Is a Metal Roof Really Noisier?

There is a lot to love about installing a new roof. The safety and durability your home or business gains from this purchase cannot be overstated; and with a variety of materials now available for your roof, you can really customize it to your specific needs. Due to the little maintenance required and its long lifespan, metal roofing is becoming more and more popular. However, without a doubt, the #1 question we get asked before install is: Won’t a metal roof be loud?

Where Did This Noisy Reputation Come From?

When metal roofing was first introduced in the United States it was slow to take off. But once large-scale sheet metal factories—known as rolling mills—became more prevalent, metal roofing boomed! We see a huge rise in slim, tin plates being used around the mid-1800s. Unfortunately, this era of thin tin roofing without anything installed underneath them is exactly where metal roofing’s noisy reputation came from. The lack of a barrier between the thin metal sheets and your living or working space would make anyone feel like they’re living in a tin can—particularly if you’re in the middle of a rain or snowstorm.

Thankfully, the types of materials and the installation standards have changed significantly. Tin is rarely used anymore, and sturdier metals like Aluminum, Zinc, Steel, and Copper are now favored. There are also now standard practices in place to ensure your metal roof keeps your home and your ears protected.

The Truth About Your Metal Roof

There are very few cases in which your new metal roof will be installed directly onto your rafters. However, who you choose for your roof replacement and installation can make a big difference. There are a multitude of new ways to install metal roofs that will produce an even quieter roof than asphalt shingles and also provide long-lasting benefits to you—so choose a roofing company that can really help you reap these benefits.

Metal roof installation options and their benefits:

• Installing directly over your existing shingles: This installation can only be done if your previous roof is in good working order and your local building code allows it. This style of installation will not only allow you to reap the benefits of the noise-canceling capabilities of your previous roof, but also decrease installation costs.
• Installing over a solid underlying area: If your previous roof was in bad shape, it is likely you will need to have your old shingles removed and a solid, protective layer between your roof’s foundation and your new metal roof installed. This type of installation will keep noise to a minimum and add some increased insulation, saving you on energy bills.
• Installing with added insulation: Proper installation of your metal roof, in conjunction with added insulation in your attic, is the perfect recipe for the metal roof of your dreams. Not only will it keep noisy storms out, but it will save you on energy bills and lead to an overall more sustainable home or business.

If you are interested in installing a metal roof for your home or business, contact Divine Roofing, Inc. Our roofing experts have over 5,000 projects under our belts and have been installing metal roofs for residential and commercial properties since we opened in 2012.