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Are Metal Roofs Noisy? (Rain Noise Myth Explained)

October 8th, 2024

2 min read

By Jeffrey Linta

Rain on a metal roof
Are Metal Roofs Noisy? (Rain Noise Myth Explained)
3:57

Metal roofs have a reputation for being loud in the rain, but that's mostly a myth left over from old barn-style installations.

With proper decking and insulation, a modern metal roof is about as quiet as asphalt shingles. Here's what actually affects noise level, and how to make sure your installation gets it right.

Metal is just one of several materials Linta Roofing installs: Linta Roofing installs and repairs asphalt shingle, metal, tile, cedar and flat roofs, and have transparent pricing for every one of them. Linta also handles inspections, maintenance plans, emergency response, insurance claim support and full replacement.

How Installation Methods Prevent Metal Roofs from Being Noisy During a Rainstorm

When deciding to choose a metal roof, homeowners can be weary because well – they don’t want to be woken up on a rainy evening to loud pings from their roof. And we don’t blame you if that’s you! However, the standard way a metal roof is installed today makes this much less of a concern for the average homeowner. 

The most critical factor influencing how noisy a metal roof can be is how it's installed. In modern construction, metal roofing is usually attached directly to a solid roof deck—typically made of plywood or similar material. The roof decking absorbs the vibration of the sound, rather than amplifying it.

Rain hitting a metal roof showing noise during a stormImagine knocking on a solid wall versus a hollow one: the sound on the solid wall is much quieter, right? The same principle applies here. The solid surface beneath the roof muffles the noise, making rain impact indistinguishable from a traditional asphalt shingle roof. If a metal roof is installed improperly or, on rare occasions, installed over open battens, it is possible that a metal roof can be noisier than asphalt shingles. But it should be easy to find out how your metal roof will be installed by asking a trusted roofer. 

While proper installation helps mitigate the “pinging” sound of a metal roof, insulation also plays an important role.

The Role of Attic Insulation to Reduce the Noise of a Metal Roof 

Did you know that attic insulation plays a more significant role in blocking noise than the roof material itself?

In many homes, it’s the insulation above your ceiling that reduces the amount of external sound you hear. A well-insulated attic will muffle the sound of rain, regardless of whether you have a metal roof or shingles. If you notice more noise, it could be due to poor insulation rather than the roofing material. 

Ensuring your attic is properly insulated not only makes your home quieter during a rainstorm but also helps prevent a myriad of potential interior damage to your home. Proper insulation is key to avoid noise, mold, and condensation in your home whether you have a metal or shingle roof.

Should You Get a Metal Roof in an Area Prone to Rainstorms?

The greater Myrtle Beach area is prone to a lot of rain, especially during hurricane season. Which may make you feel hesitant about getting a metal roof. Given that our region frequently experiences heavy rain and strong winds, we actually recommend metal roofs to homeowners who want a durable, low-maintenance roof option.

Metal roofs are known to last much longer than a traditional asphalt shingle, making them an excellent choice for homeowners in the Myrtle Beach area. Whether it’s salty air, wind, or rain, metal roofs are sure to withstand the elements when installed properly. If you’re interested in and corrugated metal or standing seam metal roof, we’re happy to help you through the entire process so you can have peace of mind from start to finish.

That installation work comes with real manufacturer-backed protection: Linta Roofing is an IKO ROOFPRO Craftsman Premier contractor, which lets it offer IKO Extended Iron Clad Protection warranties on the materials it installs.

Jeffrey Linta

Jeffrey Linta is the CEO and owner of Linta Roofing, a third-generation roofer who took ownership of the family business in 2023. He began his career in high school with boots on the ground, working in the field and learning the roofing trade from his father before joining the company full time after college graduation. His professional credentials include GAF Master Elite Contractor, IKO ROOFPRO Craftsman Premier Contractor, GAF GoldElite Commercial Contractor, GAF presidents club award winner and SC Safe Home Certified Contractor. Under his leadership, Linta Roofing has earned recognition such as the Sun News' Best of the Beach in 2024 and 2025, an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and hundreds of 5-star customer reviews year after year. Most recently, Linta Roofing was honored with the Best Roofing Company of the Year 2025 award from Roofing Insights. Born and raised on the Grand Strand, Jeffrey is passionate about educating homeowners so they can make confident, informed decisions about their roofing investments. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing and spending time with his wife, Erica, son, Grady, and golden retriever, Dixie. To learn more about Jeffrey Linta's story, check out his interview with Roofing Insights, a nationally recognized roofing education platform: Jeffrey Linta: Building a Roofing Company Without Fear of Competitors.

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