Are Metal Roofs Noisy in the Rain? | Southern MD Guide
Are Metal Roofs Noisy in the Rains in Southern MD?
Worried about metal roof noise? Learn why professional installation in Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Charles County keeps your home quiet and durable.
In this article, you will learn:
- The truth about metal roofing noise levels during rainstorms.
- How proper insulation and substrates dampen sound.
- The benefits of choosing metal for Southern Maryland’s climate.
- Why professional installation is the key to a quiet home.
The "Drum Effect" Myth:
Why Won't Your Metal Roof Be Noisy?
If you grew up visiting an old barn or an outbuilding with a corrugated tin roof, you probably remember the deafening roar of a summer thunderstorm. It’s a nostalgic sound, but it’s not one most homeowners want in their master bedroom.
At
Backroad Construction LLC, we hear this question from clients in St. Mary’s and Calvert County all the time: "Will a
metal roofbe too noisy when it rains?"
The short answer is no. When installed correctly on a residential home, a metal roof is not significantly louder than a traditional asphalt shingle roof.
"Our metal roofing systems, along with being relatively quiet, are designed to withstand the high-wind gusts common along the Patuxent River and the humid salt air of the Chesapeake Bay coastline."
It’s All About the Layers
The "noise" people fear only happens when metal panels are fastened directly to open framing. In modern residential construction, your roof is built like a sandwich:
- The Substrate: We install panels over a solid roof deck (usually plywood or OSB).
- The Underlayment: A high-quality moisture and sound barrier is applied.
- The Attic Insulation: Your home’s existing attic insulation acts as a massive sound absorber.
When these components work together, they deaden the vibration of raindrops. In many cases, the sound of heavy rain on a metal roof is actually deeper and less "clicky" than the sound of rain on shingles, providing a peaceful environment for your family.
Why Southern Maryland Homeowners are Switching?
Beyond the noise myth, metal roofing is becoming the gold standard for the Tri-County area. With our proximity to the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers, we face high humidity and high winds.
Metal roofs offer:
- Wind Resistance: Better protection against tropical storms and Nor'easters.
- Longevity: A lifespan of 40–70 years compared to 15–20 for shingles.
- Energy Efficiency: Reflecting solar heat to lower those summer cooling bills in Charles County.
Article Take-Aways
- Installation Matters: Noise issues are a result of poor installation or lack of substrate, not the metal itself.
- Solid Barriers: Solid sheathing and modern underlayment effectively neutralize the sound of rain.
- Quiet Comfort: A professionally installed metal roof is comparable in volume to asphalt shingles.
- Southern MD Value: The durability and energy savings far outweigh any perceived noise concerns.
Contact Backroad Construction with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a metal roof attract lightning?
No. Metal roofing is no more likely to be struck by lightning than any other type of roofing material. In fact, because metal is non-combustible and a conductor, it is actually a safer material to have on your home during a storm compared to wood or shingles.
Is it more expensive than asphalt shingles?
While the initial investment for a metal roof is higher than asphalt, it is a lifetime solution. Most shingle roofs in Southern Maryland need replacement every 15–20 years due to humidity and storm damage. A metal roof can last 50 years or more, often making it the cheaper option over the long term.
Can I walk on my metal roof if I need to?
Yes, you can walk on a metal roof, but it requires care. We recommend talking to us about the specific type of panel installed to ensure you don't cause cosmetic denting. It is always safest to hire a professional for any tasks requiring roof access.
Will it make my house hotter in the summer?
Actually, the opposite is true. Metal roofs have high solar reflectance. While shingles absorb heat and radiate it down into your attic (making your A/C work harder), metal reflects the sun's rays, often leading to a 10-25% reduction in cooling costs during our humid Maryland summers.
Does it rust over time?
Modern metal roofing is treated with high-tech coatings (like Galvalume or specialized paint systems) specifically designed to prevent oxidation and rust, even in the saltier air found near the Calvert and St. Mary's coastlines.
"We recently completed a quiet metal roof installation for a barndominium to be used as an office in Mechanicsville that offers the peaceful atmosphere during the recent rains."
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