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 35-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:
According to last year's 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, the national average cost for a standing seam metal roof is $51,865 and, according to the same report, the Nashville average is $41,665. However, these numbers are a general average that doesn’t account for different metal types, home or roof size, and other factors.
On top of this, metal roofing prices are expected to keep increasing in 2026. With that in mind, a standing seam metal roof installed by an experienced metal roofing company will cost $30,000 to $50,000 in Nashville, TN, in 2026.
This range is a good starting point for roofs with up to 30 squares (3000 square feet), but most metal roofs will cost closer to $50,000 or higher once complexity is factored in.
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.
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.
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, in 2026.
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, in 2026.
So far, all the cost numbers we’ve covered have been for steel panels. However, there are other metal types homeowners choose for a number of reasons.
Below are the five most commonly used metals for residential roofing and how much they cost per square foot for a full standing seam metal roof in 2026, including labor and material costs.
Metal Material |
2026 Metal Roofing Price Per Square foot in Nashville, TN |
| Steel | $16.00 per square foot |
| Aluminum | $18.00 per square foot |
| Zinc | $20.00 per square foot |
| Stainless Steel | $25.00 per square foot |
| Copper | $30.00 per square foot |
Most Nashville homeowners choose steel because of the affordability and availability. However, copper is also popular due to its curb appeal and "lifetime" material status.
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.
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:
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.