I did add some extra insulation in the attic, mostly for temperature, but it did seem to help with noise a bit. Not a miracle cure, but it took the edge off.
That’s pretty much my experience too—insulation helps, but it’s not like you’re suddenly living in a soundproof bunker. I’ve seen folks go all-in with spray foam and still hear the occasional acorn hit like a snare drum. Composite tiles are definitely quieter than metal, but the underlayment and decking make a bigger difference than most people realize. If you’ve got old, thin plywood up there, even the fanciest tile won’t save you from the “hail orchestra.”
As for pets, mine used to hide under the bed every time it rained. Swapped to a concrete tile roof last year, and now she just gives me a dirty look and goes back to sleep. Maybe she’s mellowed out, or maybe the new roof really is that much quieter. Hard to say.
Curious if anyone’s tried those synthetic underlayments instead of felt? I’ve heard they can help with both leaks and noise, but I haven’t seen much real-world feedback.
I’ve wondered about those synthetic underlayments too. I helped a buddy install one (I think it was GAF Tiger Paw?) under concrete tiles last summer. It went down way easier than felt, and he swears his attic’s a bit quieter now, but honestly, I couldn’t tell much difference standing inside during a rainstorm. Maybe it helps more with leaks than noise. Anyone else notice a real sound difference, or is it mostly hype?
I’ve put down a lot of synthetic underlayments, including Tiger Paw, and honestly, I haven’t noticed much of a sound difference either. Maybe a little less creaking when the wind kicks up, but during heavy rain? Not really. Where I do see the benefit is in durability—synthetics hold up better if the tiles take a while to go on, especially in humid climates. As for noise reduction, I’d say most of it comes from the tile itself and attic insulation rather than what’s underneath. Anyone else ever actually measure decibels before and after? I’ve always just gone by ear...
I’m actually a little surprised you haven’t noticed more of a sound difference with synthetics. When I redid my place last year (concrete tile, Florida, humid as heck), I swapped out old felt for a synthetic underlayment—GAF Deck-Armor, not Tiger Paw, but similar idea. Maybe it’s just my ears, but I swear the rain noise mellowed out. Not silent, but less of that sharp “ping” when we get those summer downpours. Could be the attic insulation too, but I didn’t touch that during the reno.
I never did a decibel test either, though. Just the “sit in the living room and listen” method. Now you’ve got me wondering if it was just in my head or if different brands of synthetic actually make a difference. Did you overlap the seams a lot or go with the minimum? I’ve heard that can affect things, especially with wind-driven rain.
On the durability side, totally agree—felt just doesn’t hold up if you get a delay with the roofers or a surprise storm. My neighbor had to tarp half his roof for a week after his old felt started to peel up, and that was a nightmare.
But back to noise, I’m curious if anyone’s tried those sound-deadening membranes under tile, like the ones they use for metal roofs. Overkill for most houses, maybe, but I wonder if it’d help for folks who are really sensitive to rain noise. Or maybe it’s just down to how thick your attic insulation is... I feel like there are so many variables, it’s hard to pin down what’s actually making a difference.
Anyway, if you ever do get around to measuring decibels, I’d love to hear what you find. I’ve always just trusted my gut (and my ears), but maybe there’s more to it than that.
But back to noise, I’m curious if anyone’s tried those sound-deadening membranes under tile, like the ones they use for metal roofs.
We actually used a sound-dampening layer (Grace Ultra) under a Ludowici clay tile install on one of our buildings. It did help with rain noise, but honestly, attic insulation made a bigger difference in day-to-day comfort. The membrane was pricey and probably overkill unless you’ve got tenants who really notice every drop. For most properties, just going with a thicker synthetic underlayment and making sure the insulation is up to spec seems to do the trick.
