Breaking down metal roofing noise myths

By Jonny Suchor. 

It’s almost guaranteed you’ll be asked by a home or building owner if metal roofing is noisier than asphalt shingles during a storm. Find out the answer here. 

The question of whether metal roofs are noisier during rain or hail events is something home and building owners want to know. Homeowners and building owners often express concerns about potential noise issues due to metal roofs, but given the material's durability and lifespan exceeding 50 years, is the noise even an issue if it’s installed properly? 

Research from the Acoustic Group at the University of Lulea, Sweden, suggests that the difference in noise level between asphalt shingles and metal roofs during rain is minimal. While rain on asphalt shingles registers at about 46 decibels (dBA), rain on a metal roof is recorded at 52 dBA. Humans usually can't hear sound differences under eight decibels, so the slight noise difference with metal roofs often goes unnoticed, proving they're not much noisier. 

The misconception about noise levels comes from the roof's construction. For example, metal roofs without solid decking, insulation or underlayment can be loud during rain or hail due to the direct impact on the metal panels — this type of construction is typical with garages and pole buildings. However, when metal roofs are installed with proper underlayment or over existing shingle roofs, they provide noise levels comparable to other roofing materials. 

Some metal roofing systems designed to be installed over existing shingles preserve the structural integrity and the shingles serve as an extra layer of insulation. This helps reduce noise further and contributes to energy savings and indoor comfort, as does increasing insulation in the attic. 

McElroy Metal's commitment to quality and service, as demonstrated since its founding in 1963, underscores its dedication to providing solutions that meet home and building owners' needs while dispelling myths about metal roofing. 

Learn more about this metal roofing myth regarding noise levels here.