Frequent questions & replies help in diagnosing & curing building noises.

Questions about building noise control, tracking down wierd building sounds, soundproofing, or just diagnosing what the heck is making that sound?

This article series includes catalogs of types of building noises & sounds, common sources for each of these noises, & methods of sound or noise control in buildings during construction or as a building retrofit.

Questions & Answers About Noises & Sounds in Building Interiors

These discussions of finding and curing the source of noises at, in, or around buildings were posted originally at BUILDING NOISE DIAGNOSIS - topic home. Be sure to see the suggestions found there for diagnosing and stopping aggravating building noises.

Question: how can I track down wind-related fluttering, tapping, knocking noises at a building?

I hear a tapping, fluttering and sometimes knocking noise coming from the wall in my bedroom which drives me crazy when trying to sleep. The noise only happens when the wind is blowing in a specific direction and there is a PVC plumbing vent stack that runs through the exterior wall where the noise is coming from.

I've already confirmed that the noise is not coming from an outside air exhaust fan cover from the adjacent bathroom. I had that problem in my previous house.

Anyway, what could the wind be blowing to make this noise in a plumbing vent stack? There aren't any moving parts in the stack; are there? Could it be that the pipe is loose in the wall and is being shifted slightly by the wind? I just hope there isn't a break somewhere in the pipe and it's dangling in the wall; however, I don't smell any sewer gas.

To troubleshoot if the problem is caused by wind going down inside the pipe or whether it's pushing the outside of the pipe;

I'm going to wait until it starts happening again, then cover the opening of the pipe to see if it stops. Either way, I'm not sure what to do next short of opening up the wall. What a big mess. Any suggestions? - B.B. 12/11/2012

Reply: more things to check for wind related tapping, flapping, fluttering noises

B.

In tracking down wind-related fluttering or tapping or knocking, because such sounds typically involve a moving part, I think you're on the right track to try some experiments such as temporarily covering a vent pipe, though I've not come across a tapping, rap-tap-tapping ever tapping at my plumbing vent since The Raven.

In addition to our wind noise track down suggestions in this article at WIND Noise and wind-caused noises, you might also check

• For a clothes dryer exhaust vent flapper that is loose and blowing in the wind
• A bathroom vent fan exhaust vent flapper that is loose and blows in the wind.

In fact for each of the above, the next time you hear the wind-related tapping knocking fluttering noise, try turning on each bath vent fan (if you have such installed) and the clothes dryer to see if the pressure of outgoing air stops or changes the sound.

Also inspect outside for:

• Loose siding or trim or shutters
• If the noise is close to the first floor of the building, shrubbery or anything stored close to the building that might be disturbed by wind. Sometimes we can see a scrape mark from an item rubbing on a building even when the wind is not blowing.

- Keep us posted, what you find will assist other readers. Thanks - DF - Ed.

Question: mobile home ticking or slapping noise diagnosis in doublewide home

I am becoming very sleep deprived and am searching for answers

. I own a double wide mobile home and in my bedroom,where wall meets ceiling above my bed, there is a very loud (seems very loud as it happens in middle of night for several hours) ticking or slapping noise, intermittent noise. it seems to be worse in extreme cold, although it does happen in summer sometime. any advice is appreciated, thank you. - G.D. 12/27/12

Reply:

G.D.

Without an onsite inspection (not cost-justified) I can only give some general advice and offer a few guesses. It's possible that the sounds you hear are related to thermal expansion/contraction as various parts of the mobile home expand and contract along with changes in temperature or operating of the heating system.

When I am trying to track down the cause of a "mystery noise" I find it helpful to make note of every site condition I can think of or observe that might give me a track-down clue.

When we can relate the occurrence of a noise to building or site conditions such as the operation of mechanical systems, temperature changes, weather, movement of people in the building etc. we can usually find the noise source and then we will know how to cure it. Take a look

at SOUND EVENT LOG - in the article above for some specific suggestions.

Question: what instrument can I use to track a noise to its source ? A mechanic's stethoscope is too limited

Is there an instrument available that could be used to locate sound source? The common mechanical stethoscope is not very effective in locating the constant 24 hr humming sound in my home. The sound is a droning 60 HZ constant, but there are other sources harmonizing with it.

I managed to eliminate the sound sources one by one and I am now left with the last two major ones. I badly need some help because my health is starting to go. - C.M. 4/23/2013

Reply: six approaches used by acoustical engineers to pinpoint or localize noise and sound sources

I agree that a stethoscope is not where one would start in finding the source of a widespread building noise.

A mechanic's stethoscope is useful principally when one is checking specific machinery, surfaces, or objects for sound emanation. This tool does not quickly direct one to an area of a building when a noise is heard as ambient or widespread

. For moving from an ambient widespread noise to a source requires a combination of careful listening with methodological investigation such as keeping a noise-event log to relate sounds to changing conditions of time, weather, equipment in or out of operation, nearby activities, combined as well with visual inspection and occupant interviews.

Directional microphones are sold by a variety of vendors who supply some quite different models and technologies. But I'm not sure an affordable directional microphone will do a great job tracking down a building noise source.

I have not found good success at tracking down a "general" noise using pressure-gradient-type directional microphones - the common instrument used to pick up remote conversations or sounds. Since directional microphones pick up noise from any direction you can be fooled if a sound coming from direction A is bouncing off of a hard surface B at which you have aimed the device. [11][12][18]

In other words some skill and experience are needed to use such tools. soundonsound.com has an excellent, if technical, explanation of the types of microphone and their sensitivity to the actual direction of sound emanation.

My reading about directional mikes suggests that equipment is intended for the recording industry or for the hearing aid industry but not for sound localization.

Engineers use about six different methods to pinpoint the origin of sounds, procedures described by Mehdi Batel et als (2003) [18]. Six approaches to noise localization used by acoustic experts include

1. Sound pressure mapping
2. Sound intensity and selective intensity
3. Near-field acoustic holography
4. Non-stationary acoustic holography
5. Beamforming (phased array technique)
6. Inverse Boundary Element Methods (IBEM)

These approaches were tested and described for industrial applications such as the automotive industry and it does not appear that these methods, including a relatively new beamforming microphone array methods, are being used in residential noise complaint applications.

Some are quite costly, some are quite time-consuming to use. Beamforming for sound localization can examine large objects (a car in a wind tunnel, for example) and is a more rapid process that might work in or at buildings, particularly where we are less interested in the precise sound level and mostly interested in finding the sound source.[18]

If you can find an engineer who has access to beamforming sound-localization equipment, and if her employment and equipment costs are justified by your local noise problem, that approach may be what you need.

But before trying that more sophisticated and costly approach, a thoughtful site interview, investigation, and some data logging can very often find the source of a building noise. Perhaps these items will help you

• LIST OF BUILDING NOISES by SOUND SOURCE / TYPE
• SOUND EVENT LOG

Keep us informed on what success you have, as that may assist other readers.

Question: high pitched noise and buzzing sounds

(Feb 4, 2014) Anonymous said:

High pitched noise in air, inside and outside the home after at&t installed gateway boxes to homes in neighborhood, U-verse internet, high speed, noise complaints, buzzing in air for miles around Jacksonville, Florida,Pablo Oaks/Pablo Point subdivision, annoying and constant high-pitched buzzing noise in all areas of neighborhood. Will At&t fix their January,2014 RF fiasco?

Reply:

Anon if you believe there is an immediate health or safety risk that is a question to bring to your local health department. I can't offer a diagnosis ore suggestion based just on your note.

Question: crackling crunching noise in building siding

(Mar 1, 2014) Carol Boeskool said:

We also --like I seen posted, have a crackling crunching noise with our siding---and we did have it treated a couple times for ants :)--that is not the problem.

we live in a condo and it is just the outside wall that does get sun on and off---is there any like silicone spray that would make it slide easier so the noise would not be so loud? This is frustrating!!! and annoying!

Reply:

Carol, silicone spray ought not harm vinyl siding; aluminum siding, or for that matter possibly vinyl too, might be discolored, however, if the siding surface is oxidized. Try first in an inconspicuous area.

I would look further to see if the siding is improperly nailed - too tightly, restricting movement.

Question: vibration & resonating noise in house - possible motor sources

(Mar 8, 2014) Ken said:

I'm experiencing vibration and resonating noise in my house from an external source. Its like have tens units on my feet. The vibration wakes me up and then it and other noise sources keep me awake. There are several electro-mechanical sources (heat pumps, HVAC, and hot tubs) in my neighbourhood.

Where can I find someone to take measurements in my home for proof there is a problem? How can I determine where the source of the vibration is coming from? I just recently found a hot tub that isn't making much noise but is a likely source of vibration. So far if I complain to the owner of a particular noise source the reaction is 'its not my equipment'. How far can vibration travel through ground?

Reply:

Ken, you might find help by calling on a professional home inspector (see EXPERTS DIRECTORY in the top of this page) discuss your concerns with the inspector and confirm that she/he has experience in this tpe of inspection.

Keeping a log of when noise is observed, what equipment is operating at the time, combined with tracking the noise to its source usually narrows down the cause and thus suggests a remedy.

Question: creaking cracking roof noises in Albuquerque

We have a two-story adobe home, 30+ years old with a pueblo-style roof, vigas were used in the upstairs ceilings.

Throughout the day the roof makes creaking, cracking noises. We believe it has to do with expansion/contraction (this is in Albuquerque where there's big swings in temp throughout the day) but wonder if anyone has a suggestion!

Thanks in advance for your answers!

Barbara and Gary

Reply:

I don't have enough information to hazard a guess, and worse, I'm not sure what you mean buy "vigas" in ceilings. Perhaps some photos of the home from outside and ceiling inside would permit a comment beyond the obvious thermal effects. Use the CONTACT link to send us images.

We do offer diagnostics for roof noises - see

• ROOF NOISES & SOUNDS
• ROOF NOISE TRANSMISSION

Question: drum beat sounds

(May 9, 2014) Linda Yurick said:

how or where would the sounds of beats,waves and drums come from. we just moved in to this place

Reply:

Linda it's such a broad question with no information about the home, location, neighborhood, nearby noise sources and other important factors that I just don't know. You will want to combine an auditory inspection (walk around and listen for where sounds are loudest), a visual inspection, and perhaps the SOUND EVENT LOG document whose link you'll find at the top of this article.

That should help you track down the noise.

Question: Outdoor rumbling humming noises in Mountain View CA

(May 16, 2014) Sarah said:

I live in Los Altos on the Mtn. View border (CA). Last Friday/Saturday (5-10-14) approx. I instantly notice a constant awful rumbling/Loud humming outside. The 1st night I thought it was just temp. but since then the nights have been pure hell. It is a continous rumbling,loud humming around the clock.

It is so horrible. I am now so sleep deprived and depressed and of course. I am making mistakes at work. Please can someone pls help me locate the source. Please help me out. PLEASE
Sarah
sunl6002@comcast.net

Reply:

Sarah, give your local building department a call for a referral.

Question: tormented by electrical signals aimed at house

(June 8, 2014) Kevin said:

Someone who has it out for me is tormenting me with some sort of electrical signal directed at my house. They are able to cause a high pitched type hissing effect when ever my refrigerator compressor is running as well as my receiver for my dish network that is also hooked into my television even the swamp cooler fan motor is effected with a hissing sound.

They have been doing this to me for over 6 months. The noise is now constant and at night they increase the surge or something like a surge, it seems to come in short waves if you really listen. I cannot sleep without earplugs and even then I can still hear the high pitch through the earplugs. It truly is a tormenting effect on me. Is there any way I can filter or scramble this signal? Can anyone help me? \

Further to my last post -- I can verify that the noise does occur, so it's not tinnitus!

Reply:

Kevin

Let's start by suggesting that you discuss tinnitus or other possible medical factors with your doctor and with an audiologist. Keep us posted.

Some hard to track down noise sources are discussed at GHOST NOISES in BUILDINGS

Question: pipe vibration noises

(July 7, 2014) Val said:

I hear (and feel) a large pipe vibration noise in my house once in a while...it feels like air in the pipes (but in a big pipe...) it happens sporadically, even at night when no toilets have been flushed, no sinks have been run.

We have heard it approx 6 times over the last 4 months. It occurs only once, approx 5-10 seconds, then it goes away for a couple of weeks. We do not have a sum pump, and we are connected to a sewer system. It happens rain or shine. Any idea what it could be? I am worried sick I'll have to dig up under my house..

Reply:

As we suggested at your other posting on another article, try turning off the water main to confirm that the noise is in the supply piping.

Try an electronic portable sound amplifier (Radio Shack) and a portable tape recorder.

Question: hammering noise from drain pipes in bath tub

(July 25, 2014) JW said:

Every time the AC comes on the drain pipe in the bathtub continually makes a hammer noise. Don't understand it. What to do?

Reply:

JW that baffles me too. All I can guess is that there may be a depressurization of some areas of the home when the blower fan comes on. If the hammering noise is continuous I'd be looking at water supply piping troubles.

See the diagnostic and cure suggestions at WATER HAMMER NOISE DIAGNOSE & CURE

Question: popping gunshot like noises

(Aug 19, 2014) NG said:

I have a question about a "popping, gunshot-like" noise that my tenant is reporting. We're both completely baffled by it! It occurs in the outside wall towards the floor in a first-floor flat. There doesn't appear to be anything tapping from the outside.

There is no radiator or pipes near that wall. The electrical socket has been ruled out as the cause and the noise continues when the electricity to the flat is turned off. The flat is in a quiet area of Cambridge, UK, not near roads. It occurs randomly throughout the day and night but sometimes it stops for a day or so. We lived in the flat for 10 years and never heard it.

Only two things have changed since we moved out: the tenants are using a 10-year-old cable broadband outlet on the wall that we haven't used for 5 years. However, the noise still occurs when this is unplugged. And we have had a carpet installed.

I know it sounds crazy, but could the nails keeping the carpet grippers attached to the concrete floor be the cause? I just can't think of anything else! There was a suggestion that the small electrical current that is in the cable broadband box could cause a popping, but we never heard the noise ourselves and, as I say, it still occurs when unplugged.

Thank you so much for any ideas -- we just don't know what to do and our tenants are going crazy over it!

Reply:

NG

Let's start by asking you to keep a SOUND EVENT LOG (see the link above)

with that we might correlate the sound to temperature swings, leading to a look for what might be expanding or contracting such as siding or piping

Question: bird chirp noise - like from a smoke alarm

(Aug 29, 2014) Sharon said:

Bird chirp noise coming from somewhere ~we thought it was battery for fire alarm but took the thing apart still chirping noise every 30 seconds, driving me nuts !
cannot figure out where it is coming from but I think in the ceiling near where the fire alarm box is.
thank you

Reply:

Some smoke or CO alarms will chirp just as you said - for battery; if it's still chirping after a new battery was inserted I'd replace the unit, figuring that the sensor is fouled.

If you're not sure that the noise is coming from the alarm, remove the alarm and place it far away and check again.

Remember to see if there is more than one CO or smoke detector alarm in your home - you may be checking the wrong one.

...

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• NOISE / SOUND DIAGNOSIS & CURE - home
• SOUND CONTROL in BUILDINGS - home

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