When deciding if a metal roof is right for you, there are many factors to consider. Rightfully so, many homeowners are concerned about the noise that can come from rain or hail and may ask their roofer if they are louder. Metal roofing lasts a long time, so this is important to consider when you are building your home. Below we will share the good and the bad about metal roofing and how it affects your home.
Will My Metal Roof Make Noise When It Rains?
The short answer is yes. All roofs will make noise with inclement weather, but with a metal roof, you will hear an echo with rain or hail. Installing the metal roofing over a solid decking will make the echo quieter because of the extra barrier to absorb the sound.
Without a solid decking, you rely on just the ceiling’s insulation to absorb the sound which can help dampen the sound. The more layers that the sound has to go through, the quieter your home will be. If your metal roof is installed with a strong sheathing between your existing roof surface and the metal, this can help reduce the noise of rain or hail even further.
Are Metal Roofs More Noisy Than Other Materials?
Here is where it is important to have your metal roof installed the correct way. Because metal roofs are made of metal, they rightfully will be louder than other traditional roofs. Having layers of plywood and insulation underneath your metal roofing, can make it sound just as loud as any other type of roofing material. Having the correct insulation for your metal roof can also lower the temperature of your home, you can read more about that here.
Sound In Decibels
While some metal roofs may end up being louder than others a human usually can not distinguish between sounds that are 5-8 dB apart. While asphalt shingles registered about 59-61 dB in the rain, metal roofs registered at about 63-69. While the metal roofing was louder, only marginally so and again, most humans cannot really tell the difference.
Compared to other household sounds such as running your garbage disposal and mowing your lawn are actually louder than rain or weather hitting your metal roof. Metal roofs are also not registered over the 85dB limit that can damage humans hearing and should not disrupt your daily life when the weather is bad.
Standing Up To The Weather
The other advantage to having a metal roof is that even though weather sounds may be heard in your home, they stand up better to hail, hurricanes and wildfires. Metal roofs can help your home avoid leaks and damage which can save you money in the long run. Our team can also assess the damage of your current roof and bring you the best suggestions to improve your home. In tough weather conditions metal roofs can stand up for longer and avoid replacement and repair for up to 50 years longer than shingles.
What We Can Offer
Whether metal roofs are louder or not, metal roofing can last longer than traditional shingles and can often improve the energy consumption of your home. While there are pros and cons to every type of roofing, we know that we can find the best fit for you.
With RW Design, we can answer all of your questions about metal, asphalt or other types of roofing. We want our customers to have the best experience in their home as possible. Weather or not a metal roof is right for you, we will help to install the best quality roofing for your home.
