There are a lot of factors that help you decide if a metal roof is right for you. But a concern some homeowners have is about the noise it makes when it rains.
While this might not seem like a big deal to everyone, it’s a factor every homeowner needs to think about if they want a new metal roof. Especially when you consider a metal roof could last up to 50 years.
The last thing you want after investing in a new roof is to have the sound from the rain hitting your metal panels bother you and your family for years to come. That’s why we’re going to help you understand the noise that comes with a metal roof.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided high-quality metal roofing services to the residents of Nashville and surrounding areas since 1990. No matter what your roof needs, you can count on our workmanship to get the job done right. That’s why we’re proud to provide a lifetime warranty.
By the end of this article, you’ll learn if your metal roof makes noise when it rains, if you can do anything about the noise, and how much louder it is than the other roof types.
Will your metal roof make noise when it rains?
So, will your new metal roof make noise when it rains? The answer is yes, you’re going to get an echo from the rain hitting your metal roof.
If your metal roof is installed over solid decking, it’s going to be quieter. This is because the wood (decking) between the metal panels and your ceiling helps absorb some of the noise.
On the other hand, you’re really going to hear the rain if there isn’t solid decking under your metal roof. You’ll only be able to rely on your ceiling’s insulation to help dampen the sound.
But no matter what, a metal roof is always going to have some noise when it rains. Even with decking and your ceiling’s insulation, it’s impossible to completely drown out the sound of rain when there's a heavy thunderstorm.
Can you stop rain noise on your metal roof?
After reading the last section, you know there’s no way to stop rain noise on your metal roof. However, there are things you can do to help dampen the noise.
You already know solid decking helps absorb some of the sound. But there is an upgrade you can add to your metal roof replacement to help even more.
This upgrade is installing wood fiber insulation boards between your roof’s decking and your metal panels. These boards provide an extra layer to absorb sound from rain.
Getting this upgrade means the sound has to travel through the insulation boards, the roof decking, and the ceiling’s insulation. But remember, adding the boards won’t completely block out the noise from a heavy downpour.
Be aware, adding upgrades like insulation boards affects the cost of your new metal roof. To learn more about what goes into the cost of a roof, check out this article on the 9 factors that impact the cost of your new roof.
How much louder is a metal roof than an asphalt roof?
A metal roof is really one of the only roofing materials that will echo the noise from rain. The other roof types will absorb it better because of the materials they're made of.
But how much louder is a metal roof than the other roof types? For this example, we’re going to compare it to the most commonly used roof type across the country, an asphalt roof.
A metal roof is going to be at least 50 decibels louder than an asphalt roof. If you decide to upgrade and add the insulation boards, you could cut the noise in half.
Your metal roof is always going to be louder than the other roof types. If the sound of rain is a big concern, then a metal roof might not be the right type of roof for you.
Trying to decide if a metal roof is right for you?
Now you know that your metal roof is going to have noise when it rains. Remember, you can’t completely block out the noise, but you can dampen it a little bit.
If you’re worried about how loud a metal roof is when it rains, you might want to consider other roof types. If the noise is an absolute deal-breaker, it definitely isn’t going to be the roof for you.
We understand choosing the roofing material for your replacement is a huge decision. And finding the one that fits your budget, the look you want, and more is a time-consuming experience.
There’s so much information out there that it can be overwhelming. Wouldn’t it be great to have all the main considerations in one place to save time and keep your stress level down?
Because choosing the right type of roof is such an important decision, we put the considerations every homeowner needs to think about when getting a new roof in one place. And after reading the article, you’ll know which one is right for you.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has been repairing, replacing, and maintaining roofs in the Nashville area since 1990. We work with you to give you the best experience possible during a stressful time. If you’re local to Nashville, don’t hesitate to contact us to get the beautiful roof you deserve.
To find the right type of roof for your replacement, check out this article on What is the Best Roofing Material? (Find the Right Roof for You).
