Things That Go Bump in the Night: 5 Signs and Sounds of Structural Damage To Look Out For in Fall

This October, you may notice creaks, cracks, and slanted floors in your home. And that doesn’t mean there are ghosts.

The real culprit is usually something less supernatural and potentially more expensive to ignore: structural damage. 

“A single crack, creak, or sticking door doesn’t automatically mean there’s a problem. I’m more concerned about new or worsening symptoms, when multiple symptoms appear at once, or when there are changes after heavy rain, flooding, drought, plumbing problems, or nearby construction,” explains Jeri Goodkin Dausey, certified general contractor and certified building inspector at Violation Clinic in Miami Beach, FL.

Fortunately, you don’t have to (and shouldn’t) live with haunted house symptoms. 

Knowing what they are and how to address them can ensure a safer, more comfortable home and prevent costly damages down the road.

Structural warning signs you shouldn’t ignore

If your home shows any of these structural warning signs, don’t brush them off.

1. Sticking doors and windows

One door that sticks from time to time may be nothing more than humidity, a little paint buildup, or worn hardware.

“However, when several doors or windows suddenly become difficult to open, won’t latch properly, or look like they’re sitting out of square, it’s time to take a closer look,” says Dausey. 

That can happen when the framing shifts because different parts of the foundation are moving differently.

2. Stair-step cracks in brick or masonry

These are the diagonal cracks that follow the mortar joints and look a little like a staircase. They can be a sign of differential settlement, which simply means one part of the structure is moving differently from another.

Not every stair-step crack means there’s a serious problem.

“I become more concerned when a crack is new, getting wider, shows visible displacement, continues through the brick or block, or appears around doors, windows, or corners,” Dausey explains.

3. Gaps where trim meets the wall or ceiling

Small gaps aren’t unusual. Materials shrink and expand, and caulk can dry out or fail over time.

“What I’d pay attention to is a gap that keeps getting wider or appears in several areas—particularly if it comes along with cracked drywall, uneven floors, or doors that have started sticking,” says Dausey.

Together, these signs can indicate that the framing is shifting.

4. Sloping or bouncy floors

An older home may have floors that have been slightly uneven for years. What matters is whether the condition is new or getting worse.

A newly developing slope can be related to foundation settlement or inadequate support. A floor that feels unusually bouncy or soft can have other causes, too, including loose or undersized framing, moisture damage, wood rot, termites, or deteriorated supports underneath the floor.

“I wouldn’t automatically assume a soft or uneven floor is a foundation problem. It may be, but it needs to be evaluated to determine what’s actually happening,” Dausey explains.

5. Unexplained nighttime creaking

Houses make noise. 

This may happen when temperatures and humidity change and building materials expand and contract. It’s especially common to notice creaking at night as temperatures drop.

A change in the pattern, however, may be a cause for concern. 

“If the creaking is new, unusually loud, consistently coming from the same area, or happening along with cracks, gaps, water intrusion, or doors that no longer operate properly, I’d investigate further,” adds Dausey.

What to do if you notice any of them

If you spot a structural issue, don’t ignore it. 

"It's human nature to sit on a problem and avoid it, but that will only make it worse, more severe, and more expensive down the road,” says Shane McClintic, sales and service trainer at Thrasher Foundation Repair in Omaha, NE.

Unfortunately, a foundation problem won’t fix itself. And it’s your responsibility as the homeowner to take action as soon as you notice it. 

In most cases, the best first step is to document what you see.

“Take clear photos and include a ruler or measuring tape for scale. Write down the date and make a note of anything that may have happened around the same time, such as heavy rain or plumbing works,” says Dausey.

Then, don’t try to fix anything yourself.

“Instead, call a reputable foundation professional for an inspection. A pro can determine whether the issue is cosmetic, moisture-related, or structural and suggest potential solutions,” says Rob Myers, director of operations at StableDry in Pleasant View, TN.

If the symptoms are significant, getting worse, or showing up in several different areas, an independent structural engineer may also be worth consulting.

Lastly, if you see sudden movement, a severely bowed wall, falling masonry, a rapidly widening crack, or a floor that appears to be at risk of failing, keep people away from the area and contact the local building department or emergency services as soon as you can.

How to prevent structural damage in the first place

These expert tips can reduce the risk of structural damage and the costly repairs it often brings.

Check the grading

Make sure soil and hardscape direct water away from the foundation rather than allowing it to collect alongside the house. 

“Don’t build up soil or mulch against siding, stucco weep areas, or ventilation openings,” Dausey explains.

Extend the downspouts

Downspouts should carry water several feet away from the foundation and discharge it somewhere appropriate. 

“A good rule of thumb is to extend them at least 10 feet away where possible,” says Myers.

Just make sure extensions they’re actually connected and aren’t dumping water beside the house, onto a walkway, or toward a neighboring property.

Clean and inspect the gutters

Clear out leaves and debris, look for sagging sections, and check for leaks behind the fascia or overflow near the foundation. 

During the next rain, Dausey suggests taking a few minutes to watch where the water actually goes. This can help you catch drainage issues that may not be apparent in dry conditions. 

Monitor cracks instead of guessing

Put a small pencil mark at each end of the crack, write the date beside it, and measure the width at the same location each time. Take photos from the same angle and include a ruler for scale. 

“If the crack moves beyond your marks, gets wider, or develops visible displacement, it’s time to have it evaluated. A crack monitor can provide more precise measurements,” Dausey adds.