When considering a new roof, homeowners often have concerns about the noise that a metal roof may create when it rains. While this may not be a significant issue for everyone, it is an important factor to consider, especially since metal roofs can last up to 50 years. Investing in a new roof only to be bothered by the sound of rain hitting metal panels for years to come is something homeowners want to avoid. In this article, we will provide insights into the noise associated with metal roofs, explore ways to reduce rain noise, discuss whether are metal roofs noisy and compare the noise levels of metal roofs to other roof types.
Understanding Rain Noise on Metal Roofs
Will Your Metal Roof Make Noise When It Rains?
One of the commonly asked questions is whether a metal roof will create noise during rainfall. The answer is yes. Rain hitting a metal roof can create an echo effect that generates noise. However, the extent of the noise depends on various factors, including the presence of solid decking beneath the metal panels.
The Impact of Solid Decking on Noise
If your metal roof is installed over solid decking, the noise level will be lower. The wood decking between the metal panels and your ceiling helps absorb some of the noise, resulting in a quieter interior environment.
The Role of Insulation
In cases where there is no solid decking beneath the metal roof, you will experience more pronounced rain noise. In such situations, the insulation in your ceiling becomes the primary source of sound dampening. While insulation can help reduce the noise to some extent, it is impossible to completely eliminate the sound of rain during heavy thunderstorms, even with the presence of decking and insulation.
Techniques to Reduce Rain Noise on Metal Roofs
Can You Minimize Rain Noise on Your Metal Roof?
Although it is not possible to completely stop rain noise on a metal roof, there are measures you can take to dampen the sound. As mentioned earlier, solid decking plays a crucial role in reducing noise. However, there is an additional upgrade you can consider during the installation of your metal roof: installing wood fiber insulation boards between the roof’s decking and the metal panels. These boards create an extra layer that helps absorb sound generated by rainfall.
The Effectiveness of Insulation Boards
By incorporating insulation boards into your metal roof replacement, the sound of rain must pass through multiple layers before reaching the interior. This includes the insulation boards, the roof decking, and the insulation in your ceiling. While the addition of insulation boards can significantly reduce rain noise, it is important to note that even with this upgrade, the noise from heavy downpours may still be audible.
Cost Considerations
It is important to be aware that adding insulation boards as an upgrade to your metal roof will affect the overall cost. To understand more about the factors influencing the cost of a roof, refer to our article on the 9 factors that impact the cost of your new roof.
How Much Louder is a Metal Roof Compared to an Asphalt Roof?
Metal roofs tend to produce more noise from rain compared to other roof types due to the materials used. Let’s compare the noise levels between a metal roof and the most commonly used roof type across the country, asphalt roofs.
Metal roofs are approximately 50 decibels louder than asphalt roofs. However, by opting for the insulation board upgrade, you can cut the noise level in half. It is important to keep in mind that regardless of any measures taken, a metal roof will still be louder than other roof types. If the sound of rain is a significant concern for you, a metal roof might not be the most suitable choice.
Making the Right Decision for Your Roofing Needs
Considering a Metal Roof? Factors to Ponder
Having learned about the potential noise associated with metal roofs, it is clear that rain noise is inevitable. While it is not possible to completely block out the sound, it can be dampened to some extent. If the noise from rain is a major concern, you may want to explore other roofing options. For those who find the noise to be a deal-breaker, a metal roof may not be the ideal choice.
Deciding on the Right Roofing Material
Choosing the right roofing material is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration. It can be a time-consuming and overwhelming process due to the abundance of information available. To help simplify the decision-making process, we have compiled the essential considerations that every homeowner should think about when getting a new roof. By reading this article, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of which roofing option is best suited to your needs.
If you’re considering a metal roof and would like more information or assistance in making your decision, reach out to the experienced team at 2nd time around co. With our high-quality metal roofing and metal roofing financial services and a lifetime warranty, we are committed to providing top-notch craftsmanship and ensuring your satisfaction. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you make an informed choice for your roofing needs.
