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How to Soundproof a Metal Roof
How to Soundproof a Metal Roof
If the annoying “pitter patter” of rain drops or squirrels on your roof is driving you crazy, we feel your pain. And know that you are not alone. Metal roofing may be affordable, but the loud noises it makes during thunderstorms can be a nightmare. But don’t give up all hope! There are relatively easy ways to quiet down your roof that do not involve replacing your roofing entirely.
In this article, we will go over some of the best ways to reduce noise in your metal roof and what soundproofing materials you’ll need for the project.
If the annoying “pitter patter” of rain drops or squirrels on your roof is driving you crazy, we feel your pain. And know that you are not alone. Metal roofing may be affordable, but the loud noises it makes during thunderstorms can be a nightmare. But don’t give up all hope! There are relatively easy ways to quiet down your roof that do not involve replacing your roofing entirely.
In this article, we will go over some of the best ways to reduce noise in your metal roof and what soundproofing materials you’ll need for the project.
Types of Noise You Hear Through a Metal Roof
Before you start soundproofing your metal roof, you will need to distinguish what kind of noise you are dealing with. There are different materials and methods to be used depending on the type of noise you are hearing from your roof. Here are the two main types of sound that are likely to come from your metal roof.
Airborne Noise
Airborne noise is any sound that travels through the air from one space to another. Examples of airborne noise are cars passing by, the stereo blaring next door, or an airplane flying overhead. The best way to reduce the amount of airborne noise being transferred through to your room is to use proper soundproofing techniques, add density to the barrier, and seal around any gaps and penetrations.
Impact Noise
Impact noise is usually the culprit when dealing with a loud metal roof. Impact noise is heard when one object makes contact with another, creating vibrational energy that is transmitted through the structure and then reradiated out to be heard as sound. Raindrops hitting the roof or animals moving around on the roof are examples of impact noise.
Impact Noise: How to Reduce Rain Noise on a Roof
A metal roof is a very hard surface that will make a loud clanking sound when pretty much anything hits it, like rain for example. To preserve your own sanity, you’ll want to deaden this impact noise. Luckily, we have the perfect product for this at Second Skin!
Spectrum Spray Deadener
Spectrum Spray Deadener is super easy to install to a metal roof and makes a huge difference. See for yourself! This video shows Spectrum Spray in action being tested on a cymbal! Spectrum Spray is a viscoelastic polymer that’s formulated to quickly dissipate vibrational energy out of metal. By stopping the vibrations, the metal roof makes less sound.
To install Spectrum, you simply spray it on the metal roof using one of our spray kits. For a smaller metal roof like your backyard shed, you also could choose to apply Spectrum with a paint roller. Whichever method you choose, liquid applied sound damping will be the fastest way to deaden the roof.
Sound Deadening Mat
Spectrum Spray Deadener is the easiest to apply to a larger surface, and so we generally do not recommend our sound deadening mats. For a smaller metal roof, you could also choose Damplifier Pro though to deaden the noise from vibrating metal. But if you are looking for the easiest and least time-consuming option for stopping impact noise, Spectrum is your best bet on a large metal roof.
Soundproof a Metal Roof By Reducing Airborne Noise
Impact noise is generally the main concern when it comes to soundproofing your metal roof, but there are cases where you may need to treat airborne noise as well. The first key question to answer to stop airborne noise is “is building is framed out?” If not, the best way to stop airborne noise is to frame out the structure and build permanent walls and a ceiling with insulation behind them (all 4 walls and the roof). Use 5/8” drywall and be sure to seal up around any gaps and penetrations with acoustical sealant.
If you are dealing with extremely loud noises, you may need additional specialty soundproofing materials like our RSIC clips or mass loaded vinyl includes as part of the wall and ceiling assemblies.
Add Density to Existing Walls
If you already have existing walls inside your metal roofed building, the easiest way to soundproof an existing wall is to add an additional layer of 5/8” drywall with Green Glue between the two layers. This is the most effective and easy to install treatment if you don’t want to remove existing drywall.
Seal Up Any Gaps or Penetrations
Airborne noise travels like water, flowing towards weak points or gaps on a surface. This is why the next step is to seal the perimeter of the ceiling using an acoustical caulk. Seal around the perimeter and consider whether any penetrations are needed. Canned lights are a big “no no” if you’ve got an airborne noise issue through a metal roof. We recommend checking out our guide on soundproofing a ceiling, which dives deeper into this topic.
Add Insulation to The Metal Roof Structure
Another way to decrease the amount of audible noise coming from your roof is by adding insulation to the roof structure or attic. If you do not already have insulation in your roof structure, we highly recommend installing some. You’ll be adding sound absorptive material into the air cavity between your metal roof and the drywall, which will reduce the amount of the airborne noise bouncing around the reflective surfaces of your attic and breaking into the room below.
Insulation will also thermally insulate your home, which will help cut down on energy costs and ultimately make your metal building a more comfortable place.
Now That You Have a Soundproof Metal Roof
Once you effectively soundproof your metal roof, you can have some peace and quiet even during loud thunderstorms. The one downside of soundproofing your metal roof is that you’ll have to actually look at your weather app before you leave the house to see if it’s raining!
Feel free to reach out to one of the soundproofing experts at Second Skin if you have any more questions about an upcoming soundproofing project!