Expert: Dan Griffin - 12/16/2011

Question
We recently moved into a 2 story home and every time it is really windy outside I hear a noise that sounds like a tree branch scraping and knocking right above me in the master bedroom where the ceiling meets the outside wall. I've looked in the attic, no animals or loose wood, everything seems to be nailed down. We've had a few roofers also look into it, but no one found anything different. We dont hear this noise in the attic.

Answer
Sonia, I hate mystery noises.  Sometimes just knowing what it is can make it all right, it is the wondering that is disturbing.  Houses move as the temperature changes and, sometimes, when the wind blows.  They really shouldn't move in the wind as wind bracing was/is designed to deal with this type movement.  Many builders have gone to using glue and nails to reduce the squeaks and noises brought on by materials rubbing, but this is a fairly recent development.  I suspect that your bracing and/or exterior sheathing is rubbing the framing somehow.  The other thing could be an electrical Romex type wire that is moving in the wall/ceiling and bumps the drywall a bit like a drum.  Debris or paper in the soffit which is normally vented allows air movement  in the vicinity you describe.

I wish I had a better answer, but I can't think of many non destructive things to try.  I don't think you have any major structural issues, just that irritating noise.  Check the obvious like exterior caulking, exterior light fixtures, soffit venting, etc to see if there is any chance of wind getting into something in the vicinity.  You might have someone listen inside while someone thumps on the soffit to see if that jives with noise source.

I wish I could have been more help.