House Burping in New vs. Old Homes: What’s Different?
A common misconception is that only old, "spooky" Victorian mansions make noise. The reality, as noted on our homepage, is that brand-new construction is often louder than a century-old farmhouse.
When comparing house burping in a new house versus an older one, we are looking at two different physical processes: Drying vs. Aging. New homes are shedding moisture and tension, while old homes are reacting to gravity and friction.
Top 5 Reasons Your House Makes Noises (by Age)
Whether your home was built in 1920 or 2024 determines the "accent" of its house burping.
- New Construction (Lumber Drying): Fresh lumber contains moisture. As a new home goes through its first few heating cycles, the wood dries, shrinks, and twists, creating loud gun-shot style pops.
- Old Homes (Loose Fasteners): Over decades, nails loosen their grip. When you walk on a floorboard, it rubs against the nail shank, creating the classic "creak."
- New Construction (Tight Envelope): New homes are airtight. When a bathroom fan turns on, the change in pressure can cause windows or walls to "burp" or flex if there isn't enough makeup air.
- Old Homes (Drafts): Gaps in windows and siding allow wind to whistle through, often mistaken for pipe noises.
- Settling Foundations: While foundation settling happens mostly in the first 5 years, older homes can shift again during droughts or floods.
Comparison: The Sound Profile
Use this table to identify the likely age-related cause of your noise. For a deeper dive into the physics, see our Causes Guide.
| Sound Type | New House Cause | Old House Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Loud Pop / Bang | Trusses/Studs drying out (High Probability) | Thermal expansion of old metal ducts |
| Creaking / Squeaking | Rare (Joints are still tight) | Loose floorboards & nails (High Probability) |
| Burping / Gurgling | Construction debris in drain lines | Clogged vents or tree roots in sewer line |
Anxiety Check: Is my new house breaking?
The 1-Year Rule
It is incredibly common for new homeowners to panic at the loud "pops" during the first winter. This is normal. Builders often schedule a "1-Year Warranty Walkthrough" specifically to fix the drywall cracks that appear after this settling process.
However, if you see daylight through cracks or doors refuse to close, check our Is It Normal? page immediately.