SilenTrain Architecture - elimination of rain noise

Acoustic comfort in modern construction

The problem of noise on metal roofs is especially acute in modern construction, where sheet metal tiles and hipped roofs are increasingly used. Although these materials are durable and aesthetic, their acoustics leave much to be desired. In a typical house with metal roofing, even light rain can interfere with sleep and daily activities, especially in the attic.

Interestingly, research shows that long-term exposure to repetitive sounds above 65 decibels can lead to sleep problems and increased stress levels. For traditional metal roofs, heavy rain often exceeds this level. Acoustic measurements carried out in houses with a classic metal roof showed that during a heavy downpour, noise can reach up to 80 decibels - this is almost as loud as a vacuum cleaner working in the same room.

Traditional methods of silencing, such as an additional layer of mineral wool or soundproofing mats, are often insufficient. The problem is the very nature of the metal roofing - large, flat surfaces act as a drum membrane, amplifying and transmitting vibrations that arise from the impact of raindrops. Moreover, standard insulation solutions focus mainly on thermal insulation, leaving the issue of acoustics in the background.

With photovoltaic roofs, the situation becomes even more complicated. Traditional solar panels mounted on a supporting structure above the roof create an additional sound-reflecting surface, which can lead to an even greater deterioration in acoustic comfort. It was this observation that led our engineers to search for a comprehensive solution that would combine the advantages of a solar roof with optimal acoustic comfort.

The problem of rain noise on metal roofs is not just a matter of comfort - it can also have a real impact on the value of the property. More and more buyers are paying attention to aspects related to the comfort of life, and bothersome noise during the rain can be a significant factor in reducing the attractiveness of a home in the secondary market.

How does SilenTrain Architecture work?

Solving the noise problem in solar roofs required a completely new approach. SilenTrain Architecture is the result of many years of research and collaboration with experts in the automotive industry, where silence is a key element of comfort. Instead of fighting sound after its creation, we decided to prevent it from arising.

The system is based on three key elements that work together to create a barrier to the sounds of rain. The first is specially tempered glass with a precisely selected thickness of 4 millimeters. This is not ordinary glass - it is designed to break raindrops into smaller parts, reducing the force of impact. Imagine how an umbrella scatters raindrops - our glass works on a similar principle, but on a microscale.

The second element is a layer of cushioning material that connects the glass to the sheet. This layer, developed in collaboration with experts in the automotive industry, not only provides a durable connection, but also dissipates vibration energy. It's like an airbag for sound - it takes the energy of the impact and turns it into minimal, inaudible vibrations.

The most innovative element, however, is the sheet profile itself. Traditional flat sheet metal surfaces act as a drum membrane, amplifying the sound. Our engineers have found that the correct profiling of the sheet metal can significantly change the way it reacts to droplet impacts. In the eTile system, we use specially designed curves that eliminate the formation of sound waves. It's a bit like recording studios, where the walls are never flat - each bend scatters the sound in a different direction.

What about the part of the roof that is not covered with photovoltaic modules? Here, too, we have a solution. For the northern slopes and other inactive areas, we have developed a system of soundproofing mats made of technical felt. These mats can be easily mounted from the underside of the sheet during installation, providing a consistent level of silencing throughout the roof.

The entire system underwent rigorous testing in laboratory conditions, where we simulated different types of precipitation - from a light drizzle to an intense downpour. The results showed that SilenTrain Architecture reduces rain noise by more than 50% compared to standard tin roofs. This is the difference that you will immediately notice - instead of an annoying knock, you will hear only a gentle hum.

Practical benefits for residents

The difference between the traditional metal roof and the SilenTrain Architecture system is felt from the first rain. In a standard house with a metal roof, rain of 30 mm/h generates noise of about 75-80 decibels - a level at which it is difficult to focus on reading a book or conducting a conversation. In a house with the SilenTrain system, the same rain only generates about 35-40 decibels, which is more like air conditioning noise than a bothersome clatter.

This difference is especially appreciated at night. Homeowners with the SilenTrain system often share the same insight - for the first time in years they can sleep soundly during a downpour. Mr. Marek from Poznań, one of the first users of the system, says: “We have a bedroom in the attic and for years we have woken up with every heavy rain. Now we sleep soundly, even in a storm. It's a completely different quality of life.”

The effectiveness of the SilenTrain system has been confirmed in independent acoustic tests. Measurements by the certification laboratory showed that the system reduces sound intensity by 25-35 decibels compared to standard metal roofs. This is more than the difference between a loud conversation and a whisper. Importantly, the noise reduction is uniform throughout the frequency spectrum, which means that the system effectively suppresses both the low rumble of large droplets and the high tones of fine rain.

The silencing of the roof also has a tangible impact on the value of the property. Market analysis by independent appraisers shows that homes with premium acoustic comfort solutions often achieve 5-10% higher selling prices. This is understandable - after all, we buy not only square meters, but above all the comfort of living.

The SilenTrain system is also suitable for other atmospheric phenomena. During hail, a standard metal roof can generate noise in excess of 90 decibels. Our system reduces these sounds by more than half, protecting not only from noise, but also from mechanical damage. This is an additional security for your investment.

It is also worth mentioning the psychological aspect. Studies show that chronic noise exposure, even of moderate intensity, can lead to increased levels of stress and sleep problems. An investment in the SilenTrain system is not only acoustic comfort, but also an investment in the health and well-being of the whole family.

Moreover, the system does not require any special maintenance or additional treatments. Once installed, it will last for decades, providing the same level of silencing throughout the life of the roof. It's a “mount and forget” solution that just works, letting you enjoy peace of mind no matter the weather outside your window.