Noisy Metal Siding

[John Thompson]

I came across a house sided with aluminum siding today, and it honestly sounded like thousands of bugs were crawling around behind the siding. I know that there weren't bugs behind the siding, so what would make this siding make so much noise? It wasn't windy, but there were some temperature swings with sun and clouds.

[Jim Luttrall]

Thermal expansion. The siding is likely moving in relation to the substrate and maybe on itself. It might be installed too tightly and "oil canning". Did you notice distortion in the siding appearance?

[Chris Weekly]

You sure there weren't bugs....or bees....or some critter?

[Richard Skalski]

I would agree with Jim, a small amount of space is needed to accomodate expansion. There are journals in siding allowing one piece to connect to another, these can create noise during expansion also. Aluminum siding may also act as a barrier holding moisture creating more issues.

[H.G. Watson, Sr.]

You never know what creatures might be behind the aluminum siding...

Idaho Couple's Dream Home Infested with Snakes clickable link below at ABCnews:


Idaho Couple's Dream Home Was Infested With Snakes - ABC News (http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/WaterCooler/wireStory?id=13843972)

[James Harlow]

Was the house close to an overhead transmission line from the power company? I looked at a house built next to the lines and received static shocks from the aluminum downspouts while trying to listen for the source of the buzzing noise. Sure the power company says it is safe to build next to the lines, but I am not convinced. Especially when my hair stood up next to the downspouts.
Jim Harlow

[Jeff Zehnder]

I have not installed metal siding (steel or aluminum) in more years than I can remember but the most common reason for noise has been stated - improper fastening. Improper fasteners or too tight!