Soundproofing a Metal Roof with Spectrum

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! Here are our recommended steps for soundproofing a metal roof:

1. Install Sound Deadening for Impact Noise
2. Soundproof Existing Walls with Added Density
3. Seal Gaps with Acoustic Sealant
4. Improve Insulation Material

Step #1: Add Sound Deadening for rain Noise on Metal Roof

Our liquid deadener is super easy to install to a metal roof and makes a HUGE difference. See for yourself! The video below 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 is the easiest and least time-consuming way to deaden a larger surface, but for a smaller metal roof, you could choose vibration damping sheets to deaden the noise from vibrating metal.

Step #2: Soundproof walls by Adding 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.

Step #3: 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 a soundproofing 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.

Step #4: 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.

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.