Why Is My Fort St. John House Making That Noise?

In the Peace region, October can bring the first serious cold. Homes respond with new sounds, and most have ordinary explanations.

Before tracking one down, note when it happens, where it seems to come from, and what else was going on.

Why Homes Crack and Pop in the Cold

Wood framing, siding, and fasteners contract as temperatures fall. On very cold nights, loud cracks from the roof or walls are common. Floors creak as the furnace dries the air. New cracks, sticking doors, or soft floors are worth a professional look.

Plumbing and Frozen Lines

A bang after the washer shuts off is often water hammer. In deep cold, listen for changes in how water sounds in lines near exterior walls or in a crawlspace. Reduced flow or unusual gurgling can be an early sign of freezing. Heat tape and insulation help, and a plumber can check vulnerable lines.

Furnace and Boiler Sounds

Furnaces click, hum, and whoosh. Boilers and in-floor heat gurgle when air is trapped. Garage and shop heaters have their own clicks. New grinding, squealing, or banging is worth a call to a gas fitter or heating technician. If you smell gas, leave and call Pacific Northern Gas or 911 from outside. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, get everyone out.

Wind Rattles

Prairie wind can whistle through gaps around windows and doors and rattle vents, gutters, and loose siding.

Mice and Other Visitors

Mice move indoors as the cold sets in and are active at night. Squirrels are daytime visitors. On acreages, outbuildings attract rodents too. A licensed pest control company can help.

What to Tell the Professional

Describe the sound, where and when you hear it, and what else is running. "The kitchen tap gurgles and slows when it's below minus 30" tells a plumber exactly what to check.

If you'd like a recommendation for a local plumber, heating technician, or pest professional, just ask. We're happy to share names we know.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my house crack in extreme cold?

Framing and siding contract quickly as temperatures drop.

How do I know if a pipe is starting to freeze?

Reduced flow or gurgling in cold weather can be a sign.

Why does my in-floor heat gurgle?

Trapped air is a common cause.

Why are mice more noticeable in fall?

They move indoors seeking warmth.

What should I do if I smell gas?

Leave and call Pacific Northern Gas or 911 from outside.