The Sounds Of Metal Roofing

One common question about metal roofing is “Will my roof make a lot of noise during a rain storm?” The idea that a metal roof on your home will be noisy is a myth stemming from the loud sound of rain hitting old barns or buildings with open framing. It is helpful to consider this noise in terms of its unit of measurement: decibels. Decibels range from zero, which is the softest sound that can be detected by the human ear, to the loudest sound registered which exceeds 175 decibels.

How much noise your metal roof will make when rain hits it depends on various elements of the construction. If the metal roof is installed over open framing it will be louder than if it is installed over a solid roof deck. The underlayment installed under the metal roofing will further muffle the sound through absorption. The sound will be dampened even more if the metal roofing is installed over a layer or more of shingles. Attic air space and any insulation will also work to minimize the sound.

It is very common for people with metal roofs to say they can hear the rain hitting their skylights but not their roof. In fact, most people do not notice the difference between rain hitting a metal roof and an asphalt shingled roof.

The above is based on information in the industry regarding galvanized steel alloys, tempers, processes, and fabrication. For more information on metal roofing, visit the internet or your local library.