How loud will your barndominium's Roof be when it's raining? (2024)

Are Barndominium Roofs Loud When Raining?

Barndominiums have been growing in popularity across the U.S. in recent years. Often upcycled from old barns and sheds, they offer spacious rustic living at affordable prices. However, some interested buyers wonder – with their large spans of sloped metal roofing, are barndominiums painfully loud inside whenever it storms?

How loud will your barndominium's Roof be when it's raining? (2)

The short answer is: that they absolutely can be, but don’t necessarily have to be. A loud metal roof is a very desirable characteristic for many people building a rustic style barndominium, Barndominium roof noise during rain depends on four main variables:

How loud will your barndominium's Roof be when it's raining? (3)

Roof Panel Type
The most common metal roof options for barndominiums are corrugated galvanized steel or exposed-fastener panels. Corrugated panels in particular amplify noise as rainwater runs down the valleys and ridges. Flat, concealed-fastener metal panels offer a quieter alternative. They have an overlapping smooth surface that rain glides across without as much reverberation.

How loud will your barndominium's Roof be when it's raining? (4)

Insulation Inclusion
Adding at least some insulation when repurposing old barns dampens interior noise penetration significantly. Closed-cell spray foam insulation locks out external noise better than fiberglass batts. Installing a sound attenuation insulation like DenseGlas between roof joists and panels further deadens the acoustics.

How loud will your barndominium's Roof be when it's raining? (5)

Rainfall Intensity
Obviously loud “pounding” rain events will create more resounding noise on metal roofs than light sprinkles. So barndominium owners can expect especially heavy regional downpours like hurricanes and thunderstorms to generate louder roof noise. General rainfall produces noticeable but not usually disruptive noise.

How loud will your barndominium's Roof be when it's raining? (6)

Interior Fitments

How the interior of the barndominium gets built out also influences resulting rain noise. Gypsum board ceilings with acoustic caulking fully finished attics or installing suspended drywall ceilings significantly buffer noise. Exposed roof joists and rafters internally amplify sound. Other protectants like blown-in insulation or Full-Fill noise reduction systems also minimize echo.

How loud will your barndominium's Roof be when it's raining? (7)

In summary – a bare-bones, cavernous barndominium covered in corrugated steel offers little acoustic insulation when storms roll through. But upgrading panels, fully dressing out the interior, and strategic soundproofing provide affordable ways to reduce weather noise. Balancing project budget with desired comfort helps buyers choose the best barndominium roof noise solution.

How loud will your barndominium's Roof be when it's raining? (8)

Aaron Scott

Aaron Scott is a freelance writer and researcher that has written hundreds of articles for online companies in the area of construction, design, finance and automotive. He's a Southern boy that enjoys creek fishing, hunting and camping. He's rarely seen without his trusted beagle hound "Scooter"

How loud will your barndominium's Roof be when it's raining? (2024)

FAQs

How loud will your barndominium's Roof be when it's raining? ›

Obviously loud “pounding” rain events will create more resounding noise on metal roofs than light sprinkles. So barndominium owners can expect especially heavy regional downpours like hurricanes and thunderstorms to generate louder roof noise. General rainfall produces noticeable but not usually disruptive noise.

Are barndominiums loud when it rains? ›

Because barndominiums are typically built with metal or steel, they transfer sound more easily—especially when it's windy or raining. Even with good insulation, outside noises will be louder because of the steel exterior. If you're sensitive to loud sounds, it may be good to consider building a different type of home.

How noisy is a metal roof when it rains? ›

A metal roof installed over open framing, such as on a barn or shed, is around 61 dBA in the rain. Since most humans can't tell the difference between sounds that are less than 8 decibels apart, the noise difference between a metal roof and an asphalt shingle roof is undetectable.

How to reduce noise in a barndominium? ›

Most barns lack attics, so rainfall noise bounces right off the roof framing to echo loudly inside. Installing a dropped or suspended ceiling leaves an air gap so patter gets absorbed separate from living spaces. Use furring strips and sound-insulating drywall or ceiling tiles to enhance acoustic isolation.

Is it normal for a metal roof to make noise? ›

Because metal roofing is lighter than other materials, it is prone to creaking and other general noise. Generally speaking, you will hear creaking from your metal roofing and other minor noises when it rains or as the air pressure surrounding the material expands and contracts with changing weather conditions.

Is a metal roof on a house loud when it rains? ›

The short answer is: It depends. Metal roofs without much else, such as an open frame roof on a barn or warehouse, would be WAY louder than an asphalt shingle system. But, with a modern metal roofing system, properly installed, rain noise would be much more comparable to what we see in an asphalt shingle roof.

How noisy are barndominiums? ›

Noise. Since barndominiums often feature open floor plans and high ceilings, this layout can amplify sound. Sound-dampening insulation can reduce most noise, but a stone-coated metal roof is essential to keep the home quiet during the rain.

How do you dampen the sound of rain on a metal roof? ›

Megasorber LD5 is a water-based liquid deadener that can be painted, trowelled, rolled, or sprayed on. It has excellent bonding on metal roof panels and a high damping effect.

Are barndominiums soundproof? ›

One beloved characteristic of classically styled barndominium homes remains the pronounced acoustic presence of rainfall pattering gently across broad galvanized steel roof planes. Yet without sound mitigation provisions, the quaint effects can become overwhelming, inhabiting daily living spaces.

Are barndominiums structurally sound? ›

Barndominiums have the strength and durability that comes with being made from metal, making them just as safe or even more secure than a traditional home. The structural integrity of a barndominium also makes them last longer with less maintenance.

What is the cheapest way to insulate a barndominium? ›

The cheapest solution for insulating the barndominium walls is batt and roll insulation like 24-inch Prodex Total 5M. They are also less expensive to install than blown-in or spray foam insulation but provide less coverage.

Why is my metal roof so loud? ›

If a metal roof is installed incorrectly there will be sound. However, there are no longer people using the outdated method of installing sheets of metal directly on wood boards. Today's metal roofing is designed with sheathing that attaches to the underlayment.

Why is getting a new roof so loud? ›

Throughout the entire roof replacement project, you'll hear scraping, banging, saws, generators buzzing, and the crew walking on your roof all day. The noise will be loudest inside your home during the installation part of your roof replacement, especially if you're getting hail nailing.

Why is roofing so loud? ›

There are workers walking on the roof, ripping off the old roofing materials, and hammering in the new roofing. Chances are you'll be able to hear every footstep and driven nail. There's no way around it: a roof install is loud. Both for those living in the home and your neighbors.

What are the negatives of barndominiums? ›

If you're considering building or buying a barndominium, consider this list of downsides before you sign your name on a dotted line:
  • Location Limitations. ...
  • Financing. ...
  • Corrosion. ...
  • Noise. ...
  • UV Exposure. ...
  • Wiring Challenges. ...
  • Reselling.
Oct 19, 2022

Do barndominiums hold up in storms? ›

Barndominiums have an advantage over homes in the durability department. Constructed with metal, a barndo offers superior protection from severe weather. The steel structure of a steel barndominium has a higher wind resistance than a conventional wood frame home.

Are metal gazebos noisy in the rain? ›

Let me tell you straight up, no, a wrought iron gazebo is no noisier than other types of roofs. If you're worried about noise contaminating your garden during a storm or hailstorm, rest assured that the noise is not much louder than rain hitting other roof materials.

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