Here’s something that might surprise you: most Memphis homeowners think the cost of metal roof vs shingles is always dramatically different, but in many cases, the gap isn’t as wide as you’d expect. I’ve been roofing homes from East Memphis to Midtown for over 15 years, and I see this misconception cost homeowners thousands when they don’t explore both options properly.
Your roof is one of your biggest investments, and with Memphis’s unpredictable weather – from those sudden spring storms to our humid summers – you want to make the right choice the first time. Let me walk you through exactly what you’ll pay, when you’ll pay it, and how to navigate the entire process from your first quote to the final cleanup.
DIY vs Professional: The Honest Reality
I get it – YouTube makes roofing look manageable, and the savings seem tempting. Here’s the reality in Memphis: our subtropical climate and building codes make DIY roofing risky business.
DIY Costs:
- Materials only: $3-8 per square foot for shingles, $8-14 for metal
- Tool rental: $200-400 for a weekend
- Disposal fees: $300-600 for a typical Memphis home
DIY Risks in Memphis: Your biggest enemy isn’t falling (though that’s serious) – it’s our climate. Memphis humidity can warp improperly installed materials within months. I’ve repaired countless DIY jobs where homeowners saved $8,000 upfront but spent $15,000 fixing water damage later.
Professional Installation: When you hire a pro, you’re not just paying for labor. That rate of $34-57 per hour covers licensed expertise, proper permits, insurance, and warranty protection. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows roofers earn $22.72 per hour, but you pay more because that rate includes business overhead like commercial insurance, specialized tools, licensing fees, and worker’s compensation.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Metal Roof vs Shingles?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Here’s what Memphis homeowners actually pay in 2026:
| Roofing Type | Cost Per Square Foot | 1,500 sq ft Home | 2,500 sq ft Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Asphalt Shingles | $4.50-7.00 | $6,750-10,500 | $11,250-17,500 |
| Architectural Shingles | $6.00-9.50 | $9,000-14,250 | $15,000-23,750 |
| Standing Seam Metal | $12.00-18.00 | $18,000-27,000 | $30,000-45,000 |
| Metal Shingles | $8.50-13.00 | $12,750-19,500 | $21,250-32,500 |
These numbers include materials, labor, permits, and disposal – the complete job. I see too many contractors low-ball estimates by excluding permits ($150-300 in Memphis) or disposal fees.
Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost Per Square Foot: The Details
Shingles remain popular in neighborhoods like Cooper-Young and Germantown for good reason – they’re cost-effective and handle our weather well when properly installed.
Timeline and Payment Schedule:
- Day 1-2: Tear-off and prep work (25% payment typically due)
- Day 3-4: Installation (you’ll see rapid progress here)
- Day 5: Cleanup and final inspection (final payment due)
Hidden Costs to Budget For:
- Decking replacement: $3-5 per square foot (common in older Memphis homes)
- Ventilation upgrades: $300-800 (essential for our humid climate)
- Gutter replacement: $8-12 per linear foot
The biggest surprise for Memphis homeowners? Decking issues. Those beautiful 1940s homes in Central Gardens often need partial deck replacement, adding $1,500-3,000 to your project.
Choosing the Right Professional in Memphis
Not all roofers are created equal, especially in our market. Here’s how to separate the pros from the storm chasers who blow through after every hail event.
Red Flags:
- Door-to-door sales after storms
- Asking for full payment upfront
- No local references (ask for Germantown, East Memphis, or Midtown jobs)
- Prices significantly below market rate
Green Flags:
- Local business with established address
- Proper Tennessee licensing and Memphis permits
- References from your specific neighborhood
- Transparent pricing breakdown
I always tell homeowners to get three quotes, but make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. One contractor might quote tear-off and disposal separately while another includes it. Ask each contractor to break down their square footage calculations – you’d be surprised how often they differ.
Common Memphis Roofing Problems
Our climate creates unique challenges that out-of-town contractors often miss:
Humidity Issues: Memphis’s average humidity hits 80%+ in summer. Poor ventilation leads to condensation problems, especially in East Memphis’s older ranch homes. Budget an extra $400-600 for proper ridge venting.
Storm Damage Patterns: We get sudden, intense storms that create wind-driven rain. I see more sideways water penetration than straight-down leaks. This means proper flashing is critical – and it’s where cheap contractors cut corners.
Heat Expansion: Summer temperatures on your roof can hit 140°F+. Metal roofs expand and contract significantly, requiring experienced installation to prevent loose fasteners.
Best Timing and Seasonal Considerations
Timing your roof replacement in Memphis can save you serious money:
Peak Season (April-August):
- Highest demand, premium pricing
- Fastest scheduling for emergency repairs
- Best weather for installation
Off-Season Savings (October-February):
- 15-25% lower labor costs
- More contractor availability
- Longer lead times for scheduling
Sweet Spot (September-October):
- Good weather, lower demand
- Contractors eager to book winter work
- 10-15% savings possible
Pro tip: If your roof can wait, book your job in January for March installation. You’ll lock in off-season pricing but get good installation weather.
Step-by-Step Cost Process
Here’s exactly what happens and when you’ll pay:
Step 1: Initial Assessment (Free) Reputable contractors don’t charge for estimates. Expect 45-60 minutes for a thorough inspection, including attic checks for ventilation and decking condition.
Step 2: Detailed Quote (3-7 days) A proper quote includes material specifications, labor breakdown, timeline, and cleanup details. Total cost should include everything except potential decking replacement (which can’t be assessed until tear-off).
Step 3: Contract and Permits ($0-300) Your contractor should handle permit applications. In Memphis, residential roof permits run $150-300 depending on project size.
Step 4: Material Delivery (25% payment) Most contractors want 25% down when materials arrive. This protects both parties – you see your materials, they secure payment for supplies.
Step 5: Installation (3-7 days) Daily progress payments aren’t typical. Most contractors work on the 25% down, 75% completion model.
Step 6: Final Inspection and Payment Never pay the final 25% until you’ve done a complete walkthrough. Check gutters, landscaping, and cleanup quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do roofers make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roofers in Memphis earn an average of $22.72 per hour, which translates to about $47,250 annually for full-time work. However, experienced roofers and those running their own businesses earn significantly more. The rate you pay contractors ($34-57/hour) includes business overhead like insurance, licensing, tools, and profit margins – not just worker wages.
How much does it cost to shingle a roof?
For a typical Memphis home, complete shingle installation ranges from $4.50-9.50 per square foot depending on shingle quality. A 1,800 square foot home averages $10,000-15,000 for architectural shingles including tear-off, disposal, and installation. Basic three-tab shingles cost about 20% less, while premium designer shingles can add 30-40% to your total project cost.
How much are roof repairs?
Minor roof repairs in Memphis typically cost $300-800 for issues like replacing a few shingles or sealing small leaks. Moderate repairs like flashing replacement or fixing storm damage range from $800-2,500. Major repairs involving structural work or extensive leak damage can reach $3,000-8,000. Emergency repairs during storms often carry 25-50% premium pricing.
How much is a metal roof per square foot?
Metal roofing in Memphis ranges from $8.50-18.00 per square foot installed, depending on the style and quality. Standing seam metal (the most durable option) costs $12-18 per square foot, while metal shingles or panels run $8.50-13.00. These prices include professional installation, which is crucial for metal roofing since improper installation voids most manufacturer warranties and creates expensive problems.
The cost of metal roof vs shingles ultimately depends on your timeline and budget. While metal costs 50-100% more upfront, it lasts 40-70 years compared to shingles’ 20-30 years. For many Memphis homeowners, the long-term value makes metal worth the investment, especially if you’re planning to stay in your home long-term.
Whether you choose metal or shingles, invest in quality installation. Our climate is tough on roofs, but a properly installed roof – regardless of material – will protect your Memphis home for decades to come. Don’t let sticker shock push you toward the cheapest option; your roof is too important for shortcuts.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.