Top Roof Replacement & Installation in Memphis, Tennessee Ranked

Replacing your roof in Memphis is a significant investment in protecting your home from the city's unique and demanding climate. The humid subtropical weather, characterized by intense summer heat, high humidity, and frequent severe storms, makes choosing the right roofing system a critical decision for long-term durability and performance. From selecting materials that can withstand hail and high winds to ensuring proper installation for moisture management, a successful roof replacement project requires careful planning and expert execution. This guide provides essential information to help Memphis homeowners navigate the process, from material selection and cost considerations to understanding timelines and local weather challenges.

Wells Roofing and Remodeling

5118 Park Ave suite 114, Memphis, TN 38117

Wells Roofing and Remodeling is a roofing and exterior services company based in Memphis, TN. They provide residential and commercial roof repair, replacement, and inspection services, including metal roofing and standing seam installations. Their offerings extend to exterior painting, gutter repairs, steeple repair and replacement, as well as water damage mitigation and restoration. Wells Roofing and Remodeling supports clients through insurance claims and offers roofs with 20-30 year warranties. They have experience working with homes, churches, and businesses in the Memphis area.

5.0

1.1k Reviews

ContractingPRO

9277 Cordova Park Rd, Cordova, TN 38018

ContractingPRO is a family-owned remodeling company serving homeowners and businesses in Memphis, TN. Since 2012, they have provided exterior remodeling services including roofing installation, roof replacement, and roof leak repairs. The company is known for handling various home improvement projects such as siding, gutters, and windows, with a focus on quality products and project management. ContractingPRO offers 24/7 online project tracking through their customer portal, supporting clients throughout the remodeling process.

5.0

491 Reviews

K&M Roofing & Exteriors

764 Walnut Knoll Ln #102, Cordova, TN 38018

K&M Roofing & Exteriors is a licensed, bonded, and insured roofing company serving Memphis, TN, and the surrounding Mid-South communities. They offer a range of roofing services including installation, replacement, repairs, inspections, and certifications for both residential and commercial properties. The company also provides gutter installation, soffit and fascia services, and emergency roof repairs. With experienced and certified roofers, K&M Roofing & Exteriors uses high-quality materials and industry-leading techniques to ensure durable and weather-resistant roofs that meet local building codes. They have built a reputation for thorough roof inspections and handling insurance claims efficiently. The company emphasizes local knowledge to address the specific challenges posed by Memphis weather conditions and offers emergency roofing services to protect properties from unexpected damage.

5.0

451 Reviews

Elite Roofing Solutions

8360 Memphis Arlington Rd, Memphis, TN 38133

Elite Roofing Solutions is a roofing contractor based in Memphis, TN, offering roof repair and installation services for both residential and commercial clients. Serving Memphis and nearby areas such as Bartlett, Germantown, and Collierville, they specialize in roof replacement and leak repairs. With nearly a decade of experience, Elite Roofing Solutions has the tools and expertise to handle complex roofing projects efficiently. They also assist customers with insurance claims to facilitate roof replacements when needed.

5.0

250 Reviews

Zion Roof & Restorations

803 Mt Moriah Rd, Memphis, TN 38117

Zion Roof & Restorations is a locally owned and family-operated roofing company based in Memphis, TN. They provide roofing repair, replacement, and inspection services, serving Memphis and surrounding areas including Germantown, Collierville, Arlington, and more. The company specializes in handling insurance claims and offers comprehensive roofing solutions designed for durability and weather resistance. Zion Roof & Restorations uses high-quality materials and industry-leading techniques to ensure strong and long-lasting roofs. They have experience with storm damage repairs and roof certifications, supporting both residential and commercial clients.

5.0

222 Reviews

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Understanding Memphis's Climate and Its Impact on Roofs

The local weather is the single most important factor influencing roof replacement decisions in Memphis. The climate here presents a year-round cycle of challenges that can accelerate wear and tear on roofing materials ¹.

High Heat and UV Exposure: Memphis summers bring intense heat and constant sunlight. This UV radiation can break down the binding agents in asphalt shingles over time, causing them to become brittle, crack, or warp prematurely ^{2 3}. This degradation not only shortens the roof's lifespan but can also reduce its effectiveness at reflecting heat, leading to higher cooling costs.

Severe Storms and High Winds: The region is prone to powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes, and straight-line winds, especially during spring and fall. These events can lift shingles, tear off flashing, and cause impact damage from hail or flying debris ⁴. Choosing materials rated for high wind resistance and impact protection is crucial for maintaining a secure home envelope.

High Humidity and Moisture: Elevated humidity levels create a perfect environment for the growth of mold, mildew, and algae, particularly on north-facing or shaded roof slopes ². The dark streaks often seen on roofs are Gloeocapsa magma algae, which can retain moisture and slowly degrade roofing granules. Modern shingles often include algae-resistant copper granules to combat this issue.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles: While winters are generally mild, Memphis does experience occasional cold snaps. When snow or ice melts during the day and refreezes at night, it creates expansion and contraction in roofing materials. This cycle can stress the system and contribute to the formation of ice dams at the eaves, which can force water back under the shingles ³.

Choosing the Right Roofing Material for Your Home

Balancing initial cost, longevity, aesthetics, and performance against local weather conditions is key to selecting your new roof ⁵. Here's a breakdown of the most common options for Memphis homes.

Asphalt Shingles: This remains the most popular choice due to its affordability, ease of installation, and wide variety of styles and colors ^{6 7}. For Memphis homes, it's highly recommended to choose architectural (or dimensional) shingles over traditional 3-tab shingles. Architectural shingles are thicker, offer a more dimensional appearance, and provide better wind resistance (often rated for 110+ mph winds) and a longer lifespan, typically 20 to 30 years ^{6 8}. Many are also manufactured with algae-resistant technology.

Metal Roofing: Gaining significant popularity for its exceptional durability and energy efficiency ⁹. Metal roofs reflect a substantial amount of solar radiant heat, which can help reduce attic temperatures and lower summer cooling costs-a major benefit in Memphis ⁶. They are highly resistant to fire, wind, and hail damage and can last 40 to 70 years ¹⁰. While the upfront cost is higher than asphalt, the long lifespan and energy savings make it a compelling investment.

Tile and Slate: These are premium roofing materials offering unmatched durability, a classic aesthetic, and lifespans that can exceed 50 or even 100 years ^{7 10}. However, they are very heavy, requiring a roof structure that can support the additional load, and installation must be performed by specialized contractors. The upfront cost is the highest among common materials, but they offer exceptional resistance to fire and decay.

Flat/Low-Slope Systems: For homes with modern designs, garages, or additions featuring flat or very low-pitched roofs, different materials are required. Systems like TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), EPDM (rubber), and modified bitumen are used to create a continuous, waterproof membrane ⁸. Proper installation and flashing details are critical for these systems to prevent leaks.

What to Expect: Project Timeline and Process

A full roof replacement is a multi-step process. Understanding the timeline can help you plan accordingly. From initial consultation to final cleanup, most residential projects in Memphis span two to three weeks^{11 12}.

Pre-Installation (1-2 Weeks): This phase includes the initial consultation and estimate, selecting materials and colors, signing a contract, and scheduling the work. The roofing contractor will order materials and may pull any required permits from the City of Memphis or Shelby County.

Installation (1-3 Days for Asphalt, Longer for Complex Jobs): The physical installation of a standard asphalt shingle roof on a typical home often takes just one to three days under favorable weather conditions ^{13 14}. The crew will deliver materials, set up safety equipment, remove the old roof down to the decking, inspect and replace any damaged wood, install underlayment and ice/water shield, and then install the new shingles and flashing.

Factors Affecting Timeline: Several variables can extend the installation period:

• Roof Complexity: Multiple dormers, chimneys, skylights, steep pitches, or intricate architectural details add labor time.
• Material Type: Asphalt is the fastest to install. Metal, tile, and slate require more time and precision.
• Weather Delays: Rain, high winds, or extreme heat can pause work for safety and quality reasons.
• Unexpected Repairs: Discovering widespread rotten decking or structural issues will add time for necessary repairs.

Post-Installation (1-2 Days): After installation, the crew performs a thorough cleanup using magnets to collect nails. A final inspection by the foreman or project manager ensures quality. The contractor will then schedule a final municipal inspection if required and provide you with warranty documentation.

Cost Breakdown for Roof Replacement in Memphis

The cost of a new roof is influenced by the size (measured in "squares," where 1 square = 100 sq. ft.), pitch, complexity, material choice, and the condition of the existing decking. For a typical 2,000 square foot home in the Memphis area, total costs generally fall within a broad range of $8,500 to $24,500, with many homeowners paying around $15,000 for a standard replacement with architectural shingles ^{15 16 17}.

Here is a more detailed cost breakdown by material for a 2,000 sq. ft. roof:

What's Included in the Cost: A comprehensive quote should detail both material and labor costs, which typically split about 40% for materials and 60% for labor ¹⁸. It should also include:

• Removal and disposal of old roofing materials.
• Cost of all new materials (shingles, underlayment, flashing, vents, etc.).
• Labor for installation.
• Costs for any necessary decking repair or replacement (often noted as an "allowance" or estimated separately).
• Permit fees and final inspection costs.
• Cleanup and waste removal.

It is always advisable to obtain detailed, written estimates from several reputable, licensed, and insured local roofing contractors to compare scope, materials, warranties, and price for your specific project ¹⁹.

Key Considerations for a Successful Project

Hiring the Right Contractor: Look for a licensed, insured roofer with strong local references and a physical address. Check for manufacturer certifications (like GAF Master Elite or CertainTeed ShingleMaster), which indicate training and a commitment to quality installation that often comes with enhanced warranties.

Warranties: Understand the difference between the manufacturer's material warranty (covers defects in the shingles) and the contractor's workmanship warranty (covers installation errors). A strong warranty from both is ideal.

Insurance and Permits: A legitimate contractor will carry both liability insurance and workers' compensation. They should also handle pulling the required building permits, which ensure the work will be inspected to meet local building codes.

Ventilation: Proper attic ventilation is critical in Memphis's climate to reduce heat buildup in summer and moisture accumulation in winter. A good roofing contractor will assess your existing ventilation (soffit vents, ridge vents, etc.) and recommend improvements if needed.

Frequently asked questions

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