One of the most common concerns Wichita homeowners raise when considering metal roofing is noise, specifically, whether a metal roof will be loud during rain or storms. Many people picture the sound of rain pounding on a barn or shed and assume the same experience applies to a residential home. In reality, that image doesn’t reflect how modern metal roofing systems are designed or installed today.
At VersaCon Roofing & Construction, we believe homeowners deserve clear, honest information before making a roofing decision. Let’s break down the most common myths about metal roof noise and explain what actually happens in real Wichita homes.
Myth #1: Metal Roofs Are Always Loud in the Rain
This is the most widespread misconception, and it’s largely untrue.
In residential construction, metal roofing is installed over solid roof decking, insulation, and underlayment, just like asphalt shingles. These layers absorb and dampen sound. As a result, rain noise on a properly installed metal roof is often no louder than rain on an asphalt roof. In many cases, homeowners can’t tell the difference at all once they’re inside.
The loud “pinging” sound people associate with metal roofs typically comes from open structures like barns, sheds, or patios where metal panels are installed without insulation or a solid deck underneath. That setup is completely different from a residential roofing system.
Myth #2: Wichita Storms Make Metal Roofs Unbearably Noisy
Wichita weather includes heavy rain, wind, and hail, so it’s reasonable to wonder how metal roofing performs during storms. While heavy rain will always be audible to some degree, no matter the roofing material, metal roofs do not amplify storm noise the way many people expect.
Hail can create a sharper sound on metal compared to asphalt shingles, but that sound is brief and doesn’t indicate damage. In fact, metal roofing often performs better structurally during hailstorms, even if the noise is more noticeable for a short time.
For most homeowners, storm noise is temporary and far outweighed by the durability benefits metal roofing provides in Kansas weather.
Myth #3: Asphalt Shingles Are Always Quieter Than Metal
It’s true that asphalt shingles can slightly muffle sound due to their layered composition. However, the difference is minimal when both systems are installed correctly. Factors like attic insulation, roof decking thickness, and interior ceiling materials play a much bigger role in how sound travels into your home than the roofing material itself.
In well-insulated homes, which are common in Wichita, metal roofing does not create disruptive noise levels. Homeowners often report that rain sounds are softer and more even, rather than sharp or echoing.
The Truth: Installation Matters More Than Material
When it comes to roof noise, installation quality is far more important than whether you choose metal or asphalt. Proper fastening, solid decking, and quality underlayment all help reduce vibration and sound transfer.
This is where working with an experienced local contractor matters. A metal roof installed correctly is designed to sit securely, expand and contract naturally, and limit unnecessary movement that can cause noise.
At VersaCon Roofing & Construction, our licensed and insured team follows industry standards and proven installation practices to ensure long-lasting performance and homeowner comfort, inside and out.
Does Roof Style Affect Noise?
Yes, the style of metal roofing can influence sound slightly, though not dramatically.
- Corrugated metal and exposed fastener systems may produce a bit more audible rain noise than metal shingles due to their panel shape.
- Metal shingles are often the quietest metal option because they are installed in smaller sections and layered similarly to asphalt shingles.
Even so, all residential metal roof styles rely on the same sound-dampening components beneath the surface.
What About Long-Term Comfort?
Some homeowners actually find the sound of rain on a metal roof calming rather than disruptive. More importantly, metal roofing offers long-term benefits that often outweigh initial concerns about noise, such as durability, longevity, and strong performance in wind-heavy Kansas storms.
When evaluating roofing options, it’s important to weigh real-world performance instead of outdated assumptions.
Making the Right Choice for Your Wichita Home
Metal roof noise is largely a myth rooted in older building practices and non-residential structures. In modern homes, a properly installed metal roof is not significantly louder than asphalt shingles during rain, and in many cases, the difference is barely noticeable.
At VersaCon Roofing & Construction, we take a straightforward, homeowner-first approach. With deep family roots in the Wichita area and decades of combined construction experience, our team is here to answer questions honestly and help you choose a roofing system that fits your home, budget, and long-term goals.
If you’re considering metal roofing or simply want to understand your options better, we’re always happy to provide clear guidance backed by local experience you can trust.