ᐅ Loud cracking noises in the evening. What could be the cause?

Created on: 29 May 2020 00:24
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danixf
Hello everyone,

I’m starting to get puzzled. In the evenings between 9 PM and 3 AM, there’s a cracking noise in our house.
It’s a single, loud crack.
Almost every hour, sometimes every two hours.
At first, it was almost precisely timed. Every day at 8:44 PM I stood somewhere in the house trying to locate the sound. Unfortunately, without much success. We have a radiator in the converted attic. I suspect it might be that. But it’s been switched off all along.

Lately, the noise occurs at different times. For example today at 8:49 PM, 10:03 PM, and 12:07 AM.
I also suspected the roof beams, but this cracking only happens in the evening and always sounds the same. Because it was at the same times at the start, I quickly ruled that out.

We have several actuators installed, all of which I have already switched off. The problem still persists.
We also have a ventilation system. I haven’t turned that off yet, but what would cause cracking there?
I don’t think it’s animals either. Otherwise, you’d probably hear some rustling or similar, wouldn’t you?

I’m open to all ideas. Sitting by the radiator again, waiting for the next occurrence...
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danixf
29 May 2020 10:14
We had two days of heavy rain over the weekend, but the cracking noise was still there. However, it wasn’t particularly cold. In the attic, we have a large triangular window. I’ll keep an eye out there this evening.

In addition, I will switch off all the circuit breakers. See you this evening.
Y
ypg
29 May 2020 11:36
The temperatures are currently dropping around the same time. So, shortly before or shortly after, there is a drop that causes the windows or timber framework to crack. That’s how I imagine it.
T
T_im_Norden
29 May 2020 12:22
Did you check whether anything was switched on or off at that time with the heat pump?
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danixf
29 May 2020 23:03
It really is the roof. The cracking sounds came right on time, just like the bricklayers said. We were still at the neighbors and talking about it. At their place, the noise started about half an hour later.
Since their attic is not finished, it’s not as loud. Upstairs, everything is open in our house.
I wouldn’t have thought it possible.
B
Bookstar
29 May 2020 23:07
In our house, the wooden platform staircase creaks very loudly, mostly when the weather gets warmer. It’s annoying, but that’s just how it is.
tomtom7929 May 2020 23:19
Well, somehow many experience it the same way; for us, it’s around 8 PM on the terrace side and around 10 PM near the front door, depending on the sun’s position.

The front door is made of wood.

The terrace door is aluminum.

Both are anthracite in color.