Do you need a new roof in Nashville, TN? Are you considering metal roofing?
Metal roofing continues to become more popular in Nashville and the rest of Middle Tennessee. This isn’t surprising with how durable and reliable metal roofing is.
However, getting a metal roof is a huge and costly decision. I want you to be confident you’re making the right one.
Since 1990, Bill Ragan Roofing has provided homeowners in Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee areas with high-quality metal roof replacements. So, let’s use my 30-plus years serving the Nashville community and metal roofing experience.
By the end of this article, you’ll learn the 7 things every homeowner in our area needs to know about metal roofing in Nashville, TN.
1. The recommended metal roof system for residential roofing in Nashville, TN
There are two types of metal roof systems: exposed fastener and standing seam. An exposed fastener metal roof (also called screw down panel) is exactly what it’s called; the fasteners (screws) are left exposed on the panels.
The fasteners go through the face of the metal to attach the panels directly to the roof decking. This installation method doesn’t let the metal expand and contract as it goes through thermal expansion, which is why I don’t recommend this metal roof over living spaces.
A standing seam metal roof is a series of panels locked together at the seams with clips or seamed mechanically. It’s also called a hidden fastener metal roof because the fasteners are “hidden” under the panels.
Unlike an exposed fastener metal roof, this method allows panels to glide freely when expanding and contracting. Because of this, I always recommend a standing seam metal roof system for residential roofing in Nashville, TN.
2. The best metal types for roofing in Nashville, TN
The great thing about metal roofing is there are plenty of metal options. You should choose based on budget, personal style preferences, and how much life you want to get out of your metal roof.
Below are the most common types of metal used for metal roofing in Nashville, TN:
- Steel metal roofing
- Aluminum metal roofing
- Copper metal roofing
- Stainless steel metal roofing
- Zinc metal roofing
While all are great options with pros and cons, the availability of premium metals (copper, stainless steel, and zinc) varies. You also need to consider how the different metals react to our climate and weather in Nashville, TN.
For example, aluminum is a softer metal than steel, which makes it more prone to hail storms, which the Middle Tennessee area occasionally experiences.
3. How long metal roofing lasts in Nashville, TN
A new metal roof has a monetary ROI from the increase in your home’s value, but the main form of return is how long it'll last. With that in mind, how long a metal roof lasts in Nashville, TN depends on the type of metal roof system.
Properly installed with no maintenance, a steel screw down metal roof should last 20 years. With maintenance, you could stretch it up to 30 years.
On the other hand, you should get at least 30 years out of a steel standing seam metal roof. In the right conditions, you could even get up to 50 years.
As long as it’s properly installed and the painted finish is protected during installation, a steel standing seam metal roof will be the last roof you’ll install on your home. However, premium metals like copper, stainless steel, and zinc will last well over 50 years.
4. Metal roofing will make noise when it rains
Anytime a Nashville homeowner is interested in a metal roof, I have to mention the noise factor. You will always hear rain hitting your metal roof, but there are ways to dull it.
It’ll be quieter if it’s installed over solid decking because the wood (decking) helps absorb some of the noise. You can also add wood fiber insulation boards between your roof’s decking and metal panels to help with the noise.
These boards provide an extra layer to absorb sound but won’t completely block out a heavy downpour. With the amount of rain we get in Middle Tennessee, this is a huge consideration when deciding if metal roofing is right for you.
5. Metal roofing requires maintenance
Every roof needs maintenance, and metal roofing is no different. However, how much maintenance it needs depends on the type of metal roof system.
A standing seam roof only needs periodic maintenance around the penetrations (vent pipes, gas pipes, etc.) and to clear it of sitting debris. You can also clean the panels where they get dirty as the years pass, but this is a personal choice.
-2.png?width=500&height=409&name=ScrewDownMetalScrewsWallowed%20(2)-2.png)
(Screws wallowing out on an screw down panel roof)
On the other hand, a screw down metal roof needs yearly maintenance to check the fasteners. The pressure wallows out the washer holes as the panels go through thermal expansion, which leads to having to replace them every 5-10 years.
Failing to replace the screws during maintenance will cause leaks, and a strong storm could even tear the roof off completely.
6. How much metal roofing costs in Nashville, TN
The biggest reason more homeowners don’t have metal roofs is simply due to the cost. According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, the average cost of a new metal roof in Nashville, TN, is $40,520.
However, this general average in our area doesn’t account for different metal types, home or roof size, and other factors. It’s also specific to a standing seam metal roof, which, as you know, is the recommended choice for residential roofing.
Fortunately, I can break it down to a per-square-foot cost based on the type of metal roof system. For labor and materials, an exposed fastener metal roof costs around $4.50 to $6.50 per square foot in Nashville, TN.
Just keep in mind that you will have to pay to replace the screws throughout its life. On the other hand, a new steel standing seam metal roof costs around $16.00 per square foot in Nashville, TN.
This is over double the cost of an asphalt shingle roof, which is a price point most homeowners can’t afford.
7. Metal roofing is versatile
A new standing seam metal roof is an expensive investment most Nashville homeowners can’t afford. However, metal roofing is incredibly versatile and can be installed in plenty of places to accent asphalt shingles.
(Standing seam metal accents)
These areas include front porches, side porches, back porches, bay windows, etc. This does a lot for your home’s overall look, but it’ll still be costly.
Unfortunately, even adding a metal roof accent is still expensive enough that it won’t fit a lot of budgets in Nashville, TN. But if you have the budget for metal roofing, it’s well worth the investment.
Is metal roofing the right roofing material for your Nashville, TN, home?
Now you know 7 things every homeowner needs to keep in mind when considering metal roofing in Nashville, TN. Pricing is the biggest reason more homes in the Middle Tennessee area don’t have metal roofs installed.
If you have the budget, it’s hard to find a better roofing material. Unfortunately, you can’t decide if it’s the right roofing material for you without knowing your other options.
That’s why I wrote another article breaking down the best roofing materials for roof replacements in Nashville, TN.
If you’re ready to discuss your metal roofing project or get a new roof estimate, don’t hesitate to Get a Free Quote from us today.
Check out The 5 Best Roofing Materials for Your Home in Nashville, TN to find the right roofing material for your budget and situation.
