How To Soundproof Metal Roofs And Metal Doors
Metal ceilings and doors are tricky to soundproof. In this article, I’ll discuss how to do just that.
Let’s start with metal roofs.
Metal roofing is one of the most cost-effective roofing styles; it has a lifespan of forever, easy to install and quite durable. It would seem like this roofing sheet is the best among its peers but, it has a reputation for being very noisy during rainfall, sleet and hail storms.
Thankfully, there are a few things that can be done to reduce the loud noise of rain on a metal roof. Things like insulations and building barriers are effective methods to reduce noise effect: they are efficient, and you don’t have to spend a considerable amount to get it done.
No roof can completely be soundproof from natural elements like rain, hailstorm, and sleet, but there is the option of making your metal roof and door less noisy in your new building or an existing one.
Benefits of Soundproofing Metal Roofs
Before looking at the methods used to reduce the noise effect on your metal roof, there are benefits associated with cutting off metal roof noise.
- Having a conversation under a noisy roof can be stressful and frustrating, even when you are close to the person, you still have to talk at the top of your voice. Soundproofing your roof will eliminate this problem.
- After a stressful day, all you want to do is rest and have a blissful sleep. If it is on a rainy day, you might not be able to achieve this. The noise on your metal roof can keep you up all night. You want the noise reduced? Go ahead and soundproof.
- Many of us go for metal roofing because of the advantages that come with installing one. The sound though might give you a second thought. The simple solution would be to soundproof, that way you enjoy the benefit of your metal roof without having to endure the noise effect.
- Soundproofing your metal roof ensures you maintain the coolness of your home especially during the summer months.
How To Soundproof A Metal Roof
Let’s have a look at possible methods that you can adopt in providing your home with soundproofed metal roofs.
Roofing Fasteners
The manufacturer’s guide is needed for proper installation of your metal roof and door, derailing from it tends to make your roof noisy.
The noise factor associated with metal roof has a lot to do with how secure the sheets are. Also, roofing installed with few fasteners, fasteners not firm, or fasteners in the wrong place tend to move when hit by rain or hail.
Because this style of roofing sheets is lightweight, they can easily be damaged and destroyed by wind. As the roofing contracts or retracts with changes in temperature, the issue of noise can get worse over time. You can inspect and replace fasteners to reduce roof noise.
Ensure that the metal-to-wood roof screw is what was used during installation. A typical roof screw has a hex head and steel washer with rubber at the end of it to hold the metal in place. If this is different from the kind of fasteners used, you might want to change them because not only do the straps keep your sheets in place, but they also prevent water leaks.
Finishing and Insulation
Physical barriers lessen noise transmission from the roof to the interior part of the house, and installing one is where you would notice a difference.
You can reduce noise by installing a finished drywall ceiling to a room with uncompleted vault ceiling or to a fenced porch. Likewise, you can add insulation to the attic area to cut off noise transmission.
Glasswool insulators are specifically designed for use with mental roofing to prevent condensation and also an excellent solution for noise reduction as well. The idea behind using sound damping insulation is to cover as much surface area as possible.
Foam gap filler is a good alternative if you want to be thorough. Just make sure you are careful while doing this to avoid the mess foam gap filler can create.
The most effective method of all is spray foam insulation. There are companies that you can call to do this for you quickly and at a reduced rate. If you are the DIY type, there are kits available you can buy. Ensure you get the right measurements and read the instructions carefully.
Roofing Profile
The shape of the metal roofing can affect the noise level. Flat or vertical seam metal roofing hugs the roof deck and tends to vibrate less. Flatter shapes may be less noisy, than corrugated roofing (round shape).
You really would not notice the difference between the forms but, metal sheets with a higher, more complex shape tends to be stiffer and less noisy than flatter roofing materials. They’re all loud though, so you need to be practical irrespective of which you choose.
Roof Underlayment
This method might seem tricky if you are trying to soundproof an existing metal roof, but the roof underlayment could probably be the single most effective measure in noise reduction. If you’re building from scratch, it’s always a great idea.
To help you deal with the noise, install plywood or OSB at the lowest level of the roof before placing your metal sheeting. It doesn’t have to be expensive or thick.
Another good idea if you are thinking of replacing an existing roof is to cover your metal roof with what’s already there. It will work better on asphalt shingle roof but confirm first with your local building code if this style is permitted.
Ceiling
Having a completed roof determines the level of noise from your metal roof. You can close everything off with drywall.
The best you can do to reduce the noise is to put as much physical barrier between yourself and the exterior metal surface.
How To Soundproof A Metal Door
All the methods above talk about how to soundproof your metal roof, now let’s talk about how to soundproof your metal door.
The points below will help you manage your metal door from noise interference.
Close Up Gaps and Cracks
Closing cracks is the first step I would recommend because it seems like the easiest, fastest and most affordable method. Holes and crevices around your door are one of the responsible factors for letting sound through your doorway.
To determine where cracks are especially insignificant sizes, try this process.
- Turn off the light in your room.
- Ask someone to hold a torchlight at the other side of the door.
- The lights will come in through the cracks, helping you to pinpoint locations.
- You can use acoustic sealant for big cracks or red devil small gap foam for smaller cracks.
Introduce Weatherstripping Tape
I know weatherstripping tape comes from sound absorbing materials such as fiberglass. They are usually used at the bottom of garage doors to prevent dust, dirt and also to absorb sound. Often, they come with glue that allows you to set it up quickly and easily take it down.
Weatherstripping comes in different forms like rubber, adhesive-baked form and vinyl, how much you want to seal will determine your choice of weatherstripping.
Door Gaskets
Door gasket just like weatherstripping work to produce a similar result. The difference is that the gasket is a bit more expensive but also more effective.
Gasket works better on a metal door to allow the magnetic strip to have a grip on the door, sealing off external sound. This technique is not as easy as the weatherstripping and involves a little more work.
Soundproof Blankets
A moving sheet can serve as proof for your door. Surprising, but true. A moving blanket is what movers use to wrap furniture and other valuable items from cracks, bumps, and scratches. These materials are very thick and dense, and we know such materials absorb noise excellently.
These blankets are made from fiberglass and can be hung over your door while you need to shut sound out and taken down when you do not need it.
The downside to this style of soundproofing is that they are not appealing to the eye. If you are the fancy type, you might not want it hanging anywhere in your office regardless of what good it will do.
Door Sweep
Using a weatherstripping block out sound from cracks and holes around the door, but how about the most significant opening which is the space beneath the door and floor? Door sweeps are materials from sound absorbing products that keep out drafts and insects from crawling in through your door.
Bear in mind though, that this soundproofing method is not as easy to install as the weatherstripping or gasket. You need to drill the sweepers into your floor with a screw.
Door sweep conserves energy for you; they prevent your cooling air condition from escaping out through the door gaps.
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Whatever soundproofing style you have decided to use for your home, I hope this article has helped you come to a decision.
