Pointless asking, but what is the weird creaking in my house?

[cathcat]

Ever now and again there is a loud crack sound in my house. I can't tell where is coming from but it is definitely the house, not something in it. There is no pattern to this so I can't exactly ask someone to look at it, they could be here for hours waiting to hear it. Is my house going to fall down?!! It is not old, about 45 years old I think.

A ghost?

Have you had the heating on then switched it off before bed? It could be the joists etc cooling down and 'settling'.

lol ghost
yes I think it might be more to do with the joists. Is that normal?

Yes it is normal. The wood absorbs water then releases it so 'moves' according to the heat of the house, humidity etc.
I would not worry but it can be a bit alarming when things make noises..especially at night when all is quiet.

Also, do you have any trees or bushes near the house or a loose cable from the tv aerial? They can sometimes whack against the house in the slightest of wind and sound weird.