• Build over solid, fully sheathed decking.
• Use high-temp, rubberised underlayment.
• Choose standing seam with concealed clips.
• Tighten clip spacing at edges/corners.
• Seal ribs and ridges with foam closures.

What people actually mean by “roof noise”

Noise wears three faces on a roof. Impact noise is the ping of rain or hail striking the top skin. Airborne noise is exterior sound slipping through the assembly. Structure-borne noise is the subtle tick, creak, or buzz from parts moving with wind or temperature. These are different mechanisms. They need different cures. I design for all three at once: mass and damping for impact, airtightness and absorption for airborne, and correct clips/seams for structure-borne movement. If you picture a drum versus a sandwich of materials, you already get it—drums resonate; sandwiches deaden. For the physics of how air and pressure drive sound through enclosures, see impact sound basics and airflow control guidance ( https://buildingscience.com/documents/digests/bsd-014-air-flow-control-in-buildings ). ( buildingscience.com )

Why barns are loud and houses are not

People remember tinny racket from farm outbuildings: thin sheet over open purlins. No deck. No membrane. No insulation. That’s a resonant pan—of course it’s loud. Residential metal in Metro Vancouver is different. We build on solid decking, add rubberised underlayment, include insulation(vented or compact), and seal edges and ribs. Four moves, four wins: mass, damping, absorption, and air control. Those turn rain from racket into background. Building-science enclosures prioritize continuous control layers (water, air, heat, vapour); when those are continuous, acoustics improve as a side effect ( https://buildingscience.com/sites/default/files/1-Intro_Enclosures.pdf ). ( buildingscience.com )

Vancouver’s climate context—and why details matter here

Vancouver isn’t merely “rainy.” We see long wetting periods, frequent showery spells, and microclimates: bayside mist, mountain wave winds, dense shade under evergreens. The airport’s long-term normals put annual rain near ~1,189 mm; North Shore foothills often record far more. That much water stresses gutters, valleys, and any tiny gap that can whistle. Quietness here rises and falls with water management, not just panel choice. When I specify metal roofing Vancouver projects, I assume persistent moisture and design drainage and ventilation accordingly. For a neutral climate baseline, see BC rainfall normals ( https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1981_2010_e.html?autofwd=1&stnID=889 ). ( Historical Climate Data ) For lifespan specifics, see metal roof lifespan Vancouver.

Anatomy of a quiet metal roof (from the skin down)

Panels and seams.

Standing seam panels interlock and float on concealed clips. That floating action suppresses gasket wear and reduces the little rattles you hear when screws are exposed to weather. Interlocks also stiffen the panel, spreading impact energy.

Coating selection.

PVDF (fluoropolymer) finishes aren’t just about colour longevity; the slick surface sheds water and grime, cutting the “drip-drum” effect where droplets cling then fall in rhythmic taps. Less residue, fewer sticky edges, fewer metronomes during long rains.

Underlayment as shock absorber.

High-temp, rubberised membranes behave like a thin damping layer between metal and deck. Heavy drops soften. Oil-can pops diminish. Heat cycling doesn’t defeat the bond. Felt or basic synthetics guard against moisture but lack this acoustic benefit.

Deck mass.

I prefer 5/8" plywood minimum. Mass kills resonance. Where hail or tall branches are common, a second layer at valleys/eaves can add quiet and robustness.

Insulation strategy.

In vented attics, mineral wool or cellulose absorbs airborne sound and slows reverb. In compact (“hot”) roofs, closed-cell spray foam bonds to the deck, shutting down resonance. Either way, continuous coverage wins; voids act like tiny drums.

Ventilation balance.

Quiet roofs still need to breathe. Balanced intake (soffit) and exhaust (ridge) prevent pressure whistles. Baffles maintain airflow without turning the ridge into a flute. Bug screens should pass air quietly rather than sing in cross-breezes.

Closures and trims.

Foam closures at eaves and ridge stop whistling through rib cavities. Hemmed panel ends change water flow so drops don’t form a steady tap off a sharp lip. Clean valleys and back-pans keep water moving silently instead of slapping.

Rain acoustics: impact, flow, and the secret life of gutters

Rain noise is impact plus what happens after impact. The panel geometry spreads contact, ribs disrupt micro-resonance, the membrane deadens, and the deck mass completes the quieting sandwich. Then the plumbing matters. Undersized or dirty gutters overflow; splash against fascia is noisy. Sharp elbows gurgle. Tight downspout turns gulp air and water together, making a coffee-percolator soundtrack. I size gutters for real storms, smooth the entries, and keep transitions gentle. That’s more acoustic than aesthetic. Vancouver’s rainfall patterns—lots of moderate events punctuated by “atmospheric river” days—reward smooth hydraulics and oversizing ( https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/index_e.html ). ( Historical Climate Data )

Wind acoustics: flutter, edge chatter, and pressure paths

Wind doesn’t just push; it sucks at edges, corners, and ridge. Those zones create the tell-tale “panel chatter” if clip spacing is too wide. We follow clip schedules by exposure category (terrain, height, distance to shore), then tighten spacing approaching perimeters. Foam closures at rakes stop air from playing the ribs like a reed. Hemmed eaves stiffen the edge and kill buzz. The engineering behind wind uplift and clip layout is well established—see guidance on clip spacing and uplift criteria for standing seam systems ( https://sheffieldmetals.com/learning-center/wind-uplifts-201/ ). ( Sheffield Metals )

Testing, standards, and why they matter to sound

You control noise by controlling movement. You control movement by choosing assemblies with known wind performance and then installing them to that spec. The metal-roof world uses ASTM methods; for standing seam, ASTM E1592 is the go-to for uplift behaviour of flexible sheet systems—panels and anchors together. If you see E1592 numbers and an engineer’s letter, you’re reading a system that resists flutter and chatter in storms ( https://www.mbci.com/blog/understanding-wind-uplift-testing-standing-seam-roof-systems/ ). ( MBCI )

Thermal movement and the occasional “click”

Metal moves with temperature. Long panels can whisper a soft click at rapid heat changes as they slip a millimetre at a clip or a long trim relaxes stress. Two notes: with the right clips and slotted fasteners the sound is rare and brief; persistent ticking signals a friction point that needs a tiny correction. I treat it like a violin string: a half-turn of relief, then quiet.

Why a well-built metal roof can be quieter than shingles

This surprises people. Over a solid deck, both shingle and metal assemblies start with the same backbone. Metal adds continuous membrane and hemmed edges, and usually gets better air control thanks to tighter trims. Impact energy spreads across rib geometry, and water moves off faster. Sound isn’t just the skin; it’s the whole assembly moving as one. That’s why quiet happens. (Looking for longevity data? See metal roof lifespan Vancouver.)

Retrofit notes: going from shingles to metal

If your deck and ventilation are sound, installing metal over existing shingles with a proper slip sheet and underlayment often reduces perceived rain noise. The old roof adds mass and texture. We still correct soft spots, re-establish intake and exhaust, and seal edges and ribs. You can’t build silence on a drum; you build it on structure.

Maintenance that preserves hush

Quiet is a habit. Seasonal rinse where salt or pollen settles. Gutters and valleys cleared before the big rains; flow beats splash. Annual inspection of flashings, closures, sealants, and accessory mounts. After major wind, a quick look for lifted trims or displaced guards. Five small habits, decades of calm. Mention it on your roof maintenance calendar and keep it as automatic as a furnace filter change. For a project built to this standard, explore our approach to a quiet metal roof Vancouver.

Common mistakes that create noise—and the fix

• Open ribs or eaves with no closures. Fit foam; hem edges.
• Clip spacing that ignores edge zones. Follow the schedule; tighten at perimeters.
• Low-temp felt underlayment. Use high-temp, rubberised damping membranes.
• Under-ventilated attics. Keep intake/exhaust continuous; baffle where needed.
• Messy gutters. Size for storms; smooth transitions; keep them clean.
• Random screws by other trades. Mount to structure with engineered brackets; curb and flash.

Design steps to make it “library quiet”

1. Assess exposure. Distance to water, typical wind, tree cover, street noise.
2. Choose the system. Standing seam with concealed clips; PVDF finish; profile for span and stiffness.
3. Set the base. Solid 5/8" deck minimum; correct soft spots; stagger seams where practical.
4. Lay the damping. Full-coverage high-temp rubberised membrane; peel-and-stick in valleys.
5. Seal the edges. Foam closures at ribs and eaves; quiet ridge vent with proper baffles.
6. Size the flow. Gutters and downspouts for real storms; smooth entries; no sharp elbows.
7. Fill the cavity. Mineral wool/cellulose in vented attics or closed-cell foam in compact builds.
8. Detail penetrations. Curbs and boots that don’t create drip metronomes or whistle slits.
9. Calibrate clips. Use the wind exposure table; tighten at corners and ridge.
10. Document and schedule. Photograph hidden layers; set a rinse/inspect calendar; keep a log.

People Also Ask

Are metal roofs louder than shingles in rain?

No. Over a solid deck with rubberised underlayment and insulated cavities, metal roofs match or beat shingles for rain sound. The “loud metal” myth comes from thin sheet over open purlins, not residential assemblies. Mass, damping, and sealed trims turn storms into background.

Will wind make a metal roof whistle?

Only if air finds paths through open ribs or restrictive vents. Foam closures at eaves and ridge, tight rake trims, and balanced intake/exhaust stop whistling. Clip spacing near edges controls flutter so panels don’t chatter when gusts load corners and ridgelines during storms.

Do concealed fasteners reduce noise?

Yes. Concealed-clip standing seam hides fasteners from UV and rain, reduces penetrations, and lets panels float with thermal cycles. That lowers gasket wear and structural tick points, which in turn cuts long-term buzzes and squeaks. It’s a core reason these systems stay quiet.

Can insulation really change how loud rain sounds?

Absolutely. Mineral wool or cellulose in vented attics absorbs airborne sound; closed-cell foam in compact roofs bonds to the deck and kills resonance. Insulation is acoustic as well as thermal. Even coverage matters more than chasing exotic thicknesses in one spot.

Is underlayment choice important for noise control?

Critical. High-temp, rubberised membranes add damping between panel and deck, softening impact and muting tiny movements that sound like ticks. Standard synthetics protect from moisture but don’t deliver the same acoustic benefit or heat tolerance under dark, sun-warmed metal skins.

What causes occasional “ticking” on hot days?

Thermal movement. As panels expand and contract, they can slip a millimetre at a clip or relax stress in a long trim. With correct clips, slots, and slip layers, ticks are rare and brief. Persistent clicking signals a friction point worth adjusting.

Does installing metal over existing shingles increase noise?

Usually the opposite. The old shingles add mass and texture, breaking up impact energy. With a slip sheet and high-temp membrane above, plus correct ventilation below, the assembly gets quieter and better controlled. We still repair deck soft spots before upgrading.

Can gutters and downspouts cause roof noise?

Yes. Overflow splashes, sharp elbows gurgle, and undersized outlets drip in steady beats. Correct sizing, smooth transitions, and clean runs keep water moving off the roof quietly, especially during Vancouver’s heavier rains. Hydraulics and acoustics are teammates on storm days.

Are ridge vents noisy in wind?

Good ones aren’t. Noise appears when screens choke airflow or gaps act like reeds. We use ridge vents that pass air quietly, add baffles, and align cuts so the ridge breathes without singing. Balanced intake at soffits prevents pressure whistles, too.

Will hail make a metal roof loud?

Impact is real, but the same sandwich wins: mass, damping, decoupling. Over a solid deck with rubberised underlayment and insulation, hail noise is muted. Rib geometry spreads energy, limiting sharp notes. Post-storm, inspect for denting and dislodged guards rather than expecting prolonged clatter.

Is spray foam under the deck better for quiet?

For compact roofs, yes. Closed-cell foam bonds the deck, shuts down resonance paths, and improves air sealing, which lowers airborne transmission. Design vapour control correctly for Vancouver’s climate so acoustic gains don’t compromise moisture safety or long-term durability.

How do I keep a metal roof quiet for decades?

Build the assembly right, then keep gutters clear, rinse seasonal buildup, and book yearly inspections. Tackle tiny issues early—tighten a trim, replace a tired closure, refresh a sealant—and you’ll prevent small sounds from becoming household myths over time.

Written by Harman, Roofer, Paragon Roofing BC (Vancouver).

Author bio: I install, inspect, and specify metal roofing systems across Metro Vancouver, with a focus on quiet, long-life assemblies that survive wind, rain, and salt-influenced air. My approach blends field pragmatism with building-science fundamentals and a safety-first mindset. Credentials: https://www.paragonroofingbc.ca/

References

• Environment and Climate Change Canada — Canadian Climate Normals, Vancouver Intl A (accessed 2025-08-17): https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1981_2010_e.html?autofwd=1&stnID=889
• Building Science Corporation — BSD-014: Air Flow Control in Buildings (accessed 2025-08-17): https://buildingscience.com/documents/digests/bsd-014-air-flow-control-in-buildings
• Sheffield Metals — Wind Uplifts 201: Engineering Criteria for Standing Seam (accessed 2025-08-17): https://sheffieldmetals.com/learning-center/wind-uplifts-201/
• MBCI — Understanding Wind Uplift Testing (ASTM E1592) for Standing Seam (accessed 2025-08-17): https://www.mbci.com/blog/understanding-wind-uplift-testing-standing-seam-roof-systems/