5. Choose the Right Shape for Your Roofing Material – Again, this will only be an option if you’re getting a new roof. But certain roof profiles create less noise than others, Standing seam or flat panels will sit flush to your roof deck or the underlayment and rattle less.
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How do I soundproof my roof?
Drywall Ceiling – Once your metal roof is completed, you’ll be able to determine the amount of noise you’ll hear when it rains. From there, you can close everything off with drywall if it’s needed. Putting as much physical barrier between you and the metal roof is the best you can do to reduce the amount of noise.
- You can install either single layer drywall or double layer drywall.
- Single layer drywall – While a single drywall can be ineffective at blocking sound, a soundproof drywall works much better.
- Soundproof drywalls are thicker and have better soundproof quality than ordinary drywalls.
- However, they can be expensive.
Double layer drywall – Double drywall is denser and helps reduce airborne noise more effectively. It makes your ceiling thicker, creating more mass than ordinary drywall. If you decide to install ceiling drywall, contact us to get more information.
How do you deaden sound in a metal building?
Foam or Fiberglass Insulation – Spray Foam Insulation Foam and fiberglass insulation have sound-absorbent properties, making them suitable for moderate soundproofing. You can also use spray foam designed specifically for reducing noise. Spray foam insulation is a good choice for existing walls or soundproofing between levels of the metal building.
Fiberglass Insulation Fiberglass insulation also helps absorb sound due to the fibrous materials. It is suitable for soundproofing almost any area, including walls, ceilings, and flooring. Fiberglass insulation is typically sold in rolls of batting. Each roll is about 16 inches wide, designed to fit the space between standard wall studs.
Acoustic Foam Board Instead of securing multiple rolls of fiberglass insulation in the wall cavities, many people choose to use fiberglass board or foam board insulation. You can even double the insulation by adding a foam board first followed by a fiberglass board. Instead of 16 inches wide, the boards are often 4 feet wide and 8 feet tall.
Can metal be soundproof?
Perforated Metal And Sound Absorption Perforated metal serves a multitude of purposes, from lighting to aesthetics. One of its most useful functions is sound absorption, Acoustic panels effectively reduce unwanted noise by helping to disperse it. Modern buildings — especially those located in louder commercial districts — face new challenges in controlling noise.
Nothing disrupts workflow and diminishes morale like an endless background cacophony. How exactly do sound absorbing panels work, and what types of buildings can make the best use of them? Read on to learn more. How Do Sound Absorption Panels Reduce Noise? Sound absorption is not a new concept for builders.
Some of the earliest known architecture includes sound-absorbing and acoustical elements — from concert halls to public gathering spaces. As even the earliest builders knew, certain materials are more effective at absorbing sound waves, rather than reflecting them back out as echoes.
- In general, flat, non-porous surfaces have very limited ability to absorb sound waves, so those waves bounce around noisily until they diffuse on their own.
- Such soundproofing materials include concrete, brick and tile.
- However, porous or textured surfaces help to disperse sound waves on contact.
- Materials like foam padding and carpet are commonly used in building interiors for those very purposes.
Perforated metal panels are a more modern solution to noise control problems, as well. Also, because it has both indoor and outdoor applications, it is an ideal noise control material. Common Applications for Acoustic Sound Panels and Perforated Metal As noise control is a universal problem, acoustic metal panels are found in buildings of all types, both inside and outside.
Buildings near busy roads. You don’t have to be directly on a busy highway to hear the constant droning of traffic. Acoustic metal panels are an excellent way to diffuse the sounds of traffic into a much quieter ambient white noise. Facilities with machinery. From noisy factories to commercial buildings with excessively loud HVAC units — perforated metal panels can go a long way toward improving working conditions in naturally noisy settings. Concert halls and meeting places. In some settings, you want acoustics that help to amplify sound. Of course, outside of that space, you want to contain it. Perforated acoustic metal panels are a great way to separate noisy areas with their quieter surroundings.
What Can Accurate Perforating Company Do for You? At Accurate Perforating Company, we offer a wide range of options based on customer specifications. Options range from size, shape and configuration of holes to different materials suited for your indoor or outdoor environment.
Why is my metal roof so loud?
Metal Roof Thermal Expansion: Noise and Metal Roofs – When the sun heats your roof, segments will expand and move against other segments that aren’t expanding at the same rate. The friction and release of tension and energy along those segments cause the noises you hear.
- In the evening, when the sun sets and the roof cools, the opposite happens, and you may hear those same noises.
- When your metal roof is properly designed and installed — as it will be by the metal roofing experts at Mountaintop Metal Roofing — it will accommodate expansion and contraction.
- And while you may hear the occasional pops, they won’t be too loud and they won’t last for very long.
Plus, there are ways to buffer those sounds, including the addition of rigid foam insulation, which has advantages of its own that have nothing to do with noise cancellation. Keep in mind that every part of your house that is exposed to high thermal variations — your windows, door frames, plumbing, etc.
Goes through this natural process of expansion and contraction. The materials are designed and engineered to accommodate them, and they are installed with this phenomenon in mind so as to mitigate whatever popping noises and other effects they may engender. So don’t let unfounded worries about noisy metal roofs prevent you from learning about the tremendous upsides of an aluminum roofing system.
Ask someone whose roof was installed using metal roofing materials, They’ll likely tell you all about how they’re virtually maintenance-free, how they look great, and how they last much longer than traditional roofing systems. They probably won’t talk all that much about noise levels.
Why is my metal roof noisy?
Why do Metal Roofs Creak and Make Noise? – Because metal roofing is lighter than other materials, it is prone to creaking and other general noise. Generally speaking, you will hear creaking from your metal roofing and other minor noises when it rains or as the air pressure surrounding the material expands and contracts with changing weather conditions.
What’s the cheapest way to soundproof?
Frequently Asked Questions – Can a room be completely soundproof? It’s possible to completely soundproof a room, but you’ll need to address the source of the sound, its entry point, and its reflection points. Depending on these factors, you may use a sound booth, acoustic panels, acoustic foam, curtains, and/or window treatments to block incoming noise. How do I stop outside noise in my room? The best way to stop outside noise in your room is to use a sound booth or add acoustic foam and acoustic panels on walls. You may also rearrange the furniture, carpets, and rugs to help reduce incoming noise. Depending on where the noise comes from, another option is to hang blankets over sound entry points.
What is the cheapest way to soundproof a wall? The cheapest way to soundproof a wall is to use thick blankets and quilts. To block outside noise, put blankets over the walls, doors, or windows, depending on where the sound is coming from. To keep the sound in, hang blankets on both sides of the doors or inside walls.
How can I make my bedroom soundproof? One of the first things you can do to soundproof your bedroom is to use curtains, blankets, and window treatments. For example, you could hang plush, thick curtains over the windows to block traffic noise. If the noise is coming from downstairs neighbors, use thick area rugs to insulate the floor.
- Better yet, place a pad underneath the rug.
- Another option is to use acoustic foam and/or acoustic panels.
- Both options are relatively cheap and can stop noise from entering your bedroom.
- How can I soundproof a room for free? If you’re looking to soundproof a room for free, you’ll have to use what you already have at home.
Rugs, curtains, and blankets are all a good choice. You can also rearrange your furniture to dampen sounds. Start by placing bookshelves and other large pieces of furniture against shared walls. Upholstered sofas and chairs can reduce the noise coming from downstairs.
How do I reduce footstep noise from upstairs?
The best product for handling impact noise is carpet and a thick pad underlayment. For a big upgrade use our premium soundproof carpet underlayment which utilizes sound barrier bonded to a closed cell foam. Not only will this dramatically reduce footstep noise, it will also block airborne sounds between floors.
What material can block out sound?
2. Acoustic Mineral Wool Cavity Insulation – Mineral, rock or stone wool insulation, such as QuietFibre, are essentially open cell insulation materials which work very well at absorbing acoustic and thermal energies. Invariably used in cavities such as stud walls, this rather rigid material comes in different thicknesses and densities and is used in both households and commercial projects as it is quite affordable.
Uses: to soundproof walls and ceilings, make acoustic panels and bass traps, and as soundproofing insulation in various places, from residential to commercial spaces. Pros: affordable, natural material, fire and moisture resistant. Cons: need a lot of depth of the material to be effective by itself. Protective breathing gear must be worn as cutting causes slivers which lodge in the skin, or may be inhaled and irritate the lungs.
What material can deflect sound?
Sound is undeniably a very important aspect of our existence. Aside from being a major form of communication, it’s also put to task in geophysics; in aspects of signalling, location and positioning. As energy, it can be used to break down solids and degas liquids.
- Sound waves are as a result of vibrations between atoms or molecules.
- These vibrations are converted from kinetic energy to sound energy.
- It’s this energy that enables the sound waves to be propagated.
- Despite its vast applications and usefulness, this form of energy is sometimes unwanted and becomes a nuisance or hinderance.
The noise of a motor engine, external noise in a music studio, noise from a shared apartment etc.There is therefore need for a means or technique to reduce or block it. Since they are waves, sound energy can refract, reflect and maneuver around edges.
Distance : When traveling through a medium e.g air, the sound energy of the waves is gradually lost converted to vibrational (kinetic) energy in the atoms of the medium. As a result, the longer the distance the waves have to travel to reach the receptor, the more of its energy is lost. Absorption : Absorption and/or damping are complex forms of soundproofing, through the use of materials. In absorption, soundproofing is achieved by the reduction of the energy of the sound waves. When sound waves hit any surface, some get transmitted through the material, some get absorbed within the material and a percentage gets reflected (depending on the absorbing quality of the surface). The sound energy is converted to kinetic energy through vibrations, and finally to a miniscule amount of heat, through inter molecular friction. Damping: A form of absorption in which the oscillating sound waves are made to undergo resonance, with respect to the surface it hits. damping works best at low frequencies.
One might imagine that soundproofing can be achieved by any material, this is however, far from the case. There are a few materials that can effectively carry out soundproofing. Before studying some of these materials, we need to first get an understanding of what properties make these materials unique.
Density, Density is the amount of mass per volume of a substance. It is measure of how packed together, the molecules of a material are. For a material to be sound proof it has to fall within a proper density range. High enough and sound waves get damped; low enough and they get absorbed. If the material’s density is too low, the sound waves are transmitted through. If the density is too high, the waves get reflected off the material’s surface. Porosity, This property involves the use of intersiticies to alter the energy of the sound waves by expansion, compression and change in the direction of flow; resulting in loss of momentum. Porosity is an advantage in absorption and a disadvantage in blocking. Flow resistivity, This is the flow resistance to noise per unit thickness of a material. It is the most important characteristic of sound absorbers. Resistivity is dependent on tapers of the sound waves. Cell size, The individual cells of the material, have to be adequately small for the material to qualify for soundproofing. The cell size of the material must be smaller than the wave length of the sound it is meant to absorb or block. Cell arrangement is also of importance. Open cell arrangement make better absorbers, while closed cell arrangements make better blockers. Tortuosity, This is a measure of the twists and turns in the material’s cell arrangement. The more bends the sound waves have to maneuver, the more momentum they loose.
The above properties qualify a material as good for soundproofing. let us now take a look at some unique, soundproofing materials.
Polyurethane foams, Acoustic foams were first used in the mid 1970’s. Polyurethane foams are made through basic addition polymerization reaction involving a diol or polyol, a diisocyanate, and water.Acoustic foams have mostly open cells as a result of trapped gas bubbles which pop. Air passes easily, through this type foam. Polyurethane is designed as a flexible, open-cell, porous solid. Sound energy is propagated through the material by two major methods:
Sound pressure waves move through the fluid within the pores of the polyurethaneElastic stress waves are created as a result of the pressure waves, which are carried through the frame of the polyurethane
Polyurethane is quite effective at attenuating high frequency sound waves, but it does not provide low frequency isolation unless sufficient thickness is used. The porous nature of polyurethane greatly reduces acoustic reflection, but this low density also allows for the transmission of sound energy.
Felt, Felt is produced by pressing and matting fibers together. Fibres use may be natural (mostly wool) or synthetic. A blend of both is also common. Felt is durable and stable in the presence of moisture, lubricating oils, greases, salts, detergents, and is inert to many other chemicals. Its ability to bend to uneven surfaces prevents the unwanted intrusion of foreign substances beneath the load-bearing area. Felt possesses almost permanent resilience, as it is made up of millions of individual fibers. The performance of felt in sound absorbtion is as a result of its optimum density and spring. The absorption of sound waves is achieved by the vibration of individual fibres within the felt. The energy is dissipated by frictional heat loss. Due to its method of absorbtion, too dense felt would not allow for sufficient vibrations. These qualities make it excellent for industrial sound proofing. Felt is also used as a damper in musical instruments.
Polyester fibre, Polyester fibre is a man made fiber, made up of long chain synthetic polymers. They are generally known as non woven or bonded fibre fabric. They are used to make non toxic, light weight insulation products. Polyester fibre is spectacular for it’s unique blend of heavy density (approximately 2000g/m^3) and porosity. It’s sound absorbtion increases with the frequency of the sound, hence it’s most effective at high frequencies. It’s NRC rating is between 0.8 and 1.Polyester fibre is also strong with high tensile strength. Other desirable properties are it’s resistance to abrasion, fire, wrinkles, stretch, impact and wear. These properties make it an excellent soundproofing material in industrial and heavy machinery settings.
Fiber Glass, Acoustic fiberglass has the desirable combination of rigidity and being light weight. Popularly dubbed, the shape shifter of sound proofing, this material can be very easily customized, to allow for installation in the tightest of places. Glass fibre is mostly used in rooms and halls to prevent reverberations and echos.
Mass Loaded Vinyl has been applied in soundproofing since the 1960s. It is basically a viscoelastic material, such as polyvinylchloride, that is infused with an inert material, like calcium carbonate or barium sulfate. Viscoelastic materials exhibit both viscous and elastic properties. They will flow, but when the force is removed or reversed, they will go back to their original shape. This attribute, known as hysteresis, contributes to the ability of MLV to attenuate sound. It is this mechanism by which many claim that MLV “converts sound to heat”, although it is not the fundamental mean by which MLV attenuates sound. MLV basically acts like a tuned mass damper, capable of reducing the frequency of waves. When vinyl is exposed to low temperatures, it becomes very hard, but when it is exposed to high temperatures it becomes very compliant. When the elastic component becomes very stiff, the vibration modes of the sheet are tuned to a higher frequency, affecting its ability to attenuate sound at lower frequencies. As is the other way round, as the temperature increases, the MLV becomes limp, to the point where it doesn’t possess enough compliance to vibrate. Plasticizers can be used to ensure the proper compliance of the MLV over the operating temperature range. This material is very flexible and suitable for corners and bends. It’s however, expensive.
Cork, Cork is an amazing natural alternative for soundproofing. It’s the phellem layer of bark tissue, harvested from the cork oak. This material is fire proof, elastic and impermeable to an extent. Cork is so effective in soundproofing, that just 3mm of the material blocks 10decibels of sound. This amazing ability is as a result of the very cell structure and composition of the cork. Air is a great insulation material and cork is made up of 50% air. This makes it very light, with a density of 0.16g per cubic centimeter. The cells of these material are arranged as in the honey comb with each cubic centimeter meter containing an average of 40 million tiny air sealed cells. When sound energy passes through cork, the energy is converted to vibrational energy in by the air molecules. Cork is able to trap an immense amount of air molecules and this makes it an excellent insulator of sound.
Green glue, Green glue is a viscoelastic compound that insulates sound using the constrained layer damping (CLD) system. The glue is applied (sandwiched) between two rigid materials like dry wall. In CLD systems damping occurs when the viscoelastic material is sheared. When sound waves hit the rigid material, it causes it to shift in different directions. This movement results in shear forces within the green glue. The polymeric design of green glue, enables it to convert the energy from the shearing, to frictional energy, and therefore heat. Green glue is not toxic; but despite the name, it does totally work as an adhesive.
Silicone, Silicone is a good soundproofing option for tight spaces and corners. Silicone, also known as polysiloxanes has many desirable properties. It’s is mostly inert, has low thermal conductivity, is resistant to water, UV rays and provide air tight insulation. Silicone has applications in soundproofing as caulk. It’s applied in a paste form and usually cures to form a rubbery coating. This coating is air proof and so stops sound propagation by air. It’s also a great damping material and is excellent at damping mid frequency sounds.
Epoxy, Epoxies’ usefulness in soundproofing is as a result of its air resistance and damping properties. They are mostly used to supplement other soundproof materials. They can be used as adhesive when setting up soundproof material as they are more advantageous that regular glue. They can also be applied as coating.
The ratings for classifying and comparing these various materials are the noise reduction coefficient (NRC), which is for absorbers and the sound transmission class (STC), which is for blockers. The NRC rating is between 0 and 1 and its an average of how absorptive a material can be at these four frequencies – 250, 500, 1000 and 2000.
Does soundproofing work for noisy Neighbours?
Ceiling soundproofing to block the sound from noisy neighbours – Noisestop Systems range of ceiling soundproofing products will stop you from being disturbed by a noisy neighbour. The most common method to soundproof ceilings against noisy neighbours is to increase the mass and separation of the ceiling.
Can you put foam under a metal roof?
Yes. Spray foam insulation can be applied to metal panels on open decking systems after the metal panels are installed, provided the following care is taken:
Thermal spacers must be used on all metal purlins/framing to prevent rust or uneven color.All panels are properly installed and fastened securelyNo overspray of foam insulation gets onto the top side of the panelsSpray is uniformly applied: non-uniform applications can cause thermal shock and loosening of fasteners, or potentially create uneven color.Insulation should be pH neutral (non-acidic and non-alkali) to avoid corrosion of metal panels.All structures and conditions comply with prevailing building codes.All proper surface preparation and application procedures are followed per manufacturer guidelines and per SPFA-134 linked here,If possible, apply foam in an inconspicuous area to check adhesion before applying to the entire job.
The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance, an association representing leaders in the SPF industry, has created a guideline for insulating metal buildings with spray polyurethane foam. It can be reviewed by clicking here, More information is available on their website at www.sprayfoam.org.
Do metal roofs pop sound?
Metal Roof Popping Noises: Resolving Thermal Expansion Noise – I can see from your photo that you’ve got a standard gable roof where at least one end of your home has a flat gable wall that takes the full brunt of the wind. Imagine the pounds of pressure against the entire side wall when a strong wind hits it.
- The entire roof system, if not solidly braced, can and will flex to absorb this force.
- This flexing is what’s causing the popping noise.
- As for the popping noise in the morning and evening, that’s a different mechanism.
- It’s thermal expansion and contraction.
- The sun hits your roof and heats it up.
- As the lumber expands, it moves, and it will rub against other pieces of wood that aren’t moving at the same rate.
This movement creates the popping noise. When the wood cools down after sunset, the same thing happens in reverse. I’ve stopped these noises from happening in homes by adding diagonal bracing to the roof rafters or trusses. It’s best if you can incorporate 2-by-6 material and use large timber screws instead of nails.
- You want to place at least two four-inch-long timber screws through the 2-by-6 where it passes over the underside of the roof rafter or truss.
- Continued ) Remember, you can prevent metal roof popping noise by hiring the best and most experienced metal roofing contractor in your area.
- In Denver CO, Roper Roofing is the go-to roofing company with decades of experience and knowledge to provide the standard of metal roofing service you need.
Contact us today!
How can I make my colorbond roof quieter?
Tools & Resources – > > Many people like the sound of rain on a roof made from ZINCALUME® steel or COLORBOND® steel. If you don’t, and wish to reduce the rain noise, you can do so by using a glass fibre or wool blanket installed directly under the roof sheeting and pulled tight so that it is held hard against the underside of the sheeting. This has the effect of dampening the vibration and hence noise of rain drops. The blankets, which normally come in rolls and have a reflective foil bonded to one side, also have the added benefit of insulating against heat transfer through the roof sheeting into the ceiling cavity. In temperate zones they are designed to be installed with the silver side facing downward (whereas in tropical locations the silver side should face the roof sheets.) Care should be taken to ensure the blanket does not become wet as it retains moisture which could lead to deterioration of roof sheeting. This information is intended as a guide only. For detailed assistance with your particular application, please contact BlueScope Steel Direct on 1800 022 999. : Reduce Rain Noise
How do I stop my colorbond roof from making noise?
For some homeowners, Colorbond roofing is the best roofing material. It is strong and secure – a quality material through and through. It looks great and it offers life-long performance. With 20 colours to choose from, it is considerably easy to find a roof colour that will complement the style of your home whether it would be contemporary, traditional or something else.
- If you have Colorbond Roofing, here are some tips that will help maximise the use and life of your Colorbond steel.
- How to Maintain Colorbond Steel? Washing colorbond steel with water will help preserve its attractiveness and enhance its durability.
- Rainwater can actually do the trick, but you still need to hose down areas not reached by rainwater at least once a year.
In coastal areas and in areas with high density of industrial fallouts, it is important to hose down colorbond roofs frequently. If hosing down your roof does not remove all the dir, then you need to wash the surface with warm water and mild soap. You need to thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water.
How to Insulate Colorbond Roofs? Colorbond steel is thermally efficient. It helps protect your home from heat and it keeps your home cool during the summer. Home insulation is usually installed during the installation of your roof sheeting. There are two kinds of insulation that you can use with colorbond steel roofs.
You can use reflective foil laminates which are used under roof sheeting to function as heat insulator and vapour barrier. Aside from reflective foil laminates, you can also use combined foil and glass or wool insulation blanket. Your choice would depend on your area and your needs.
- How Can I Prevent Creaking? Temperature can cause your Colorbond roof to expand and contract.
- This results to all sorts of noises including creaking.
- Excessive thermal changes and poor installation can cause minor or major noise disturbances.
- You can reduce these noises if you install insulation blanket with sarking or use reflective foil laminate.
Not only will this act as heat insulator, but it also acts as vapour barrier and noise reducer. You can also opt to use steel battens in order to support your roof sheeting. Resicert Property Inspections Tip – Colorbond Roof – YouTube Resicert Property Inspections 18 subscribers Resicert Property Inspections Tip – Colorbond Roof Watch later Share Copy link Info Shopping Tap to unmute If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device.
Why do I hear loud noises coming from my roof?
I need your opinion about my roof. I’m afraid it’s going to collapse because when the wind blows, it makes a scary popping noise. It actually sounds like the roof could rip off the house. I’ve also noticed similar noises on calm days in the morning and later in the day after the sun goes down.
- Should I be concerned? Is there someone I can call to get a professional opinion so I can sleep on windy nights? — Billie A., Lawton, Okla.
- I believe that I can give you some comfort right away.
- Based on the photos you sent, it appears your roof framing is quite substantial.
- The only way for me to have full confidence would be to go into your attic and inspect all the locations where one piece of lumber is connected to another.
Fortunately, it appears it’s pretty easy to get around up in your attic because it’s a steeper roof and it was common framed instead of using prefabricated trusses. Your complaint is fairly common, and it reminds me of a house I looked at in New Hampshire not too long ago.
The wife complained about the same issues you’re having, but the popping noises happened each sunny day in the morning. All would then be quiet until after the sun went down. The wind pressure against a roof, or an entire home, can be enormous. You can demonstrate this to yourself quite easily by trying to carry something large and flat on a windy day.
Years ago, as a young builder, I almost got blown off a roof while trying to carry a sheet of 4-by-8 plywood. A sudden wind gust knocked me down, and the plywood sheet went sailing out of my hands off the roof. Luckily, no one was hurt except for the plywood.
I can see from your photo that you’ve got a standard gable roof where at least one end of your home has a flat gable wall that takes the full brunt of the wind. Imagine the pounds of pressure against the entire side wall when a strong wind hits it. The entire roof system, if not solidly braced, can and will flex to absorb this force.
This flexing is what’s causing the popping noise. As for the popping noise in the morning and evening, that’s a different mechanism. It’s thermal expansion and contraction. The sun hits your roof and heats it up. As the lumber expands, it moves, and it will rub against other pieces of wood that aren’t moving at the same rate.
This movement creates the popping noise. When the wood cools down after sunset, the same thing happens in reverse. I’ve stopped these noises from happening in homes by adding diagonal bracing to the roof rafters or trusses. It’s best if you can incorporate 2-by-6 material and use large timber screws instead of nails.
You want to place at least two four-inch-long timber screws through the 2-by-6 where it passes over the underside of the roof rafter or truss. The diagonal bracing transfers the concentrated wind load to other parts of the structure all at once, and this helps dampen the movement.
It’s best to place the diagonal braces so they run different directions, creating the letter V or W on the underside of the rafters. You want to start as low as possible near where the rafters cross over the bearing exterior walls and run the wood up as high as possible to the roof ridge. The diagonal bracing creates an extremely rigid box so the roof framing lumber moves as one giant unit instead of each piece of lumber moving on its own.
You may have great success just installing one set of diagonal bracing on each side of the roof. I’d do that before I’d put it across all the rafters. If you want to get a professional opinion before you start any of this work, you need to call in a residential structural engineer.
These skilled pros are well versed in wind loads and how to resist them. It’s a core part of their training. I prefer to work with engineers who specialize in residential work because they’re in touch with the best practices and the nuances of wood framing. Many other structural engineers work primarily with structural steel and concrete and may not give you the absolute best advice to get excellent results for the lowest investment of time and money.
Be sure you have the engineer look at the connection of the roof rafters where they sit upon the exterior load-bearing walls. If your roof ever detaches from the house, this is where it’s going to happen. The engineer may recommend that you install simple metal connectors.
Be sure to use the approved structural screws made especially for these connectors. The screws may cost a little more, but they hold so much better than a nail. If you use a cordless impact driver, you’ll have no problems installing the screws. I had to do this same thing to stabilize my outdoor deck. The person who built my deck before I moved into my home did a horrible job, and there were no structural connectors at all.
The impact driver did a superb job and saved me lots of time, money and my wrist! Need an answer? All of Tim’s past columns are archived for free access at www.AsktheBuilder.com, You can also watch hundreds of videos, download Quick Start Guides and more.
Why do I hear tapping noises on my roof?
Who’s Making Noises In My Attic In The Early Morning? – When you hear noises in the attic during the early morning, there are a few pests that could be to blame:
Birds like to hunt for food in the morning. So, if you hear noises when you first wake up, you could have birds flying in and out of your attic. Bird nests can harbor diseases and bird fecal dust can become airborne, unfortunately. People can also become sick from inhaling these materials or coming into contact with bird droppings. Ticks, fleas and mites, which can cause other pest problems, also live on birds. Squirrels are also active in the early mornings, as well as the evenings. Squirrels carry diseases, including salmonella, Lyme disease, tularemia, Leptospirosis and rabies. Bats may return to your attic in the early morning hours after a night of hunting. You will most likely hear these animals scratch, squeak and chirp as they exit at dusk as well. Bats can carry a number of potentially fatal diseases, Rabies is the most common and well-known, but bats can also carry Histoplasmosis, which affects your lungs.