Expert: Ted Barnhill (Principal, Design45 LLC) - 12/14/2009

Question
Many thanks for taking the time to read my question regarding the above. I have a nine year old house that when the wind blows, the flank wall on the righthand side creaks so badly, it sounds like there is someone in there in a rocking chair. It sounds rather metal like and sometimes so bad it is unbearable. Please can you shed any light on this.

Thanks.

Answer
Debs,

That sounds very unpleasant!  Your noise could be many things.  My hope is that it is not a result of structural movement within the wall, but rather the flexing/shifting of a finish material.  This could be your soffits, siding, gutters, or roofing material.  If it is, as I hope, simply a loose or missing fastener in one of these items, the fix will be very simple.  I suggest you and/or an experienced contractor look/listen from the outside of your home on a windy day.  If you rule out finish materials and determine that the wall itself is moving/flexing, you should consult a structural engineer for an appropriate solution.

Best of luck,
Ted Barnhill
Design 45, LLC