Why Homeowners Are Concerned About Noisy Metal Roofs

One reason why noisy metal roofs are among the most frequently asked questions we get is because homeowners may have memories of sitting inside a pole barn, under any exposed metal eve or even in a camper when there is a deluge of rain. The sound is deafening.

What Sound Studies Actually Say About Noisy Metal Roofs

So many think the same will be true if a metal roof is installed on a residential home. Here is the good news. Here is an excerpt from a bulletin produced by ATAS Internal, Inc, some time ago. In the article it states “There was a sound study conducted by the Acoustic Group at the University of Lulea, Sweden to determine the amount of sound emitted when rail falls on various roofing materials. When all of the roofs were compared, there was not more than a 6 decibel difference between an asphalt shingle roof and a metal roof. “

“Their research showed that metal roofing is no more or less noisy than any other type of roofing material.”

To give perspective, the sound of human breathing is 10 dB. The difference of 6 dB is even quieter than human breathing. Based on this study, the answer is no, properly installed metal roofs on roofs are not more noisy. Plus there are other factors to consider. One is that even on an asphalt roof there is noise made from rain hitting the soft metals – gutters, flashing, metal trim. In addition the home structure itself plays a role in damping rain noise.

Home Structures Act as a Sound-killing Barrier

Why is there such a significant difference between uninsulated metal deck roofs and residential metal roofs? It’s because house structures act as a natural sound-killing barrier. The sound from the rain hitting the metal roof has to go through the underlayment, the roof decking (the solid wood structure the roof shingles are applied to), the attic space, wood framing, the insulation in the attic, and then the sheetrock.

Because the sound has to go through so many layers, it will be dampened once it finally reaches people in the house. This also means that homeowners can safely choose whichever type of roof they’d like, knowing that the sound barriers are still in place.

If homeowners are interested in metal roofing installation, we are the experts to call. Whether homeowners want a standing seam, stone-coated metal, or interlocking roof, we have the expertise to get the job done right. We’ve been providing exterior remodeling services since 2008, and we put quality at the forefront of everything we do — from customer service to the installation job itself.

Contact us today if there are any further questions on noisy metal roofs or if homeowners would like a free estimate.