{"id":4849,"date":"2026-06-08T09:44:34","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T13:44:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metalroofcanada.ca\/?p=4849"},"modified":"2026-10-26T12:46:37","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T16:46:37","slug":"metal-roof-rain-noise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/metalroofcanada.ca\/en\/metal-roof-rain-noise\/","title":{"rendered":"Is a metal roof really noisy when it rains?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Metal roof rain noise: this is probably the most persistent <\/span>roofing myth<\/span><\/a>. Many homeowners hesitate to choose metal for fear of living inside a giant drum during downpours. This perception comes mainly from barns and sheds, where metal resonates loudly because there\u2019s no insulating layer underneath.<\/span><\/p>

This article compares the actual sound levels of metal and asphalt shingles, explains the crucial role of insulation and underlayment in absorbing noise, and shows why this concern shouldn\u2019t hold back your decision.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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What the data says: a 6-decibel difference\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Perceptions aren\u2019t worth much without numbers. A study conducted by the Acoustic Group at Lule\u00e5 University in Sweden measured the noise of rain on different roofing materials. The results speak for themselves.<\/span><\/p>

Rain on asphalt shingles installed over a complete roof assembly produces about 46 decibels (dBA). On a metal roof installed under the same conditions, the level reaches about 52 dBA. The actual difference is therefore only 6 decibels.<\/span><\/p>

To put this figure into perspective, the human ear generally can\u2019t distinguish differences of less than 8 decibels. A normal conversation is around 60 dBA. The link between a metal roof and rain noise therefore deserves some nuance: the sound remains well below the level of an ordinary conversation. On the other hand, a metal roof installed over open framing, like an uninsulated barn, reaches about 61 dBA. It\u2019s this situation that fuels the myth.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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The key role of insulation in absorbing noise\n\n\n\n\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Insulation is the most effective barrier between the noise of rain and your living space. Without it, the metal vibrates and transmits sound directly inside. With adequate insulation, however, the noise drops considerably.<\/span><\/p>

A layer of fibreglass or blown cellulose insulation in the attic can reduce perceived sound by 10 to 15 decibels. This reduction turns a clearly audible noise into a barely perceptible murmur. Insulation acts as an acoustic absorber that prevents vibrations from spreading to living areas.<\/span><\/p>

The type of insulation also influences the result. Blown cellulose offers better acoustic performance than batt insulation, because it fills the smallest gaps. Spray polyurethane foam also provides excellent sound absorption while sealing air leaks. Whatever material you choose,<\/span> properly installed insulation<\/span><\/a> is enough to make a metal roof as quiet as a shingle roof.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Underlayment: an extra layer of silence\n\n\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Underlayment, also called an underlayment membrane, plays a complementary role to insulation. It\u2019s installed directly between the wood deck and the metal panels. This layer creates a physical buffer that dampens vibrations before they reach the structure.<\/span><\/p>

Several types of underlayment help address metal roof rain noise:<\/span><\/p>