Metal has become incredibly popular in Nashville, TN, over the last five years in the residential roofing industry. This isn’t surprising considering the durability, curb appeal, and long lifespan.
However, metal roofing isn't the right roofing material for every homeowner in the Nashville area. And the reason why comes down to one thing: cost.
Unfortunately, other Nashville roofing companies avoid talking about pricing because it’s guaranteed to create sticker shock. But how can you decide if a metal roof is right for you without knowing how much it costs in our area?
At Bill Ragan Roofing, we use our 30-plus years of serving Nashville to provide homeowners like you with transparent and honest advice, even if you aren’t a customer. I want you to be confident in your decision-making on such a large purchase.
So, let’s look at an honest breakdown of metal roofing costs in Nashville, Tennessee.
By the end of this article, you’ll have the answers to the following questions:
- How much does a metal roof cost on average in Nashville, TN?
- How much does a metal roof cost in Nashville, TN, per square foot?
- How much does a metal roof cost in Nashville, TN, based on metal type?
- What impacts the cost of a metal roof in Nashville, TN?
How much does a metal roof cost on average in Nashville, TN?
According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, the national average cost for a standing seam metal roof is $49,928 and, according to the same report, the Nashville average is $40,520. However, these numbers are a general average that doesn’t account for different metal types, home or roof size, and other factors.
However, most standing seam metal roofs installed by a reputable and experienced metal Nashville roofing company will cost at least $30,000 and will most likely be higher. Now, this is specific to a standing seam metal roof, which is the recommended choice for residential roofing.
There’s also exposed fastener metal roofing (also called screw down), which is a common option for those looking for a cheaper alternative.
How much does a metal roof cost in Nashville, TN, per square foot?
Knowing the average cost of a metal roof is great, but no two roofs are the same. Fortunately, we can get more specific by breaking it down per square foot so you can apply it to your roof’s square footage. (To learn how to calculate your roof’s square footage, check out this article.)
Below is a rough cost estimation for both metal roof systems (steel specifically) per square foot in Nashville, TN. These prices are NOT exact, and should only be used for budgeting purposes.
How much does an exposed fastener metal roof cost in Nashville, TN?
An exposed fastener metal roof (also called screw down panel) is exactly what the name says; its fasteners (screws) are left exposed after installation. The panels are installed directly to the roof decking using screws and washers through the face of the metal.
This doesn’t allow the metal panels to expand and contract as they go through thermal expansion, which is why it’s not recommended for heated living spaces. For labor and materials, an exposed fastener metal roof costs around $4.50 to $6.50 per square foot in Nashville, TN.
How much does a standing seam metal roof cost in Nashville, TN?
A standing seam metal roof is a series of panels locked together at the seams with clips or seamed mechanically. Because the fasteners are “hidden” under the panels, it’s also called a hidden fastener metal roof.
Unlike an exposed fastener metal roof, the panels can glide freely back and forth when expanding and contracting. For labor and materials, a new steel standing seam metal roof costs around $16.00 per square foot in Nashville, TN.
How much does a metal roof cost in Nashville, TN, based on metal type?
As I said, the cost numbers we just covered are for steel panels. However, you have multiple metal options to choose from to fit the look, price, and lifespan you want from a new metal roof.
Because a standing seam metal roof is recommended for residential use, we’ll use it as our example. Let’s look at the five most common metals for residential roofing and how much they cost per square foot for a standing seam metal roof.
Steel
Steel is by far the most common type of metal used in residential roofing. Its popularity simply comes down to affordability and availability compared to other metal materials.
However, it’s also durable and the Kynar 500 painted finish along with its warranty are big draws. As I mentioned above, you can expect a steel standing seam metal roof to cost around $16.00 per square foot in Nashville, TN.
Aluminum
Aluminum is the lightest metal roofing material on the market, but it’s also one of the softest. While this makes it more prone to hail damage, it's still durable.
Aluminum is extremely popular in coastal climates with heavy rainfall due to its corrosion resistance, but it’s not too common in Nashville. An aluminum standing seam metal roof will cost around $18.00 per square foot in Nashville, TN.
Copper
Copper is one of the most recognizable metals in the world thanks to its distinct color and the greenish patina it develops as it ages. Its high curb appeal makes it incredibly popular among Nashville homeowners.
While high curb appeal is a big benefit, copper’s main selling point is that it’s a lifetime material. Copper is also frequently used for flashing, gutters, chimney caps, bay windows, cupolas, and more to accent other roofing materials.
A copper standing seam metal roof will cost around $40.00 or more per square foot in Nashville, TN. If you want to add copper flashing, gutters, or another accessory, the cost will be based on linear feet instead of square feet.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a premium metal roofing material that’s popularity is all due to its strength and durability. On top of being long-lasting, the panels also have great corrosion resistance because of the chromium quantities in the metal.
Putting all this together makes stainless steel a lifetime roofing material, like copper. A stainless steel standing seam metal roof in Nashville, TN, will cost around $25.00 per square foot.
Zinc
Zinc metal roofing is similar to copper with its high curb appeal and patina as it ages. But unlike copper, the patina creates a protective layer that’s corrosion-resistant and self-healing.
Like copper and stainless steel, zinc metal roofing is also a lifetime material. A zinc standing seam metal roof costs around $20.00 per square foot in Nashville, TN.
What impacts the cost of a metal roof in Nashville, TN?
Now you know how much a metal roof costs on average and per square foot in Nashville, TN (for standing seam). Most of the cost depends on the type of metal roof system and specific metal type you choose.
However, plenty of other factors directly impact the price of a new metal roof. Let’s look at them.
Metal roof system components
The metal panels make up the bulk of a metal roof system, but they’re only one piece of the puzzle. And just like the metal panels impact the cost, so do the rest of the components.
Below are the main components you’ll pay for when getting a new metal roof:
- Roof decking: The wooden boards that make up the framing of a roof.
- Starter lock strip: Lock strips hold (lock) the standing seam metal panels to the edges and prevent them from lifting during strong storms.
- Underlayment: Underlayment is a felt or synthetic material installed over roof decking to provide additional protection. High heat ice and water shield is recommended for a standing seam metal roof.
- Clips: Fasteners that hold each metal panel to the roof deck.
- Z bar: A piece of flashing 1/8th of an inch taller than the ribs that’s bent in the shape of a Z.
- Ridge capping: The trim installed at the peak where two slopes of a roof meet.
Gauge of metal
The gauge of metal is the thickness of the panels. The lower the gauge, the thicker the panels.
Because of this, your metal roof panels will increase in price the lower you go on the gauge scale (between 22 and 29). Just know that copper is measured in ounces instead of gauge and works the exact opposite way (higher ounces equals thicker panels).
Labor and time
Labor and time costs impact everything that goes into your metal roof’s installation. If anything takes time and labor, it shows up in every cost line item.
There’s no set price for labor and time because it varies from roofer to roofer. However, the manpower, time, and skill it takes to install a metal roof are huge reasons for its high price.
Roof size
The most obvious metal roof cost factor is your roof's size and square footage. Your roof’s square footage affects the amount of materials, labor, and time needed to complete the job correctly.
I use square footage because homeowners are familiar with the term, but you’ll probably hear “price per square” from a roofer. A square is simply roofing terminology for a 10x10 area that’s equal to 100 square feet of roof surface.
Roof pitch and complexity
Roof pitch is the slope (angle) of your roof, which can go from flat to almost completely vertical. The steeper the roof pitch, the more it affects a metal roof’s labor and material costs.
Roof pitch is important enough on its own, but it also goes into roof complexity. Complexity is how your roof is cut up with different facets, hips, valleys, penetrations, and stories off the ground.
Just like steepness, the cost of a metal roof increases the more complex it is. This is simply because a roof with a high number of facets at multiple angles, hips, valleys, and two or more stories off the ground is more difficult, takes longer to roof, and requires more material than a ranch-style home’s roof.
Tear-off and dump fees
Tearing off and disposing of your old roof before installing your new metal roof has a big impact on the cost. And if your roof has more than one layer, it increases cost even more.
This is due to labor and the continuous rise of the already significant fees dumpsites charge. You’ll be charged an initial labor and dump fee for the first layer plus an added cost for each additional layer.
Availability of the metal in Nashville, TN
The factors we already covered all depend on your specific roof. However, the availability of the metal type in Nashville, TN, also plays a huge role.
If the one you choose isn’t readily available in our area, material costs will be higher due to demand and/or shipping.
What else do you need to know before investing in metal roofing?
After reading this article, you now know everything about metal roofing’s cost in Nashville, TN. If you’re like most homeowners, you probably had sticker shock.
The unfortunate truth is that most Nashville homeowners won’t have the budget for a metal roof. But for those who do, it’s a matter of deciding if it’s worth the high price.
That’s why I wrote another article breaking down everything you need to know about getting a metal roof specifically in Nashville, TN.
Since 1990, Bill Ragan Roofing has provided high-quality metal roof installations and replacements in Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee areas. We're here to help you make the best decision, so don't hesitate to Request a Quote Here or call our office at (615) 242-0333 today.
Check out 7 Things to Know About Metal Roofing in Nashville, TN to continue learning if metal roofing is the right investment for you.
