Why does my floor randomly pop?

Author: Boris Wintheiser  |  Last update: Thursday, July 3, 2025

The most common reason for hardwood to make a popping sound, specifically at night, is a change in humidity. The home cools during the transition from day to night and that can impact humidity levels in the home. The popping sound can be especially loud if the fit of the wood is very tight.

Is it normal for floors to pop?

There should not be any creeking/popping when walking on a properly installed floor. The sound means the seams are flexing, and when that sound goes away, it means it has worn down far enough and lost strength. Seams will make this sound if the board is warped or the subfloor is not flat. How long was this level?

Why does my house randomly pop?

Your house is contracting due to the night drop in temperature. During the day, in the warming sun, your house expands ever so slightly. Once the sun goes down so does the temperature.

When should I be concerned about creaking floors?

There is no need to panic. In real life, squeaks are not a big problem, which means they do not indicate structural damage, such as termites, that could cause the floor or crane to collapse. And repairing hardwood floors is very simple. Although any floor can creak, stairs and hard floors are the most common culprits.

What causes bouncy floors?

The joists might be spaced too far apart, weakened by damage from pests, wood rot, or moisture. Even general wear and tear can weaken the floor joists as time passes, leading to a progressively bouncy floor.

Do This Before Installing a New Floor | Subfloor Series Part 1 of 5

Should I be concerned about bouncy floors?

While they might seem like a minor inconvenience initially, bouncy floors can indicate serious structural issues that worsen over time. It's important to consult crawl space repair experts like JES Foundation Repair at the first sign of these problems.

Why does my floor feel spongy when I walk on it?

An uneven subfloor is most likely to be the culprit for that spongy feeling if the issue is not evenly distributed but confined to specific areas – particularly if you can rule out causes such as water damage if, for instance, the flooring is newly installed.

Do creaky floors mean foundation issues?

Squeaky Floors Are a Structural Problem

It's better to play it safe. If you notice that your floors are creaking, bouncing, and squeaking as you walk on them, you should call a professional to inspect your foundation for a sure answer.

Why do floors creak at night?

The environment can also cause creaky wood floors. Perhaps there is extra moisture or humidity in your home. It could also be making noise if there is a fluctuation in temperature. Wood expands and contracts as things warm up and cool down throughout the day.

Do squeaky floors mean water damage?

Wet or water-damaged subfloors that are structurally unstable can cause long-term problems with your home, and simply replacing the wood floor on top will not fix the problem. Loud squeaks and creaks are likely with an unstable subfloor.

When to worry about house creaking?

Floor creaking

It could be a sign of problems in the subfloor, like rotten wood or termites chewing at the boards if it's new. If the floor seems to give more than it used to, consult a professional to see if you need repairs made. Learn more about how home insurance covers floor damage.

Why do I hear footsteps in my house?

Just not a ghost. If you have an unfinished attic, odds are those footsteps you hear come from some rowdy ducks, mice, a cat or even a wily raccoon. Maybe they are looking for food or – perhaps – to escape from becoming food.

Why do I hear popping in my ceiling?

Specifically, these sounds are due to the shifting, settling, and adjusting caused by changes in the temperature outside.

Why do floors creak when no one is on them?

Temperature and Humidity Changes

Wood is sensitive to changes in moisture levels. During winter or summer, the wood in your floors may expand or contract as the indoor air becomes drier or more humid. This can cause floorboards to shift slightly, resulting in creaks and groans.

How do I know if my floor is unstable?

Signs of Floor Instability: When to Take Action
  1. Visible Cracks and Gaps: Signs of Deterioration. ...
  2. Uneven Flooring: Identifying Structural Shifts. ...
  3. Bouncy or Spongy Feel: Assessing Floor Support. ...
  4. Sagging or Dipping Floors: Addressing Structural Problems. ...
  5. Excessive Floor Movement: Recognizing Unstable Foundations.

Is it normal for my house to pop?

Most of the time, this is just the normal thermal expansion and contraction of your home's wooden structure and attic beams. It happens often when the air cools in the evening and the wood contracts.

Why is my floor making a popping sound?

Floors That Make a Popping Sound

The sound happens when a plank becomes loose and the nail rubs against the subfloor. If you have access to your floors from underneath, driving screws into the loose planks will usually solve the problem.

Why does my house randomly creak at night?

The most common reason for a house to make noises is temperature changes in the air, or what is known as thermal expansion and contraction. The temperature changes cause the wood, metal and other materials in the house structure to expand and contract, resulting in ominous creaks.

Why is my floor suddenly creaking?

When nails or screws no longer fit tightly, boards can rub together. That noise you hear is the sound the boards make when they rub together. This can be because of nails or screws that don't fit tightly anymore. Sometimes old hardwood floors can start to squeak as they expand and contract depending on humidity levels.

Can you sell a house with squeaky floors?

Do your floors squeak? If so, you might want to consider repairing them before you start showing your house on the market. This way, the squeaky floors won't be the reason you aren't moving to your new home. Though you may be used to the squeaky floors in your old, charming house, prospective buyers won't be.

How do you know if your house foundation is bad?

Look for cracks in walls or floors, uneven/sloping floors, sticking doors/windows, and gaps around them. Also, be mindful of cracks in exterior brick or concrete, and a sagging/uneven roofline. Identifying these signs early can prevent further damage to your house foundation.

Why does my floor feel bouncy?

This can be due to excessive moisture, humidity, or pest infestations, leading to rot, mold, or damage to the wooden structures that support your home. The result of this damage is a loss in the stability of your floors, thus causing them to feel bouncy or springy.

How do I know if my floor is sinking?

Signs of Floor Sinking

Uneven or Sagging Floors: If you notice that your floors are uneven or sagging, it is a clear sign of floor sinking. Use a level to check if your floors are sloping. Gaps Between Floor and Wall: Gaps between the floor and the baseboards or walls can indicate that your floor is sinking.

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