Memphis, TN

How Much Does a New Roof Cost in Memphis, TN?

Updated 2026 pricing for Memphis homeowners. Local material costs, labor rates, permit fees, building codes, and climate-specific recommendations for your roof replacement.

Asphalt Shingles

$6,800 – $10,200

1,700 sq ft roof

Standing Seam Metal

$11,900 – $20,400

1,700 sq ft roof

Clay / Concrete Tile

$17,000 – $25,500

1,700 sq ft roof

Average Roof Costs in Memphis by Material

Material Cost Comparison

Based on average roof size of 1,700 sq ft

Asphalt Shingles

Per Sq Ft

$4.00 – $6.00

Per Square

$400 – $600

Total

$6,800 – $10,200

Standing Seam Metal

Per Sq Ft

$7.00 – $12.00

Per Square

$700 – $1,200

Total

$11,900 – $20,400

Clay / Concrete Tile

Per Sq Ft

$10.00 – $15.00

Per Square

$1,000 – $1,500

Total

$17,000 – $25,500

* Costs include materials and installation labor at Memphis rates (labor multiplier: 0.9x vs. national average). Population: 630,000 (metro: 1.3 million).

Cost Breakdown for a 1,700 Sq Ft Roof in Memphis

Cost Component Estimated Cost
Asphalt Shingles (materials + labor) $6,800 – $10,200
Tear-Off ($115/square × 17 squares) $1,955
Disposal ($45/square × 17 squares) $765
Building Permit (Memphis) $150 – $500
Estimated Total (Asphalt) $9,670 – $13,420

This breakdown assumes one layer of old shingles to tear off. Multi-layer tear-off, structural repairs, or complex roof geometry will increase costs.

How Memphis's Climate Affects Your Roof

Hot, humid subtropical — summers regularly exceed 90°F, heavy spring thunderstorms, active hail season (March–May), ~54 inches of rain annually, and occasional tornadoes.

Severe spring storms bring hail (pea to baseball size), high winds, and torrential rain — impact-resistant shingles strongly recommended
Intense UV and heat stress — summer temperatures cause thermal expansion/contraction and accelerate shingle degradation
Year-round humidity traps moisture in roofing materials, promoting mold, mildew, and algae growth on shingles
Rapid day-night and seasonal temperature swings cause repeated expansion/contraction, loosening fasteners and cracking materials

Most Popular Roofing Materials in Memphis

1

Architectural asphalt shingles

Best price-to-performance ratio — widely available, Class 4 impact-resistant options offer up to 35% insurance discounts

2

Standing seam metal

40–70 year lifespan — reflects solar heat reducing cooling costs 10–25%, handles humidity without degradation, excellent wind resistance

3

Impact-resistant (Class 4) shingles

Specifically designed for the Memphis hail belt — insurance premium reductions of up to 35%, meets Tennessee wind-resistance standards

Memphis Roofing Details

Best Season to Roof

Early fall (September–October) is ideal — moderate temps, lower humidity, past peak storm season. Spring (March–May) is also good but carries storm delay risk. Avoid mid-summer (95°F+).

Permit Costs

Building permits in Memphis typically cost between $150 and $500. Contact your local building department for exact fees.

Wind Design Speed

115 mph

Average Roof Size

The average residential roof in the Memphis metro area is approximately 2,000 sq ft.

Memphis Building Codes & Requirements

Tennessee Residential Code (based on 2018 IRC) — all roofing must comply with Chapter 9 roof assembly standards
Shelby County local amendment exempts Memphis from IRC ice barrier requirement (unlike most of Tennessee)
Wind resistance — materials and attachment must meet wind zone requirements for 115 mph design wind speed
Permit and inspections required — City of Memphis requires building permit for all roof replacements

Memphis Metro Area

Roofing costs can vary within the Memphis metro area based on local labor markets and contractor availability. Nearby cities include:

Germantown, TN Bartlett, TN Collierville, TN Southaven, TN West Memphis, TN

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a roof replacement cost in Memphis?
For a typical 2,000 sq ft roof with architectural asphalt shingles, expect $8,000–$12,000. Metal roofing runs $14,000–$24,000. Memphis's costs are about 10% below the national average due to lower labor rates.
How long does a roof last in Memphis?
Standard asphalt shingles typically last 15–20 years in Memphis due to intense UV, heat, and storm exposure — shorter than the 20–25 year national average. Architectural shingles last 20–30 years. Metal roofs can last 40–70 years.
Are impact-resistant shingles worth it in Memphis?
Yes. Memphis sits in an active hail belt (March–May season). Class 4 impact-resistant shingles cost 10–20% more but many Tennessee insurers offer up to 35% premium reductions, often paying for the upgrade within a few years.
Do I need a permit for a roof replacement in Memphis?
Yes. The City of Memphis requires a building permit for all residential roof replacements. Your contractor typically handles the permit. Expect fees of $150–$500 depending on project scope.
Does Memphis have different roofing codes than the rest of Tennessee?
Yes. Shelby County (Memphis) has local amendments to the Tennessee Residential Code, including an exemption from the ice barrier requirement that applies elsewhere in the state. However, Memphis enforces strict permit and inspection requirements.

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