April 02, 2026
Do Metal Roofs Make Noise in the Rain?
This is the number one question we hear from Arizona homeowners considering metal roofing. The short answer: no, a properly installed metal roof is not noticeably louder than any other roofing material during rain.
The Myth
The metal-roof-is-noisy myth comes from uninsulated metal buildings — think old barns, carports, and patio covers where the metal is the only layer between you and the sky. Yes, rain hitting a single sheet of metal with no insulation underneath is loud.
The Reality
Residential and commercial metal roofs are installed over solid roof decking (plywood or OSB) with underlayment and typically attic insulation. These layers absorb sound energy before it reaches the living space. Studies by the Acoustic Group at the University of Lulea in Sweden found that rain noise on a metal roof with standard insulation is only 6 decibels louder than rain on a comparable asphalt shingle roof — a difference most people cannot detect.
Arizona Relevance
In Arizona, heavy rain is relatively rare — it happens primarily during monsoon season from June through September. Even during intense monsoon downpours, which are typically short-lived, a properly insulated metal roof produces no more noise than other roofing materials.
If Noise Concerns You
For maximum sound dampening, choose a standing seam profile over exposed-fastener R-panel. Standing seam sits flatter against the deck with no corrugation pattern to amplify sound. Add standard attic insulation (R-38 or higher) and the rain noise issue disappears entirely.
Bottom line: choose your metal roof based on performance, energy savings, and longevity. Noise is not a real-world concern with modern installation practices.
Call CopperState Panel Co. at (928) 300-5781 for a free quote.
Call us at (928) 300-5781 or request a free quote online. We guarantee to beat any Arizona distributor's price.