over the house.
The house has some foundation problems, has had a foundation repair, expansive and collapsible subgrade, but I'm not sure what to tell them about the noises.
One thought I have is that they may be from compression breaks (rather than other wood noises, like scrapes, squeaks, thermal changes).
Thoughts?
The house has some foundation problems, has had a foundation repair, expansive and collapsible subgrade, but I'm not sure what to tell them about the noises.
One thought I have is that they may be from compression breaks (rather than other wood noises, like scrapes, squeaks, thermal changes).
Thoughts?






RE: Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
RE: Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
ANY FOOL CAN DESIGN A STRUCTURE. IT TAKES AN ENGINEER TO DESIGN A CONNECTION."
RE: Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
But I agree: it's not going to make your house fall down, so put the dog outside :)
I suppose really I'd like to understand better what happens to wood when it contracts and expands (from temperature or pressure), what kind of irritation this causes if you live next to it, and how it's been solved by others.
RE: Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
How many people living in "Haunted" houses have no clue?
RE: Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
Homeowners also become pretty hyper aware once they have any structural problem at their house.
RE: Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
You mention western Colorado, which is mostly VERY dry (This is my backyard). Wood shrinkage is a normal occurrence in this area and loud 'nail pops' are a usual problem when foundation movement occurs.
"ongoing extremely loud (they scare the dog) popping sounds that occur pretty continuously all over the house"
This tells me the structure has a lot of stress which must be relieved. I would suggest the foundation repair either wasn't the proper type or wasn't complete. A building can be underpinned but if not properly adjusted, the superstructure deflection may remain. I see quite a few repairs which do not accomplish proper adjustment of the superstructure.
RE: Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
RE: Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
My heart is gladdened to read the following. A laugh can go a long ways.
abusementpark (Structural)
19 Aug 11 19:30
In my professional opinion, they just need to put the dog outside.
msquared48 (Structural)
21 Aug 11 20:49
Old forgotten popcorn in the attic?
RE: Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
RE: Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
I have faith that someone will come thru.
RE: Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
RE: Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
RE: Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
Things like a new sidewalk, drive way, etc.., that could have been placed next to the foundation. I rented a house several years ago that had foundation problems. The in-situ soil was a heavy clay and when we got a large volumn of rain over several weeks the foundation cracked. It was LOUD! The remediation was expensive and thankfully not on my dime. However, the owner also installed new AC unit on an over sized slab that was part of a new walkway that encirlced the house. This led to some cracking. Several weeks prior to the rain we heard popping from the foundation due to the settlement of the grade with the new imposed load. Then with the rain, the expanding clay finished the job. I'd check the exterior grade.
You also mentioned western colorado...I'm from that area. The soild conditions will depend on where you're at. Alos, this may be wind related, due to the wind having to ascend the Rockies. That is also dependant on where the house is located.
There are days when I wake up feeling like the dumbest man on the planet, then there are days when I confirm it.
RE: Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
I am making a wild guess here. Any two or three story atriums, any large vaulted or scissors trusses?? Does this happen more in Spring and Fall?? IS this ALL wood construction?? Is this a newer home??
If any of the above is true - it is likely caused by changes in humidity which affects the wood. Hot and cold changes do not help either.
I have been in houses with two story 30 x 40 atriums - and it sounded like a 22 gauge pistol going off. Scared me.
As we build these "huge" homes, it becomes a problem. Once the house finally "dries" out and reaches some equilibrium - it will quiet down - but probably never go away completely. Seasonal changes are usually the worst times.
I had a scissored truss great room in my previous house. Room was like 15' x 20'. Spring and fall - like clock work - it would start popping for a few weeks, then settle down.
Good Luck
RE: Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
RE: Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
Once was called to Dubuque to look at a stone building which was moving. (The floor had a large hump - i.e. the side walls sinking). Told the people (it was a store) to move out on Friday. I worried all weekend about the building, but the building collasped on Monday. No one was hurt.
RE: Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
This is true as elevated temperatures will make the popcorn far more likely to pop.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
Foundation problems are my main gig at the moment...
Describe the structure from the foundation up: basement, stem wall,bearing walls, wood trusses or conventional frame, etc? All wood frame?
Describe the foundation repair methods in detail. Any soil tests, what exact kind of soil do we have? Any Atterberg tests to determine the plasticity?
"expansive and collapsible subgrade" - plastic clays??
RE: Loud popping noises in residential wood framed construction
You could spend thousands of dollars re-nailing all the trusses, walls, plywood and drywall - and it will still continue - might even get worse......