Building wind noise troubleshooting: causes & cures.

What odd building noises such as hissing, squeaks, screeches, or moaning or even sounds like a cat meowing may be caused by wind blowing on, over or through building components? How do we find these noise sources & how do we fix them?

Wind Noise and wind-caused noises in buildings: causes, diagnosis, cures

Photo: gale force winds whipping white mist from the wave tops of Lake Superior at Tofte, Minnesota in October 2022. Cat meowing sounds at a Tofte MN condominium and given as sound recordings below were traced to air leaks around a storm door during this high wind.

Wind Noise and wind-caused noises in buildings include these common mechanisms:

• Air movement 
  
  through building openings, leaky windows, gaps, cracks in siding
  
  Also see Windows & Doors - air leaks can be noisy at these openings
• Air movement
  
  over irregularly shaped building surfaces or attachments
• Buzzing, roaring, rumbling 
  
  traced to wind noise over loose on-roof components such as loose shingles, loose metal roofing, guy wires for roof-mounted antennae
• Caterwauling & Cat meowing sound traced to wind noise
  
  The following cat-meow-like sound recordings, that we first thought were meowing of a trapped or upset cat, were in fact caused by air movement through gaps around the storm door of a condominium in Tofte, Minnesota (October 18, 2022) as gale-force winds were whipping the surface of Lake Superior into a misty froth [photo above].
  
  CATERWAULING GALE FORCE WIND, TOFTE MN [.m4a file] we hear a series of horrible prolonged cat-like wails stirred by gale force winds causing air movement around and through leaks in a storm door mounted on the opposite side of the building from Lake Superior in Tofte, Minnesota
  
  CAT WAILING GALE FORCE WIND, TOFTE MN [.m4a file] this wailing cat sound is actually wind noise
  
  CAT MEOW GALE FORCE WIND, TINY CAT MEW [.m4a file] with some wind noise in the foreground, we then hear one tiny pitiful meeew sound near the end of this short recording
  
  CAT MEW DURING TOFTE WIND [.m4a file] we hear a clank, then a pitiful cat meeew sound caused by wind
  
  
• Flapping, snapping, popping, cracking sounds
  
  that occur during windy conditions may be due to movement of roofing materials.
  
  See SHINGLE FLAPPING POPPING SNAPPING CAUSE & CURE
• Roof noises traced to wind
  
  range from screaming and howling through buzzing and snapping or popping and flapping sounds
  
  See WIND NOISES ON ROOFS - below
• Squeaking and creaking 
  
  traced to wind-blown things attached to building exteriors such as signs, antennas, aerials, weather vanes. Described in detail below, a reader reported wind-caused movement as traced to a squeaky sign mounted on a metal bracket, another reader reported the squeaking was her roof-mounted TV antenna.
• See CHIMNEY NOISE DIAGNOSIS - wind blowing over or down chimneys.
• Wind turbine noises:
  
  hums, roars - see WIND TURBINES & LIGHTNING
• Moaning sign whistles and wails in the wind:
  
  An astute detective reader reported this noise investigation work that tracked down a whistling, moaning, wailing that appeared to be heard at the top of a chimney:
  
  Reader moaning noise report: We installed a multi wood burning stove last November, connecting it to an existing chimney.When the wind blew we hear whistling, moaning, wailing noises from the top of chimney - it which disturbed our sleep.
  
  When wind was from the south west the sound was the worst. [This may be a diagnostic clue - look closely at that side of the building.]
  
  After much thought and we managed to get help from a chimney sweep, but all he could tell us was that the noise was not a chimney noise. That just about finished us. We had been in the loft, observing that the noise not so bad, then later it would be heard all over the house. Always the noise occurred when we had a south west wind.
  
  We looked around more at the outside of our building and we found the cause of this whistling, moaning, and wailing when the wind blew:
  
  It was quite simple - don’t laugh. We had a very large old pub sign put up some years ago just for a bit of fun. The pub sign is made of wrought iron and is extremely heavy. With the weight of the hanging sign rubbing on the bracket that secured the sign to the building, the wind caused the bolts into the wall to vibrate.
  
  The noise echoed around the house. We had even considered moving house as the noise was so bad. The laugh is we would have taken the sign with us! -- S. Hazeldine, U.K.
• House noise like a roaring wind tunnel, varies by time of day.
  
  Reader wind tunnel noise query: We have had a humming noise in our house. It also sounds like a wind tunnel. It starts at around 12pm and gets louder as the day goes by.
  
  It stops around 2am. I would like to find out what is causing it. We have checked gas, electric etc. and are unable to find it. We have lived in this townhouse for 22 years, and never had this disturbance until about 9 months ago. Can you help me?
  
  Reply: For a noise problem such as this we need to do some sound localization; but the noise log procedure I suggest may also help as it gives examples of things to look for - running equipment, weather, wind, temperature, as well as noting where sound is loudest.
  
   Particularly because you report that the noise level is closely related to time of day, observing what equipment or building or site conditions are operating at different times of the day may be diagnostic. It would also be diagnostic to ask what changed or was new that occurred beginning when you first observed the noise?
  
  See SOUND EVENT LOG for an aid in noise source localization, or for a printable building noise event localization log
  
  See BUILDING NOISE LOG - Printable.
  
  You may find a suitable inspector at BUILDING & HOME INSPECTORS, U.S. - but be sure also to discuss your specific concern and to establish that the inspector has experience in building noise source identification. Keep us posted - what we learn will help others.

 

Control of Wind Noises On or Over Roofs

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Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

These Q&A about wind noise complaints traced to building roofs were posted originally

at ROOF NOISE TRANSMISSION - be sure to review our complete list of causes, types, and cures of all sorts of roof noises cataloged there.

Separately, SHINGLE FLAPPING POPPING SNAPPING CAUSE & CURE describes popping snapping roof noises traced to wind lift of poorly-sealed asphalt shingles along the gable end of a roof.

On 2021-04-28 - by (mod) -

@Kurt,

Sure, in particular if there is a cap or wind-diverter or any other loose component on the building roof or exterior walls

On 2021-04-27 by Kurt

When it is windy there is a buzzing sound that comes from the wall in my bathroom. This has only recently started. It sounds as if someone is setting off a buzzer for a few seconds. It is definitely coming from the wall and not the toilet. Could it be vent stack?

On 2020-08-10 - by (mod) - when it is windy outside a howling sounds comes from her HVAC

Valerie you can first try blocking the unit (WHEN IT WILL BE LEFT TURNED OFF ) with cardboard to see if that's the noise source; don't leave it blocked or you will damage the unit or risk a fire; but you may be able to build a windbreak with sufficient clearance distance.

On 2020-08-02 by Valerie

My mother lives in an older nursing home with a newly installed HVAC unit under her window.

Sometimes when it is windy outside a howling sounds comes from her HVAC unit and can continue for hours. Other times it's windy outside and it is silent. At times the sound can be so loud that it prevents her from sleeping.

She tried turning off the unit but it still howls. Her room is next to a fire exit stairwell. She was in another room with a new HVAC unit but not near a fire exit stairwell. She never heard any howling sounds. It seems that maybe the direction of the wind blowing might be a factor.

Or the fact the unit is next to the fire exit stairwell could cause the howling. The unit was inspected by maintenance and it was not broken.

Do you think if I encase the outside of the unit with a wooden box, allowing enough space around the sides would block the wind
from blowing through the unit thereby preventing the howling sounds?

On 2017-10-22 - by (mod) -

Martha

Try switching that light circuit OFF completely, then tape a plastic bag over the light and over the siding around it so that no wind can possibly blow into any wall openings at the light. Then let me know if the noise stops.

On 2017-10-22 by martha

I had my house re-wired and since then my house is making horrible sounds in the kitchen especially. My electrician denies that this is anything to do with the re-wiring but the problem has only started from when they installed light on the outside of the house and when extra plugs and switches were placed in the kitchen. Any help. it is driving me mad. Cheers Martha

On 2017-06-05 by (mod) - noise of wind over asphalt shingles

Josh:

Regarding: roof noise ascribed to wind-induced noise from air movement over asphalt roof shingles:

You may want to review WIND NOISES at BUILDINGS as we don't know for sure that roof noise under windy conditions is actually due to the shingles themselves.

Then I'd start with Mason (2007) and some of that author's own citations. See this research

• Mason, T., D. Priestley, and D. E. Reeve. "Monitoring near-shore shingle transport under waves using a passive acoustic technique." The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 122, no. 2 (2007): 737-746.
• Voulgaris, George, Michael P. Wilkin, and Michael B. Collins. "The in situ passive acoustic measurement of shingle movement under waves and currents: instrument (TOSCA) development and preliminary results." Continental Shelf Research 15, no. 10 (1995): 1195-1211.
• Li, Ruilong. "Effects of architectural features of air-permeable roof cladding materials on wind-induced uplift loading." (2012).
• Bartko, Michal, Sudhakar Molleti, and Appupillai Baskaran. "In situ measurements of wind pressures on low slope membrane roofs." Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics 153 (2016): 78-91.
  

On 2017-06-05 by Anonymous

Yes, conventional 3 tab asphalt roof shingles. I have noticed some companies make custom shaped shingles for aesthetics and assume that due to different shapes they'd need to test that their new shape wouldn't create any noise as wind passes over it, but I cannot find any literature on where there is an industry standard for this or not. Thank you for your assistance! It is very appreciated.

On 2017-06-04 by (mod) - roof shingle whistling noise from wind

Josh,

Thank you for the interesting question. I'm willing to do some research, but before pursuing roof single Whistling noise articles or authoritative sources I need to be sure I know what kind of roof material we are discussing. Are you talking about conventional 3 tab asphalt roof shingles?

On 2017-06-03 by Josh - industry accepted test procedures to test for whistling from roof shingles

I was wondering if you know of any industry accepted test procedures to test for whistling from roof shingles or for testing sound (disregarding sound transmission) created by the shingles in windy conditions. Or if you know of any standards related to this you could push me in the direction of, that would be very helpful! Thanks!

On 2016-01-03 - by (mod) -

Very,

If the roof noise diagnosis is correct, the correction involves costs - borne by whom? That's a legal question to take to your attorney along with your rental contract. Ask her about "right to quiet enjoyment"

On 2016-01-03 by Very noisy roof

I live in a council town house in block of seven tenants in a row. Our bedroom Is on top floor and when it is windy the roof makes a really loud vibration noise.

When I complained about this before, 2 roofers came to inspect and said there was a gap between the roof felt and roof tiles causing a reed effect when the wind is bad.what are my rights concerning this ? The council have done nothing and the noise stops me sleeping at night .

Question: howling noise on roof when windy

(Apr 3, 2012) Cheryl Sayer said:

Hi. We have just had new house built and in 35km+ North and North west winds we get a howling noise that we originally thought were the windows. The windows were checked for leaks and sealed inside and out with no effect. We even bought expenive external electric shutters to cover the windows in wind without effect, hence we believe its the roof.

The roofing people inspected it and said there were no problems.

The roof is colorbond - coragated steel. It has flashing and gutter with weep holes. We tried covering up the weep holes with out any luck. Can you please help. I have search your site but can't find anything that fits.

Reply:

Cheryl, I've been thinking about your question off and on for days and am almost as stumped as you. But don't give up.

As long as we can rule out apparent noises that actually are neurological in origin (such as tinnitus and sounds suffered by people like my mom with dementia) then what's left are noises that are physical in origin and that can eventually, with care, be tracked down.

You've already related the noise to wind. Try:

- careful detection of sound source by direction, perhaps using a simple hearing amplifier sold by RadioShack

- asking the roofing manufacturer or other property owners with the same roof product installed if they are familiar with any noise issues and if so what solutions they use

- making some temporary air blocks or baffles to amend wind direction over leading edges of the roof or areas of roof surface. For example some readers had success with tracking down wind noise to some loose asphalt shingles by temporarily placing sheets of plywood over the suspect surface area. (Watch out that plywood doesn't blow off and hit someone/something).

Keep us posted, what you find will help other readers, and I'll continue to think about it and do some more research to be reported here.

Question: wind & air movement noise generation on roofs

(Feb 1, 2013) jeff said:

wind noise from front of bungalow roof

(Apr 2, 2014) Anonymous said:

I had square plastic roof vents installed when the roof was reshingled 3 years ago. Prior to that the attic was vented only by soffit vents.

I am now experiencing resonating vibration in my home (starting December 2014). I am wondering if the cause of the vibration is due to the helmholtz effect of wind and sound from heat pumps and hot tubs in the area entering the house through the vents.

Is there a possibility of increased noise in my house due to the vents? How would I close the openings without tearing off the shingles?

(Apr 2, 2014) Ken said:

I had square plastic roof vents installed when the roof was reshingled 3 years ago. Prior to that the attic was vented only by soffit vents.

I am now experiencing resonating vibration in my home (starting December 2014). I am wondering if the cause of the vibration is due to the helmholtz effect of wind and sound from heat pumps and hot tubs in the area entering the house through the vents.

Is there a possibility of increased noise in my house due to the vents? How would I close the openings without tearing off the shingles?

Reply:

Ken, your guess that air movement across the roof vents is producing a sound is possible, but it would surprise me first because I think that the effect would be so stunningly common, and the subject of so many complaints that the roof vent manufacturers would have changed the vent design, and next because I'm not sure that Hermann's explanation would apply to this sort of vent.

I'd check for some visually obvious snafus fist, like loose flashing or even loose soffits- as now you're actually providing a partial air outlet that may change the air inflow into the attic. That change can cause anything in the air path to move and perhaps produce a sound.

I'm not a big van of spot vents like those you describe because of their lack of effectiveness - venting only portions of the roof deck. But better than nothing.

If you want to perform a test, try just temporarily taping the roof vent openings with blue masking tape.

Let us know what you find.

Question: severe cracking noises in roof in windy conditions

(Nov 14, 2014) Martha said:

Please help....we experience severe cracking noises during windy days/nights, that are isolated to one area of attic.....over the master bedroom. The very loud, scary cracking noises wakes us up and I'm afraid something is going to come crashing down through the ceiling. That's how loud it is.

Our ceilings are 10 ft. tall, we have trusses in the attic with sprayed foam insulation in between the floor boards in the attic. The builder sent a fellow to brace up some of the 2x4's last year...but that didn't help. Do you have an answer to our dilemma? We can not live with this! Thank you for any assistance you may offer.

Reply:

Martha,

I'd like to help but don't know a thing about your home, its location, construction, history, conditions, materials. I agree that we want the noise cause diagnosed. Wind usually relates to noises either as air movement across or through building materials or perhaps temperature changes or even pressure loading on the structure.

Try calling some of the home inspectors listed in your area to see who has experience and interest in tracking down noise and sound problems, or see

NOISE / SOUND DIAGNOSIS & CURE - home In the ARTICLE INDEX found among the Continue Reading links at the end of this article .

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Continue reading at AIR LEAK NOISES in BUILDINGS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• BANGING BOOMING NOISE DIAGNOSIS & CURE
• HOWLING NOISES in BUILDINGS
• ROOF NOISE TRANSMISSION - home
• SHINGLE FLAPPING POPPING SNAPPING CAUSE & CURE
• WIND DAMAGE to ROOFS

Suggested citation for this web page

WIND NOISES at BUILDINGS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

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INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to BUILDING NOISE DIAGNOSIS

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