Have you thought about getting a new metal? Well, you might have heard that metal roofs are noisy, but are metal roofs loud? We’ll find out.
When it comes to metal roofs, they can be much louder than other shingles and roofing materials. However, if you install insulation before having the roof installed, then this can significantly lower the noise level in your home.
Still not sure whether you believe that metal roofs are too loud of an option to install on your home? Well, we will dive deep into this issue to see what difference insulation makes and how loud metal roofs typically are.
Why Are People Choosing Metal Roofs?
You might have noticed that many homeowners have recently decided to opt for metal roofs instead of the average shingles. This is a trend that has stayed consistent because of the benefits that this material gives you.
So, what are the benefits of these roofing materials and why are people choosing to have metal roofs now more than ever?
We talk more about why metal roofs are so popular in this article.
Longevity and Durability
One of the main reasons for choosing a metal roof over other options is that it is one of the most durable and long-lasting choices of roof materials on the market.
These roofs tend to last decades longer, which is an ideal choice for those who intend to stay in their home for years to come.
Weatherproofing
Metal roofs are better prepared to handle inclement and extreme weather conditions. They can handle anything from light rain to harsh wind and thunderstorms.
Because of this, metal roofs are a great choice for those who live in areas where the weather is quite unpredictable.
Are Metal Roofs Loud
One of the main reasons that some people are choosing not to get a metal roof is because they do tend to be louder than other roofing options.
This is because the material is harder than other options. When hard rain or hail hits the metal roof, the noise will be louder than other roof types.
When something hits the roof, you will likely be able to hear it from inside. This can be an issue at night when you are trying to sleep.
If a tree branch hits your roof with a little wind, then this could affect how much you sleep you get almost every night.
This is something that not everyone wants to deal with, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be a big issue if you take the proper precautions.
In fact, if you want your roof to be a lot quieter, then you can choose to have insulation put onto the roof before the metal panels are installed.
This will cut down the noise level of the roof when rain or hail hits, and it will keep smaller noises from being as noticeable.
However, this is not the best solution for all families. This is because the cost of this insulation is added to the much higher cost of the metal roof’s total cost.
The price being high already, this might not even be an option for families who are on a stricter budget.
The Solution to Loud Noise
If you want to install a metal roof but don’t think that you would be able to afford the cost of the insulation on top of the high cost of the roofing material, then you do have other options.
Accent Roofs
You don’t need to have a full metal roof. Today’s modern farmhouses and modern mountain homes are known for their subtle use of metal roofs to accent the home’s appearance.
They are commonly used over porches, dormers, and garages. when paired with asphalt shingles, they allow certain features of your home to pop. They can draw attention to areas that don’t normally get noticed.
Accent metal roofs are more cost effective due to only needing a small about of material.
Install the Metal Over the Roof Materials You Have
If you have a roofing material on your house at the moment, this doesn’t need to be removed unless it is a hazard due to damage or rot.
The condition of a roof tends to hold up well, so if the roof material is in good even to keep on, then you can simply have the metal roof panels installed on top of the current roofing.
This will give you a barrier to stop the noise from being a major issue and makes much of the noise less noticeable when you are in the home.
Because this doesn’t cost money to do, those who can’t afford the insulation will be able to lessen the noise level this way without spending more money.
Also, because you don’t have to pay the workers to remove the current roofing, you might save a good amount on the cost of labor if you are paying a crew to do the job.
This also comes with the benefit of the entire job taking less time. Without the need to remove the current material, you will only have to wait for the crew to install the metal roof.
Using Correct Fasteners
The metal panels that will be placed on the roof must be installed with the right type of fasteners. If not, the metal will rattle a bit when the wind kicks up or the roof is hit with a branch or a c
The fasteners are what makes the metal panels tighten to the roof and stay in place. If the wrong fasteners are used for that type of panels you have, then they will make a lot more noise.
However, if you use the right type for the panels, then they can be tightened enough so that there is no room for them to move about. This will keep them in place so that they will not move or rattle, even when high winds start.
You also want to make sure that they are tightened at the end of the work so that they are sure to be tight enough. Doing this will cover any fasteners that were not fully tightened, or were forgotten about, so all of the panels are all installed and tightened enough.
Consider Using a Raised Profile
If you don’t want to worry about taking off the current roof materials, but still don’t want to pay for extra insulation between the layers, then having a raised profile for your roof will be a good option for you.
This will make the panels sit higher than they would with a flat profile and create more space between the metal panels and the underneath layer of roofing.
This will create a higher shape for the roof and make the panels farther away from the layer of the roof that you have currently. It will prevent the metal panels from touching the roof beneath it and making a clicking noise.
It will also prevent any rattling that could happen when the wind blows the panels around a bit and they strike the roof underneath.
Thicker Sheets of Metal
When the panels that you use on your roof are thin, they don’t cut down the sound from outdoor conditions. This will continue to allow the metal roof to make more noise over time.
If you don’t want the noise from your metal roof to interrupt your day or night, then you can choose to have thicker sheets instead, which will help to create a great sound barrier between the outdoors and the interior of the home.
Whether you are trying to quiet the noise from the weather conditions, branching from nearby trees scratching the roof, or from the metal panels clicking against the roof shingles underneath it, thicker metal sheets will help.
The thicker sheets will take more wind or weight to move, which makes them more stationary during high winds or rainstorms.
The weight of the panels will stop them from moving and hitting the roof underneath, which will stop a lot of the noise.
Which Option is Best For Your Home
The multiple solutions that were stated above work for different situations, and they all cost different amounts. So, this means that they will not all work for everyone.
If you want to pick the best option for you, then you want to consider the cost of all your options, and how long it will take all of them to complete.
Work with a local contractor to help determine what would be best for your unique home. Remember that some exterior updates may require HOA approval.
So, if you need help deciding, talk to the crew that you will work with and see what the professionals would suggest for the shape and condition of your home’s roof.
Final Thoughts
If you have been thinking about getting a new roof, but not considering metal panels as a viable option because of the noise, you now know how you can fix the problem.
Metal roofs tend to be a bit noisier than other roofing materials, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to handle it or find a solution that makes it a non-issue for you.
So, take a second look at all of the solutions that we have laid out for you and you’ll be able to find a way the best choice for your home.
