Expert: Stephen Hayes - 12/26/2006

Question
They are noticed most at night, so nobody is walking on the floor. The noises are most obvious in the night. The noises really seem to be in the perimeter walls, like the sound of a quick pop or crack, but there are no cracks in the stucco or drywall. The sounds are random and heard in different areas, not the same spot?? I can push on the walls from the inside and hear the noises, once I push, the wall seems to catch, then I can't press it and get the noise again for a while. The builder reinforced the drywall in the bedroom with screws but this did not help?? Thank you.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

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We are new owners of a home built in 97. It is located in AZ, is stucco on a slab with a tile roof. We hear popping/cracking noises in our walls and ceiling. We have recieved suggestions such as improper clipping of truss', stucco degredation and roof damage. The builder and inspectors have been unable to locate the problem and we are devestated at the constant day and night noises. I had a thought want to ask you, the floor expert. When we bought the 1300 sq. ft. home we installed travertine tile through the entire house except the bedrooms/closets. We also removed the wood trim at the floor and installed travertine 5" trim which was attached/grouted to the floor tile. Is it possible that this tile job could be restricting the movement of the home causing these noises? We hear the noises the most in the bedroom which is carpeted, but it is a ranch home all on one level.Is it possible???Thanks so much. Merry Christmas. Dawn & AJ
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Dear Dawn;  Do these noises occur only when you walk, or mainly when no one is walking on either the carpet and tile?

Answer
Dear Dawn;  As you know, we are floor covering people, however, what you indicate about the sounds, pushing against the walls and they 'catch', is similar to an adhesive problem with floor covering.  We are guessing, put perhaps some sort of adhesive was used in the building of the home and, because of a possible adhesive defect, an adhesive failure due to a moisture problem in your home, the installer not allowing the adhesive to properly set up at the time of application, any concrete used being too wet when it was first installed, etc., may be the problem.  We assume the only way to really find out is to remove some the the drywall in an area of concern and see what is between the drywall and outside stucco.  Sorry we could not be of further help.