I've dealt with a few metal roofs on rental properties, and honestly, plywood decking underneath made a noticeable difference. Had one tenant who complained constantly about rain noise—tried foam first, didn't help much. Eventually, we added plywood decking beneath the metal sheets, and complaints dropped off almost completely. MLV might be better technically, but for cost and ease, plywood decking was the sweet spot for us. Worth considering before you spend big bucks on vinyl.
Interesting experience, I've seen plywood decking help too, but honestly, I've found green roofs do a surprisingly good job absorbing rain noise. Had a client who switched from metal to a sedum roof—noise dropped dramatically, plus the insulation boost was noticeable. Maybe not for everyone, but something to think about...
I've always wondered about green roofs, but honestly, the upkeep seems a bit intimidating. Do you find they need a lot more maintenance compared to traditional roofs? I mean, I'd love the noise reduction and insulation perks, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for gardening chores on top of everything else that comes with owning a house...
Green roofs definitely have their perks, but I'm not sure they're as high-maintenance as you're thinking. Have you considered using low-maintenance native plants or sedums instead of traditional garden plants? Those usually require minimal watering and little to no trimming. Plus, once they establish, they're pretty hardy against weather extremes. I get your hesitation about extra chores, but realistically, it might not be as demanding as regular gardening...could be worth another look?
I've had sedums on my shed roof for about five years now, and honestly, they're pretty much set-and-forget. I barely water them, maybe once or twice in a dry summer. Definitely less hassle than my veggie patch—trust me on that one...