No matter what you might expect from traditional old homes, it goes without saying that, as a homeowner, you will probably experience some strange noises, especially during the cold winter months. While this is perfectly normal, you should still learn to recognize these sounds and know when they might indicate a more serious issue, along with common causes and repairs. If you love your old house but want to eliminate expensive, age-related costs, this guide will tell you when to call in a qualified professional and help you get familiar with every creak and moan.
1. Squeaky Doors and Floorboards
One of the most frequent noises heard in old homes is the squeaking of wooden floorboards and doors. Fortunately, this problem is typically the result of low temperatures combined with regular wear and tear and nothing more serious than that. To avoid loud creaks as you maneuver through the rooms of your house, use premium lubricants or other recommended products to treat metal hinges and hardwood floors. This will minimize the contraction of wood while ultimately allowing it to retain a higher level of moisture. Loose boards can also be secured with special screws to prevent further damage and repairs.
You can also prevent the loss of moisture in your house from causing creaking doors and floors by using a humidifier. Humidifiers add moisture back into your air, and are especially useful during the winter months for not only your home’s health, but for your own health as well. Humidifiers can help silence the random creaks that go along with a shifting house as well as protect your wallpaper and paint from peeling due to the dryness.
While doors and hinges are fairly easy to maintain, stubborn creaking from wood floors sometimes represents more extensive issues under the surface. This includes the presence of termites, broken or warped boards and mold. It could even indicate thin or weak areas that are not suitable for supporting too much weight. If you have exhausted every option, schedule an appointment and have a professional analyze the condition of your floors.
2. Clanging Old-Fashioned Radiators
Though some people consider hot water radiators outdated, many properties utilize these machines to create a warm, cozy atmosphere in frigid old homes. However, the flow of steam traveling through metal pipes can cause a multitude of winter woes that prevent even the soundest of sleepers from getting any rest. This often causes loud banging and clangs during the night and can be hard to diagnose properly on your own.
To limit the amount of noise from condensed pockets of steam, place a shim under the radiator and tilt it backward at a slight angle, releasing trapped steam more efficiently. Furthermore, do not attempt to regulate heat by leaving valves partially open or closed, as this will only contribute to more clanking and nighttime noise. If these solutions do not help, you may have to hire a professional to assess the seat of the steam valve or install a new boiler.
3. Rattling Plumbing and Pipes
Yet another loud and disruptive noise a homeowner might hear in the winter is the rattling of metal pipes between the walls and under the floor. Much like wood tends to shrink in cold temperatures, pipes are also affected by the shifting of weather and partial exposure to the elements. As a result, plumbing problems often go unnoticed once people get used to the sound.
In most cases, clanging pipes can be silenced by wrapping them securely with rubber insulation, minimizing the effects of the cold. You should also make sure they are anchored to a sturdy floor joist every few feet using pipe straps and nails. In the event of persistent rattling, contact a local plumber to identify potential cracks or leaks. This will go a long way toward preventing water damage or burst pipes that could lead to expensive problems in the future.
Though you likely can’t hear any clanging from your sprinkler pipes and system, it is important that you remember to winterize these as well. Burst sprinkler pipes can cause serious water damage in your yard if left unaddressed.
4. Humming or Buzzing Lights
Depending on the overall level of noise in your home, buzzing lights can be distracting as you move through each day. In addition, the bulbs you have in your house may be susceptible to cold temperatures, especially compact fluorescent lights that rely on mercury to illuminate a space. This causes fixtures to buzz nonstop, eating up large quantities of energy to maintain sufficient levels of light.
If the constant humming becomes unbearable, try using traditional incandescent bulbs, a source of light that does not demonstrate negative effects from the cold. For fixtures that are attached to a dimmer switch, try inserting a new bulb or installing a system that alternates currents more effectively. Lights that continue to flicker or buzz should be inspected by an electrician to prevent fires or shortages due to faulty wiring.
5. Whistling Windows and Drafts
While most people like to take advantage of natural light to accentuate the beauty of old homes, whistling winds and icy drafts can wreak havoc on your windows over time. This sound is not only spooky, but also wastes a significant amount of energy as heat escapes through small cracks. This results in steeper utility costs throughout the year, an expense that might come as a highly unpleasant surprise as temperatures begin to drop.
Despite the amount of noise generated by forceful winds, it is not as difficult to repair whistling windows as you might think. As a matter of fact, the only cause for this occurrence is the breakdown of weather-resistant strips and seals. To eliminate howling from your home, simply caulk around the frame of each window, completely closing off all gaps.
6. Scrabbling Raccoons and Rodents
A top contributor of noise for almost any homeowner is the presence of rodents who have decided to get comfortable in your house or attic. While it is natural for small animals to hide from the snow, the sound of scratching spells no less than disaster for older, well-established homes and should be addressed immediately.
The only way to get rid of squirrels, raccoons and mice is to close off any holes and set traps throughout the house. Poison is not recommended, because this method usually leads to the critters dying and decomposing inside of your walls and attic, causing the rest of your house to smell unpleasant. If you do not see any results, contact an exterminator right away to avoid further damage to wood, wiring and insulation.
For those who would like to get better acquainted with old homes, listen carefully to the sounds you hear when it gets cold and think of it as diagnosing an illness. Using this knowledge, it is possible to reduce the chances of future problems and encourage a safer, more peaceful atmosphere in your home.
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