Why Does Sheet Metal Make Noise

Years ago as a young builder i almost got blown off a roof while trying to carry a sheet of 4 by 8 plywood.

Why does sheet metal make noise.

While all hvac systems make some noise when they are on when there is excessive noise such as popping knocking and banging it can indicate a problem. Metal ducts have gauge ratings which reflects how strong the metal is. Most home ductwork uses a 24 26 gauge sheet metal which is a sweet spot. When following these tips some say their metal roof is even quieter than their old shingle roof.

Installing a metal roof over a solid deck with a good underlayment like double bubble and with an insulated attic airspace below makes it easy to control the noise. As ducts age the sealing fails and duct connections wiggle loose from the static pressure. Generally the noises occur after the hvac system comes on and the conditioned air begins rushing through the ductwork on its way to being delivered in your home. Amplified within the thin sheet metal enclosure of the ductwork this noise usually seems louder than it actually is.

That wobbling causes the sound waves to move differently in the sheet giving the wobbly wub wub sound. However if you take a sheet of metal which isn t tightly stretched and wham it it starts to wobble freely. Duct sheet metal may cause all sorts of noises from one or several different reasons. The lower the gauge rating the thicker and stronger the metal.

If every time you turn on the heating or cooling system the air ducts start popping and banging read the rest of this article for tips on how to reduce and even stop the noise entirely. Following are common duct noises and what may be causing the problem. Installing an underlayment between the metal roofing and the roof sheathing is a key step to reducing metal roof noise. The noises are usually caused when the thin sheet metal of the ductwork expands to accommodate the sudden change in pressure caused by the airflow.

A thick and strong metal can withstand more pressure therefore making it less likely to expand which reduces the popping noises. This is a step that must be taken during the installation process. If your roof is installed without a proper roof underlayment you will experience the kind of noise that causes people to think buying a metal roof is a bad idea.