For some, the idea of being cozy indoors while listening to rain on the roof is soothing and enjoyable—unless it disrupts watching TV or holding a conversation.
Fortunately, the era of noisy roofs is behind us. Modern homes incorporate various measures to enhance thermal performance, which also significantly reduce noise from rain and hail.
Most newer homes have steel roofs constructed with insulation blankets placed between the steel roofing sheets and the sarking. These blankets not only provide an additional barrier that noise must pass through to reach the interior but also have a dampening effect on the steel, reducing noise.
Insulation in the form of batts or similar materials, placed in the ceiling cavity between the roof joists, also helps suppress noise. While standard thermal insulation reduces noise, homeowners seeking even greater noise reduction should consider acoustic insulation. This type of insulation is typically denser, further minimizing noise transmission and reverberation.
For those wanting further noise reduction, acoustic plasterboard for ceilings is an option. This plasterboard is usually thicker and has increased core density compared to standard plaster.
However, for most people, the combination of an insulation blanket and standard thermal batts will provide a comfortable environment with minimal noise, even during heavy rain.