For years, metal roofing was mostly used for barns, carports, and other uninhabited spaces. However, its durability, versatility, and long lifespan make it a popular option for homes and businesses throughout South Atlanta and the surrounding communities. This leads many to ask, “Are metal roofs loud when it rains?”
Your Roof Hero is South Atlanta’s highly-rated roofing company specializing in metal roofing. With years of experience upgrading residential and commercial properties with durable metal roofing and outstanding craftsmanship, they provide insights into metal roof rain sounds.
What to Know About the Noise Level of Metal Roofs During Rainfall in South Atlanta
A common misconception is that all metal roofs are the same. The type of metal used for a barn is not the same as what you’d install over your home. The noise a metal roof makes during a rainstorm depends on the building, the roofing system, and the roofing material.
Hearing rain on a roof is common, even without a metal surface. Overly noisy environments can be disturbing and affect rest, sleep, concentration, and daily activities, potentially leading to stress and annoyance over time.
Surprisingly, a metal roof over a home or business in South Atlanta won’t produce as much noise in the rain as one might think. So, are metal roofs loud when it rains? Keep reading to find out.
Why People Think the Sound of Rain on Metal Roofs Is Loud
Rain pounding on some metal roofs can create loud noises. Metal roofs over barns and sheds are durable, but since these buildings aren’t inhabited daily, they lack decking and insulation. Consequently, the noise from rain hitting the bare metal sheeting is loud and reverberates, making the sound seem louder.
Unfortunately, this is why people assume metal roofs for homes and businesses are excessively noisy in rainstorms. The good news is that modern metal roofing systems and installation methods address this issue.
Acoustic Properties of Metal Roofing in Rain
The acceptable noise level for people is around 55 to 60 decibels. However, the sound of rain hitting metal roof decking can exceed 70 decibels, creating poor acoustics in the building.
Noise issues with metal roofing stem from reverberation, which drags out sound as it bounces off surfaces before fading. When rain hits an uncoated, uninsulated metal sheet, like on a carport, the sound is loud and prolonged. Fortunately, reverberation and high decibels aren’t problems with modern metal roofing systems for residential and commercial properties.
Why Modern Metal Roofing Isn’t as Loud As You Assume
The metal roofing available for houses and businesses in South Atlanta involves more than just a sheet of metal nailed to a wooden frame. Modern metal roofing includes oriented strand board or plywood decking, which helps dampen rain noises.
Underlayment, such as extra insulation or a layer of old shingles, also lessens the noise from metal roofing in the rain. The entire roofing system works together to minimize noise, making the sound of rain negligible and not annoying.
Rain Noise on Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in South Atlanta and the country. When people ask, “Are metal roofs loud when it rains?” they often compare the sound to asphalt shingles.
Asphalt shingles are technically quieter in the rain than metal, producing around 46 decibels of noise compared to metal roofing’s 52 decibels. Open frame metal roofing for barns and other uninsulated structures can range from 61 to 70 decibels.
Though modern metal roofing is technically louder than asphalt shingles, the difference is negligible to most people. Most cannot differentiate between sounds less than eight decibels apart, so a well-installed metal roof can sound like an asphalt roof in the rain.
What to Look For in Metal Roofing for Your South Atlanta Home or Business
To minimize noise during rainfall, consider installing a standing seam metal roof. This system consists of interlocking vertical metal panels with fasteners under the metal. Standing seam metal roofing typically has top-quality steel with a zinc or zinc and aluminum alloy coating.
Stone-coated metal roofing is another option. Thick, textured metal panels are less likely to produce excessive noise than flat, smooth metal sheets. Coupled with a solid roof deck and underlayment, stone-coated metal roofing can effectively absorb sound from rainfall.
Embrace the Superior Qualities of Metal Roofing in South Atlanta with Your Roof Hero
Are metal roofs loud when it rains? According to the experts at Your Roof Hero, the impact of rain on metal roof noise is minimal. The low sound impact and the durability, attractiveness, and longevity of metal roofing are why residents of South Atlanta, Georgia, embrace the material for their properties.
Your Roof Hero is a leading licensed and insured roofing contractor serving the area. They boast experienced roofing contractors, top-tier construction, and personalized roofing solutions. With their expertise, they can recognize the signs of a roof leak and handle metal roofing design and installation.
Contact Your Roof Hero today for a free estimate.