“Are tin roofs noisy?” It is one of the most frequently asked questions. The truthful response: not always. The old barns with thin, unsupported tin can be quite noisy in a storm, but the metal roofs of modern buildings, properly laid, are not in any way noisier than asphalt or tile roofs. Let’s find out why, what makes noise, and the easy solutions in case your roof sounds louder than it ought to!
Why People Think Tin Roofs Are Noisy
The stereotype is based on pictures of corrugated sheets of tin nailed on the rafters, which have no deck, no insulation, and no underlayment. With such an arrangement, the rain or hail, striking metal, vibrates with great liberty, which results in the typical sound of tin. That’s real, and it’s avoidable.
Modern residential metal roofing systems use:
- Solid deck sheathing (plywood or OSB) under the metal,
- A quality underlayment or acoustic mat, and
- Proper fasteners and flashings.
Those layers break the vibration path and dramatically reduce sound. So the material alone doesn’t determine loudness; the assembly does.
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How Noisy is a Metal Roof Compared to Other Materials?
| Roof Type | Relative Noise During Rain | Notes |
| Exposed corrugated tin on purlins | High | No deck or insulation; loudest |
| Metal on solid deck + underlayment | Low-Moderate | Comparable to shingles |
| Asphalt shingles | Low-Moderate | Softens the impact of sound |
| Clay/concrete tiles | Low | Heavier, dampens noise |
| Slate | Low | Dense, excellent sound-dampening |
A properly built metal roof sits in the same ballpark as shingles for everyday rain noise. Heavy hail can sound louder on any roof, metal included, but the transient nature means it’s rarely a chronic nuisance.
Read more: How to Shingle a Hip Roof with 4 Dormers?
Practical Ways To Reduce Roof Noise
In case you feel that your tin roof may be noisy, use these good solutions:
- Add or verify solid sheathing (plywood/OSB) beneath the metal.
- Attach a rated underlayment or acoustic membrane that is a special metal roof covering.
- Seal the attic; a properly insulated attic floor will absorb sound before it reaches the living areas.
- Use a heavier metal gauge or ribbed profile; it bends less and makes less noise.
- Wherever possible, avoid exposed-fastener details: screws fitted with neoprene washers are properly seated.
- Install proper soffit and eave ventilation; improper ventilation will increase the sounds and other problems
Read more: How Long Do Wood Shingles Last?
Final Thoughts
So, are tin roofs noisy? Unless they are constructed as a barn. The noise attenuation with modern metal roofing methods and materials is significantly lower, and in many cases, the level becomes similar to that of asphalt shingles. When you plan to use a metal roof and the issue of noise arises, the difference is made in the entire roof assembly (decking, underlayment, insulation, and fastening), not in the insulation itself.
Need a second opinion on your roof assembly or ways to quiet down an existing metal roof? Reach out to ONLY Roofing! We’re happy to explain options and walk through what will work best for your home!
