Are Metal Roofs Noisy When It Rains?

Jan 23, 2023

Are metal roofs noisy when it rains? This is one of our most common questions from homeowners who are interested in metal roofing. We’ll answer it straight away. Metal roofs don’t sound loud in the rain.

It is important to remember that metal roofing can be broken down into different categories. The different types of metal roofing are just like the aluminum foil that you use at home, which is far less expensive than the gold in fine jewelry. They can also vary in their appearances, performance, and noise levels in rain.

Uncoated aluminum sheets placed on the roof of barns or sheds are more noisy than metal roofing products that are used on commercial buildings and homes. Stone-coated metal roofing products, for example, are quieter in the rain because of their intricate textures and sound-absorbing cushion made from stone granules.

Roof’s Structure Plays an Important Part in Noise Reduction

A shed or barn without a metal roof has a partial roof. A roof deck, insulation, and underlayment are required for commercial and residential properties. This greatly reduces the sound of rain on the roof. A metal roof will produce a similar sound to rain than any other roofing material.

Here’s how to find a metal roof that doesn’t get wet.

  • What to look out for in a metal roofing that is quiet when it rains?
  • What is the difference between a metal roof and asphalt shingles in the rain?
  • This secret stone-coated metal roof is quiet and secure

What You Should Look For in a Metal Roof That Is Quiet in the Rain

Rain noise reduction is achieved by preventing sounds from hitting flat surfaces.

Uncoated metal sheets, such as the drum’s surface, will not reduce the sound reflections that are long-lastingly known as reverberation.

Reverberation works like an echo but instead of being heard again in a split second, the sound lasts for a little longer. Imagine yourself in an empty room, clapping your hands. Your clap will bounce off the walls and floor and continue echoing for a while before it fades.

A roof made from a single flat, uncoated metal sheet, such as that found on a barn or shed will reflect the rain’s sound much more. And make metal roofs noisy when it rains.

A coated and textured metal roof such as stone-coated metal roofing will absorb any rainwater sound.

Reverberation is simply the effect of rain sounding louder and more persistent when the roof reflects it instead of absorbing it. A roof’s ability to dampen and disrupt sound waves is more effective the thicker and more irregularly textured it is.

How Loud is a Metal Roof Compared to Shingles?

Decibels can be described as the unit of measurement used to measure sound levels.

Zero is the lowest decibel level (dBA), which is basically total silence. A whisper is 30 dBA. Rainfall is 50 dBA. Normal conversation is 60 dBA. Hearing damage could occur if the decibel level is higher than 86 dBA.

According to the Acoustic Group, University of Lulea in Sweden, asphalt shingles are more susceptible to rain than metal roofs, which have a 52 dBA threshold. Asphalt shingles that are installed on top of a complete roof system have a rain coefficient of 46 dBA. A metal roof that is installed over a complete roof system will produce 52 dBA. Metal roofs installed over open framing such as barns or sheds, are around 61 dBA when it rains.

Most people can’t distinguish between sounds less than 8 decibels apart so the noise difference between an asphalt shingle roof and a metal roof is not easily discernible.

Coated Metal Roof is Quieter

As we have already mentioned, the thicker and less regular texture of a roof will absorb rain sound and disrupt it. It will make your metal roofs less noisy when it rains.

Coated metal roofing is made up of several layers of natural stone granules that, in addition to being resistant to corrosion and increasing tensile strengths, act as noise barriers. The noise impact on the roof is greatly reduced by this.

A coated metal roof is not only quiet in the rain but also one of the most durable roofs available. Coated metal roofs can protect your home from almost any Mother Nature may throw at it, including:

  • Hurricanes and Tornadoes – Coated metal roofing meets the high-velocity hurricane zones requirements of Florida.
  • Hail Impact – Coated metal roofing products have the highest Class 4 hail impact rating. They are guaranteed for hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter.
  • Fire – Coated metal roofing systems have the highest Class A fire rating to protect against the danger of fire.

Coated metal roofs have a very high return on investment due to their durability, long life span, and energy efficiency.

  • A metal roof with stone coating can protect your home from the elements. Metal roofs last 2 to 3 times as long as traditional roofing materials such asphalt, tile, and wood.
  • Metal roofs are among the most efficient materials available and can help reduce cooling costs up to 25%.
  • Modern metal roofing can boost your home’s value by as much as 6%

Quality Roofing

Extreme weather conditions are a common characteristic of Florida. As a result, the number of roof related problems have increased quite significantly. In particular, with hurricanes and their impact on property and the need for roof repairs at a later stage.

While metal roofing is traditionally used to ward off damage during harsh winters and dry summers, it is also an extremely durable construction material for homes because of its water repellent qualities and overall resilience against extreme conditions.

Get a Free Quote

Hurricane season is here, and with it comes danger and higher insurance premiums. Many homeowners in hurricane-prone areas want to protect their properties, but don’t know how. One option is to install a roof that can withstand wind speeds up to 180 mph. Roof Co., an industry leader in roofing, offers many quality roofing solutions for residential and commercial customers in Florida. Contact us today to learn more.

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