Metal Roof vs. Architectural Shingles in Middle Tennessee

Asphalt shingles and standing seam metal are the two roofs most Middle Tennessee homeowners end up choosing between, whether it's for a whole house or just a porch. The choice comes down to how long you'll own the house, your budget, your neighborhood's rules and the look you want. This comparison uses HomeGuide's dated cost guides and spells out where local rules come in.

The three options

Architectural (dimensional) asphalt shingles. The standard re-roof today. Thicker and more textured than old 3-tab shingles.

Standing seam metal. Panels with raised seams and hidden fasteners. The premium metal choice for houses.

Exposed-fastener metal (corrugated or ribbed panels). Screwed through the face. Cheaper, common on barns, sheds and some porches.

Cost

A roof's area is larger than the house's footprint once you account for pitch and overhangs. Price bids by squares (100 sq ft of roof). On these ranges, standing seam usually costs roughly two to three times as much as shingles for the same roof.

Lifespan and performance

HomeGuide's figures:

• Architectural shingles: a 20 to 30 year lifespan with 30 to 50 year warranties. HomeGuide also notes a shingle roof's real lifespan is typically shorter than its warranty, except in mild climates.
• Metal: 30 to 80+ years overall, but HomeGuide says metal roofs in high-humidity climates typically last 30 to 50 years for corrugated, and longer for standing seam.
• Wind: HomeGuide says standard 3-tab shingles are rated for up to 60 mph winds and architectural shingles up to 130 mph. HomeGuide lists wind resistance among metal's advantages.
• Repairs: HomeGuide lists color-matching for repairs and, for exposed-fastener roofs, leaks from fastener wear with expansion and contraction among metal's drawbacks.
• Noise: HomeGuide says metal roofs aren't noisy when installed and insulated correctly.

If you'll be in the house 10 years, shingles usually make more sense. If it's your long-term home, standing seam's longer life can justify the price.

Local rules that affect the choice

Permits. Metro Nashville requires a permit for re-roofing; repairs of up to 33 percent of the roof area are exempt. Springfield requires a permit to replace any roof covering. Nolensville exempts roof covering replacement without structural work. See our Nolensville roofing page. Switching materials can trigger structural questions: metal over existing shingles, or new purlins, deserves a call to your building department.

Historic districts. In Metro's historic overlays, the MHZC handbook says the commission reviews the inherent color of roofing, and that roofing colors should be natural hues such as black, gray, dark green and brown. In a Historic Preservation overlay, ask staff before switching from shingles to metal on a street-facing roof. See our historic overlay guide.

HOAs. Many suburban HOAs restrict roofing materials and colors. Get approval in writing first.

Hail, wind and insurance

Severe storms are part of life in Middle Tennessee (see our storm prep guide). Ask your insurer whether material choice affects your premium or deductible before you decide. And if a roof replacement depends on a claim, Tennessee Code § 62-6-602 lets you cancel the roofing contract by written notice before midnight of the third business day after your insurer tells you in writing the claim isn't fully covered.

Questions to ask every roofer

1. Which product line and color, and what's the manufacturer's installation requirement?
2. Full tear-off, and what's the price for replacing damaged decking?
3. Underlayment, ice and water protection at valleys and eaves, and drip edge?
4. Ventilation plan (intake and exhaust)?
5. For metal: panel gauge, seam type, clip system and how penetrations are flashed?
6. Who pulls the permit, and what's the workmanship warranty?

Check licenses on Verify. See our full roofing guide for costs, permits and contractor checks.