Insulation can help, but have you considered adding some greenery instead? A friend of mine had similar issues with noise on their metal roof and ended up installing a thin layer of sedum plants. It dampened the sound surprisingly well, plus it looks great and helps manage rainwater runoff. Might not be everyone's cup of tea, but could be worth looking into if you're open to something different...
"A friend of mine had similar issues with noise on their metal roof and ended up installing a thin layer of sedum plants."
That's actually a solid suggestion—I've seen sedum roofs work wonders myself. If you're considering it, here's a quick rundown: first, check your roof's load capacity (sedum is lightweight but still adds some weight). Next, install a waterproof membrane and drainage layer to protect the metal underneath. Then add a shallow growing medium and finally, plant your sedums. Pretty straightforward overall, but have you thought about maintenance yet?
Sedum roofs can be great, but honestly, they're not totally set-it-and-forget-it. Had a client once who was thrilled at first—plants looked amazing, noise was down—but then neglected upkeep. A year later, weeds took over and drainage got blocked. If you're willing to do occasional checks and clear debris, it's a solid solution. Otherwise, maybe look into acoustic insulation underneath instead? Just my two cents...
Good points on the sedum roofs—seen a few myself that turned into mini jungles after neglect. A bit of regular TLC goes a long way.
Back to that metal roof sample you found... did it have any markings or labels on the underside? Sometimes manufacturers stamp product codes or batch numbers there. Could help narrow down what you've got. Also, is it magnetic? Quick magnet test can help figure out if it's aluminum, steel, or something else entirely.
"Quick magnet test can help figure out if it's aluminum, steel, or something else entirely."
Good tip on the magnet test—definitely worth a shot. I once had a similar mystery piece left behind by previous owners. Thought it was aluminum at first glance, but nope, magnet stuck right to it. Turned out to be galvanized steel. Also, check closely around the edges or corners; sometimes markings fade or get painted over, but you can still make them out if you angle it just right under good lighting.
