Download Are Metal Roofs Noisy When it Rains?

Are Metal Roofs Noisy When it Rains?
One of the most common questions when it comes
to metal roofing is “Are metal roofs noisy when it
rains?” The answer to this question is no. This myth
stems from the metal roofs that were traditionally
used to cover barns and sheds. In these instances, the
roofs were installed over the open barn frame and
produced a louder sound when it rained. However,
Studies performed by The Acoustic Group at the
University of Luleå in Sweden determined that rain
on a standing seam metal roof produces an average
sound intensity of only 52 decibels (1). This is
equivalent to the sound of a quiet conversation at
home, which registers an average sound intensity
of 50 decibels (2). In comparison, sound is not
Eardrum Rupture
150
140
Aircraft Carrier Deck
130
Military Jet Takeoff From 50 Ft.
120
Thunder
110
Rock Concert
Garbage Truck
100
Lawn Mower
90
Food Blender
80
Vacuum Cleaner
70
Restaurant Noise
60
Rain on Standing Seam Metal Roof
52
Quiet Conversation at Home
50
Rain on an Asphalt Shingle Roof
46
Library
40
Quiet Rural Area
30
Whisper
Breathing
0 20
10
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
when a metal roof is installed on a house, it is
installed over a solid wood roof deck, which absorbs
most of the sound produced by rainfall (1). For this
reason, metal roofs are not louder, and may actually
be quieter than other roof types (3).
interpreted as annoying by most people until it
reaches the upper 70 decibels, which is four times
louder than rain on a metal roof (2). With the
exception of standing seam roofs, many metal roofing
products can reduce noise in the home by avoiding
surface-surface sound transmission. When rain hits
asphalt shingles, which are laid flush with the roof
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deck, the sound is transmitted directly through the
solid shingle into the solid roof deck and into the
home. Since sound travels most quickly through solid
surfaces, a large portion of the original sound is
transferred with minimal dampening. Alternatively,
shake, slate, and tile metal roofs allow for air gaps
between the metal roof surface and the deck surface.
Since sound travels most slowly through gases, the air
gaps deaden the sound of rain and can reduce noise
in the home. Metal roofs provide many differences
when compared to other roofing materials, most of
which are advantageous. But, in terms of the sound
of rain falling on a home’s roof, metal roofs are
no different and transmit virtually the same sound
intensity as other roofing materials.
Written By:
Source
1. “Sound Emission of Metal Roofing.” ATAS International, Inc.. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
<http://www.atas.com/ATAS/files/84/84fdf524-156e-4967-bad2-2af5ad7b9d74.pdf>.
2. “Noise Sources and Their Effects.” Purdue University, Feb. 2000. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
3. Provey, Joe. “Metal Roofs 101.” bob vila. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
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NOISE
Andrew Stephens, Sustainability Consultant
BS Chemistry and Environmental Science, University of Michigan