Metal roofs that are not sound insulated can be quite noisy during rain storms or when hailstones hit the roof.
They can also be quite noisy when high winds blow across them. If you stay in an area with high winds, consider installing a metallic roof that is sound insulated.
Even though metal roofs can be quite noisy, they are most preferred for their longevity and energy efficiency. Metal roofs can last for decades, and they are also quite good at reflecting heat from the sun. This can help to keep your home cooler during the summer months, which can save you money on your energy bills.
Despite all these advantages, metal roofs can be quite noisy. But how do you soundproof metal roofs?
- Insulate the Attic
- Use Roof Underlayment
- Insulate the Walls
- Cover or Insulate the Ceiling
- Choose the Right Shape for Your Roofing Material
- Secure the Roof
- Maintain Your Roof
1. Soundproof the Ceiling
If you have a metal roof, you know that the noise can be quite loud when it rains. There are a few things you can do to help soundproof your ceiling and keep the noise to a minimum.
Acoustical tile is the best way to soundproof a ceiling. It is easy to install and relatively inexpensive.
They are special type of tile that is designed to improve the acoustics of a room. They are often used in offices, classrooms, and other places where good acoustics are important.
Acoustical tiles absorb sound, which reduces noise levels and makes it easier to hear speech and other sounds. You can find it at any home improvement store.
Another option is to use mass loaded vinyl, which is a heavy duty product that can be used to soundproof a ceiling or any other part of your home.
It is more expensive than acoustical tile, but it will last longer and be more effective at soundproofing your home. Finally, you can use Sound Sealant tape to seal any gaps or cracks in your ceilings. This will help to further reduce noise levels in your home.
2. Use Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam is made from two main ingredients: polyurethane and isocyanate. These two ingredients are mixed together and then sprayed onto a surface.
The mixture expands and forms a foam that hardens and bonds to the surface it is sprayed on.
Besides soundproofing spray foam insulation has a number of advantages over traditional insulation materials.
It is an effective insulator, meaning it helps to keep heat in or out of a building, depending on the spray foam used.
It also has a high R-value, which means it is effective at preventing heat transfer. Additionally, spray foam is airtight, meaning it can help to prevent drafts and other air leaks.
There are two main types of spray foam: closed cell & open cell. Closed cell spray foam insulation has a higher R-value and is better at preventing heat transfer. Open cell spray foam is less dense and is better at absorbing sound.
3. Install Textured Roof
Texture refers to how the surface of the metal roof looks, such as whether it is sleek or has bumps.
This is not the same as the roof profile, which is how the roof panels are made and put together.
By their very nature, sound waves move in straight direction and bounce off of hard, smooth surfaces. But when rough or uneven surfaces break up this straight path, the sound waves go in different directions.
This makes them less powerful. So, when it rains on a contoured roof panel instead of a smooth one, the sound should be much quieter.
This is exactly why builders choose textured roofing: it lets both light and noise pass through it, making the roof both soundproof and insulated.
4. Ensure the roof is properly secured
One of the most important things you can do to soundproof your metal roof is to make sure that it is properly secured. This means that all of the panels and pieces are fastened together securely and there are no gaps or holes in the roof itself.
If your roof is not properly secured, then the noise will be able to travel through the gaps and into your home. There are a few ways to secure your roof, but the most common method is to use screws and washers. You will want to use at least three screws per square foot of roofing material.
Check the roof regularly to ensure that it is in good condition and that there are no loose or missing tiles.
5. Use the Right Roof
When you are looking to soundproof your metal roof, one of the most important factors is the profile of the metal roof itself.
The shape of the panels will determine how much noise is able to pass through them. If you have a standing seam metal roof, for example, the seams themselves can act as channels for noise to travel through.
If you are looking for a more soundproof option, a corrugated metal roof may be a better choice. The corrugations themselves will help to deflect and absorb noise, rather than allowing it to pass straight through.
6. Use Roof Underlayment
One of the best ways to soundproof your metal roof is to use a roofing underlayment. This will help to create a barrier between the metal roof and the home, making it more difficult for noise to travel through.
Underlayment is a catch-all term used to describe any secondary layer on your roof. It’s designed to protect the roof deck and provide an additional barrier against the elements.
Asphalt-Saturated Felt: Commonly referred to as “tar paper,” this is one of the most popular types of underlayment. It’s made from layers of organic materials that are saturated in asphalt. This makes it durable and resistant to water damage.
Rubberized Asphalt: This type of underlayment is similar to asphalt-saturated felt, but it’s made with a synthetic rubber compound. This makes it even more resistant to water and moisture.
Non-Asphaltic: This type of underlayment is made from synthetic materials, like polypropylene or polyethylene. It’s lightweight and easy to install, but it doesn’t have the same level of waterproofing as asphalt-based products.
Mineral Surface Roll: Mineral surface roll is a type of underlayment that’s made from mineral-coated (usually asphalt) paper. It has a rough surface that helps it grip onto the roof deck for extra stability.
7. Maintain Your Roof
Maintain your roof by inspecting the fasteners and making sure they are tight. Look for any rusted or missing fasteners and replace them. Also, check the caulking around the base of the roof and reapply as needed.
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, so it’s important to keep it in good shape. Here are some tips on how to maintain your roof:
- Inspect your roof regularly. Look for any signs of damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, leaks, or cracks.
- Keep your gutters clean and free of debris. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and pool on your roof, which can lead to leaks or other damage.
- Trim tree branches that hang over your roof. Heavy branches can fall and damage your roof during a storm.
- Remove moss and algae from your roof periodically. These growths can hold moisture, which can damage your roof over time.
- Make sure the flashing around your chimney, skylights, and other openings is in good condition. Flashing helps to seal these openings and prevent water from leaking in.
- Have your roof inspected by a professional every few years to ensure that it’s in good condition and identify any potential problems before they become serious.
Following these tips will help you keep your roof in good shape and prevent costly repairs down the road.
Conclusion
These are the most popular ways to make a metal roof less noisy. In a strict sense, only a professional should ever touch the roof. Roofs are always dangerous to work on, so you shouldn’t try to do it yourself. So, if you’re getting a new metal roof or replacing an old one, you should always talk to the professional about what you want.
When the ceiling is being put up, it is much easier to get underlayments, decking, or other soundproofing solution. Even better, it will cost less than trying to soundproof the roof later.