Metal Roof Features

• Metal roofs are extremely durable, lasting as long as 60 years. The metal roofing industry fashions its roofing designs into typical tile shapes, such as asphalt shingles or cedar shake. Color and surface finish choices are abundant for consumers, creating a versatile roofing material. However, the initial cost for metal roofing installation is higher than a basic shingle installation.
  
  

Roof Construction

• Barn and awning installations are typically corrugated metal roofs attached to bare ceiling beams. Naturally, rainfall noise is loud when the roof is not insulated from the building's interior. Noise dampens through the use of solid decking, or plywood. Installers construct a solid deck across the rooftop. The metal roofing attaches above the decking, creating an insulating layer.
  
  

Alternative Roof Construction

• Existing homes with asphalt shingles can easily be re-roofed with metal. In fact, roofing companies keep the original roofing and apply the metal directly over the shingles. The shingle layers form an underlayment, or insulating layer, for dampening interior noise intrusions. In addition, homes with attics have another noise insulating layer. The attic's air space and ceiling insulation provide another method of metal roof noise reduction.
  
  

Construction Variations

• Many consumers enjoy the pitter-patter sound that rain generates against a surface. Discuss any noise preferences with the installing contractor. A contractor can alter the roofing construction, allowing some noise to infiltrate the home's interior, based on the amount of rain sounds desired.
  
  

Noise Myths

• Metal roof noise is almost the same decibel level as asphalt shingle noise. According to ATAS International, asphalt shingle noise exhibits a 46 decibel level, whereas metal roofing has a 52 decibel level. As a frame of reference, a normal spoken conversation is typically 60 decibels. Therefore, metal roofing noise is not a powerful sound, based on proper installation methods.
  
  

Metal Roofing Shape

• Metal roofing shapes and designs aid in noise reduction. Carved designs and relief textures scatter rain drops as they strike the roof's surface. This rainfall dispersal system reduces roofing noise and moves the water efficiently toward rain gutters.
  
  

Money Savings

• A metal roof provides a long-lasting shelter, as well as possible discounts on home insurance policies. Regions with high winds or flying debris are susceptible to damaged roofs. A metal roof can more easily withstand the weather elements.