You have some options for how to soundproof your roof. The source of the noise could influence how you approach the task. Noise results from things impacting with your roof or sound waves traveling through the air. Heavy rain is an impact noise on your roofing materials while the roar of a nearby airport or highway is sound pollution. The following soundproofing techniques either deaden the force of an impact or block sound waves from entering the living space.

Directions for How to Soundproof Your Roof

For sound-deadening painting:

1. Select a special sound-deadening paint containing rubber appropriate for applying to metal roofing.
2. Clean the roof with a power washer and allow to dry.
3. Starting at the top and working your way down, roll on paint.
4. Use three layers of paint.
5. The thick paint allows rain, hail, and tree branches to bounce when they impact the roof. The deflection of impact force dampens sound.

For roof insulating:

1. Measure your attic space and calculate surface area that you can cover with insulation.
2. Choose an insulation product such as high-density cotton, fiberglass, or spray foam.
3. For cotton and fiberglass batts, cut pieces with an insulation knife and fit between the studs and joists in the attic.
4. For spray foam, follow the product manufacturer’s directions for application. This product expands, so be careful not to add too much to any particular space.

For ceiling finishing:

1. Drywalling the ceiling of a noisy unfinished space reduces noise substantially.
2. Select regular drywall panels or invest in soundproofing drywall. If the cost of soundproofing drywall is prohibitive, you have the option of adding two layers of drywall.
3. Measure where to cut drywall panels for the ceiling.
4. Score the cut marks with a utility knife and complete the cuts with a drywall knife.
5. Attach drywall to ceiling joists with drywall screws.
6. Using a putty knife, fill seams with drywall joint compound.
7. After the joint compound dries, sand the seams smooth.

For installing underlayment:

1. Prior to installing a new roof, you can thicken the subsurface with plywood, OSB, or foam underlayment. The additional material absorbs noise.
2. Confirm that your local building codes allow for the underlayment.
3. Cut underlayment to fit the roof.
4. Nail it to the roofing deck.

For tightening roofing screws.

1. If you have a metal roof, how to soundproof your roof might only require tightening the screws. Metal roof sheets can work their screws loose over time and become noisier. As screws loosen, vibration and sheet movements increase.
2. Climb on the roof with a screwdriver.
3. Working along the seams, tighten each screw.