Metal is a good choice for making roofs especially when it comes to durability. Owing to this reason more and more people have been opting for metal roofs when making new houses.
But there is one concern among buyers that seems to be consistent over the years- whether or not the metal roof will be noisy when it rains.
Technically speaking, metal roofs do have the reputation of being louder than any other type of roof, be it during the rain or even if something falls on it.
But what is the source of this belief and are metal roofs really as loud as people say?
Let us find out.
Why Is My Metal Roof So Loud When It Rains?
There are a number of reasons for this belief which have been discussed below.
Confusing Metal Roof with Something Else
Tin awnings and aluminum barn roofs, although metal, cannot be considered as the kind of “metal roof” that is durable and weather resistant.
These roofs make an unbelievably loud amount of noise when it rains.
This happens because when torrential rains pour over the tin or aluminum roof, it vibrates and creates a clanging noise that adds to the already existing sound of rainwater hitting a hard surface.
Lack of Underlayment
Another reason why your metal roof gets so loud when it rains is that it does not have sufficient underlayment or decking.
Ideally, metal roofs should have some kind of insulating underlayment below them. This will make a world of difference when it comes to noise levels and also contribute to its durability.
Lack of Proper Drainage
Metal roofs should have channels to drain the rainwater. So if your roof is making a horrendous sound during a downpour then you need to check whether or not the drainage system exists.
This is only applicable in the case of flat roofs because slanted roofs cannot hold water.
The Surface Texture of The Roof
Smooth metal roofs generate more noise when rain falls on them in comparison to a metal roof with a textured surface.
This happens because the sound cannot easily deflect back in a straight line when they meet an uneven textured surface and get dissipated instead.
Textured metal roofing is a popular choice among builders because of its capability to diffuse sunlight and reduce glare much like it diffuses sound waves.
Height of a Room’s Ceiling
How high the ceiling is, or to be more precise how close the rain’s strike point is also plays a role in the loudness and intensity of the sound experienced.
If the ceiling is high, then the sound will be less as compared to a low ceiling because then the sound waves will get dissipated in the air and partially lose volume before reaching your ears.
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Final Thoughts
With proper underlayment and insulation, metal roofs are actually surprisingly quiet. Here is a list of decibel levels for a better picture:
A lawn mower at full power creates a sound of about 100 dB, while a jet plane taking off is about 140 dB in loudness. The sound of two people talking at an average volume is about 60 dB while rain falling on a metal roof with sufficient decking and insulation is about 52 dB.
There it is safe to say that the belief of metal roofs being loud during rainfall is nothing but an uninformed myth. If the sound can be dampened with insulation, then choosing a metal roof will be the best investment for protecting a house.