Will a Metal Roof Be Noisy During Rain or Hail?

This is one of the most common concerns Cedar City homeowners have about metal roofing, and it’s understandable. The image of rain drumming loudly on a barn’s metal roof is hard to shake. However, modern residential metal roofing installations are no louder than other roofing types during rain or hail.

Why Modern Metal Roofs Are Quiet

Solid Roof Decking The biggest factor in metal roof noise is what’s underneath the metal. Agricultural buildings and sheds often have metal panels installed directly over open rafters with no decking, which amplifies sound. Residential metal roofs in Cedar City are installed over solid plywood or OSB decking, which significantly dampens noise.

Attic Insulation Your attic insulation acts as an excellent sound barrier. The insulation that keeps your Cedar City home warm in winter and cool in summer also absorbs the sound of rain and hail hitting the roof. Most homes with adequate insulation will notice little to no difference in noise levels compared to a shingle roof.

Underlayment A quality synthetic underlayment is installed between the decking and the metal panels. This additional layer further reduces sound transmission into your home.

How It Compares to Other Roofing Types

Studies have shown that when installed with proper decking and insulation, the difference in interior noise between a metal roof and an asphalt shingle roof during rainfall is only about a few decibels - well below the threshold of noticeable difference for most people.

During hail events, metal roofs can produce slightly more noise than shingles, but the sound is still muffled significantly by the decking and insulation beneath. Cedar City homes with standard attic insulation levels typically don’t have noise issues with metal roofing.

What HAVN Construction Does Differently

When we install metal roofing in Cedar City, we ensure proper decking, underlayment, and insulation are all in place to provide a quiet, comfortable living environment. If your home needs additional insulation, we’ll recommend it as part of the project.

Have questions about metal roofing? Call HAVN Construction at (435) 572-2866 to learn more.