I live in a wood and stucco bungalow-type house in Northern California. It does not snow here (except in extremely rare cases). I bought the home about 8 years. When I first moved in, I noticed some cracking noises in the ceiling. Lately, the noise has gotten much worse -- in fact it has awakened me from a deep sleep at night. Should I be concerned? I had a home inspection done when I purchased the property and there was no report about any structural problems.

Hi Kviall

If it isn't the building falling apart and you don't see large cracks developing in any walls or ceilings then the only next logical answer is simple expansion, contraction and settling of the building. As you now know, expansion, contraction and settling of the building can get quite loud and inconvenient at times!

If you are really concerned beyond that, it shouldn't be hard to bring a general contractor in to take a quick peek and see if there are any real concerns.

Good luck!

Mark

In consideration of record breaking cold that was and maybe still is affecting various areas, not sure if N. CA got a shot of that or not, I would recommend that you try this part of Mass's recommendations
"If you are really concerned beyond that, it shouldn't be hard to bring a general contractor in to take a quick peek and see if there are any real concerns."

Someone should at least take a good look around up there to insure that some component of the framing hasn't contracted off its designed means of support.
And they need to be careful where they step until they get a good look with adequate lighting. Good luck.

I'm the type who takes a look around and if I don't see anything wrong, it's just noise all wooden structures make at times.
Here's the thing: You can call a contractor and tell him your attic is making noises. A good one will explain contraction/expansion and tell you to let him know if you find anything. A bad one will find something wrong even if there isn't, just so he can charge you. Some good ones will come to look, of course, but how fair is that, when they aren't getting paid for it?