Sound Emission & Noise
Why modern metal roofs over solid residential decking aren't noisy during heavy rainstorms or hail.
The "Barn Roof" Myth
One of the most common questions we get is: "Will my metal roof be deafening during a rainstorm?"
This myth stems from old barns, sheds, or commercial buildings where corrugated tin was installed directly over open framing. In those structures, there is nothing between you and the raining roof except empty air—creating a drum-like echoing effect.
Modern Residential Acoustics
Your home is built very differently than an open barn. A modern residential metal roof is highly sound-damped because of the layers of materials between the metal and your living space.
The sound must travel through:
- The heavy-gauge metal panels
- The 1.5-inch air gap (which dissipates sound waves)
- The solid wood strapping grid
- The high-grade synthetic underlayment
- The solid plywood or OSB roof deck
- The vast empty space of your attic
- 18 to 24 inches of dense blown-in attic insulation
- Your ceiling drywall
The Scientific Proof
Acoustic studies conducted by the Swedish Government testing institute measured the decibel difference between asphalt shingles and modern metal roofing systems over solid decking during heavy rain.
The result? The metal roof registered only a 6-decibel difference compared to asphalt shingles.
In practical terms, this difference is completely imperceptible to the human ear from inside the home. You will not hear a metal roof any more than you would hear a shingle roof.