Roofing Materials for Middle Tennessee Homes
Red Rover Roofing installs four main types of roofing: architectural asphalt shingles, metal, specialty materials, and low-slope membrane systems. The right one for your home depends on your roof’s pitch, your HOA’s rules, how much hail and wind exposure you have, how long you plan to stay, and the look you want. This guide explains each option and connects you to the service and in-depth guides for it.
How to Choose the Right Roofing Material
Start with the shape of your roof. Steep-slope roofs can take shingles, metal, or specialty materials. Flat and low-slope sections, such as porches, additions, and some modern designs, need a membrane system built to handle standing water.
Next, consider storm exposure. Middle Tennessee gets regular hail and severe wind, so impact rating and wind warranty matter more here than in many parts of the country. Impact-resistant shingles may also lower your homeowners insurance in Tennessee, although the savings depend on your carrier.
If you live in a planned community, your HOA may limit which materials, profiles, and colors you can use. Our guide to Brentwood HOA roofing rules explains what to check before you choose.
Finally, weigh appearance and how long you plan to own the home. If you’re not sure which system fits, our roof system design and evaluation service works through those tradeoffs with you before any work begins.
Architectural Asphalt Shingles
Architectural shingles are the most common roofing material in Middle Tennessee and cover most of the homes we replace. As a CertainTeed certified contractor, we install CertainTeed Landmark shingles. They carry a UL 2218 Class 3 impact rating, a UL Class A fire rating, a wind warranty upgradeable to 160 MPH, and 25 years of StreakFighter® algae resistance.
To choose a color, browse our CertainTeed Landmark shingle color gallery with photos from real local roofs. To compare brands, read Landmark vs. Duration vs. Timberline HDZ. If you have an older TAMKO roof, our guide to TAMKO Heritage warranty claims walks through that process. When you’re ready to move forward, see our roof replacement service.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing in Middle Tennessee falls into three main categories, and standing seam is the premium choice for residential homes. Standing seam panels themselves come in two main types. Snap-lock panels connect by snapping one panel leg over the next, while mechanical-lock panels are crimped together on the roof for a tighter seam.
Our guide to metal roof systems breaks down all three categories, and the snap-lock vs. mechanical-lock comparison explains which seam fits which home. For installation, see our standing seam metal roofing service.
Specialty Roofing: Cedar, Synthetic Shake and Slate, and Tile
Specialty materials give you the look of natural wood, slate, or tile, usually on custom and higher-end homes. Synthetic options have become popular because they deliver that appearance without the weight and upkeep of the natural material. Brava synthetic slate, for example, is a composite designed to look like real slate.
Our Brava synthetic slate guide compares it with standing seam metal and real slate. Because specialty roofs call for careful planning around structure and budget, they usually start with a roof system design and evaluation.
Low-Slope Roofing: TPO, PVC, Modified Bitumen, and EPDM
Flat and low-slope sections can’t shed water the way a steep roof does, so they need a continuous membrane rather than overlapping shingles. We install TPO, PVC, modified bitumen, and EPDM, and we match the membrane to the size of the section, how much foot traffic it gets, and how it ties into the rest of your roof. See our flat roof and low-slope roofing service for details.
Roofing Materials at a Glance
| Material | Best suited for | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural shingles | Most steep-slope homes, HOA communities, full replacements | Roof Replacement |
| Standing seam metal | Long-term owners, modern and farmhouse designs, high storm exposure | Standing Seam Metal Roofing |
| Synthetic slate, shake, cedar, tile | Custom and high-end homes wanting a natural look | Roof System Design and Evaluation |
| TPO, PVC, modified bitumen, EPDM | Flat and low-slope sections, porches, additions | Flat and Low-Slope Roofing |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which roofing material is best for Middle Tennessee?
For most homes, architectural asphalt shingles offer the best balance of cost, appearance, and storm performance. Standing seam metal is the stronger choice if you plan to stay long term or want maximum wind and hail resistance. The right answer depends on your roof pitch, HOA rules, and goals, which we assess during a free inspection.
Do impact-resistant shingles lower insurance premiums in Tennessee?
They may. Some Tennessee carriers offer discounts for Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, but the amount varies by carrier and policy. Ask your agent before you choose, and read our guide on Class 4 shingles and insurance.
Does my HOA have to approve my roofing material?
In many Middle Tennessee communities, yes. HOAs can restrict the material, product profile, and color you install, so get approval before you sign a contract.
How many bundles of shingles cover a roofing square?
Three bundles cover one roofing square for standard three-tab and most architectural shingles. See our guide to bundles per roofing square for the exceptions.
More Roofing Material Guides
For in-depth comparisons and material-specific questions, browse all of our roofing materials and comparisons articles.
See Your Options on Your Own Roof
Book a free, drone-assisted inspection with Alex Hostetler, owner and certified inspector. We’ll assess your roof, bring material and color samples to your home, and give you an honest recommendation with no sales pressure.
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