Why Does My Roof Make a Drumming or Wave-Like Sound When It's Very Windy?
A dull, repetitive sound, comparable to a drum or waves, is heard coming from the roof during strong winds, a sound distinct from normal structural creaking.
Why this specific sound differs from simple creaking
Unlike frame creaking caused by wood's normal movement, a drumming or wave-like sound generally suggests a section of the roof covering (shingles, membrane) is no longer securely fastened and is repeatedly lifting and settling back down under wind pressure.
The most likely causes of this sound
| Cause | How it produces this sound |
|---|---|
| Poorly fastened shingles or ones whose nails have loosened | The shingle lifts and settles back repeatedly with gusts |
| Flat roof membrane no longer fully adhered | A membrane section flapping against the support underneath |
| Detached flashing at a junction point | A metal piece vibrating or clanging against the surrounding covering |
| Buildup of end-of-life shingles that lift easily | Widespread wear weakening several shingles' grip at once |
Why this sound deserves faster attention than simple creaking
A shingle or membrane section that repeatedly lifts and settles wears out faster with each cycle, and the repeated motion can eventually cause a tear or complete detachment, exposing the underlying covering to the elements more suddenly than typical gradual wear.
How to roughly locate the source
The sound is generally louder on the side of the roof directly exposed to the prevailing wind, which helps point a visual inspection from the ground toward the most likely area before calling in a professional for a fuller inspection.
What to do after identifying this sound
A visual inspection from the ground with binoculars can sometimes reveal a visibly lifted shingle or detached flashing, but an inspection on the roof itself by a roofer remains necessary to confirm the extent of the problem and determine whether a spot repair is enough or the overall condition warrants a larger replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Does this sound mean the roof is going to blow off?+
Rarely the entire roof, but individual poorly fastened shingles can indeed detach during particularly strong winds if not repaired.
Can I wait until windy season ends to get it repaired?+
This isn't recommended — each strong wind episode wears down the affected area further, increasing the risk of more significant damage over time.
Can this sound come from something other than the roof itself?+
Rarely, though a poorly secured accessory like an antenna or roof vent can sometimes produce a similar sound unrelated to the main covering.
Does a spot repair always fix this type of noise?+
For an issue isolated to a few shingles, yes generally — but if wear is widespread across the whole roof, the sound can reappear elsewhere after the repair.
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More to know before your project.
By Éric Gagné — RBQ-licensed roofer, roofing and roof snow removal specialist
Updated on July 22, 2026