Roofing FAQs: Straight Answers From Memphis Roofing Pros

Some storm damage is obvious, like missing shingles or fallen limbs. Much of it isn’t, such as hail bruising, cracked shingles, and lost granules. Check gutters for granules, look for dents on metal vents and gutters, and have a roofer inspect after any hail or high-wind storm.

A well-installed metal roof commonly lasts 40 to 70 years, compared with about 20 to 25 years for architectural shingles in the Memphis climate. An industry-sponsored study projects unpainted aluminum-zinc coated steel standing seam roofs can last 60 years or more with annual maintenance.

In the Memphis area, a new architectural shingle roof typically costs $12,000 to $22,000 for a 1,500 to 2,500 square foot home. Larger homes, steep or complex roofs, decking repairs, and premium materials like metal cost more. An on-site measurement is the only way to get an exact price.

Most common roof leak repairs in the Memphis area cost $350 to $1,500. The price depends on what is causing the leak, how much of the roof is affected, how easy it is to reach, and the roofing material. An inspection is the only way to get an exact number for your roof.

A metal roof typically costs two to six times as much as an architectural shingle roof on the same home. Where your roof falls in that range depends on the panel type, the metal and finish, roof size and pitch, and how many valleys, chimneys, and other details need custom flashing.

In the Memphis climate, 3-tab asphalt shingle roofs usually need replacing after 15 to 20 years and architectural shingles after 20 to 25 years. Metal, tile, and slate can last 40 to 70 years or more. Storm damage, poor ventilation, and frequent repairs can shorten those timelines.

Ask what damage the inspector found and where, whether it’s from a storm or normal aging, whether repair or replacement makes more sense, what it will cost, and whether filing an insurance claim is worth it. Ask for photos so you can see the damage yourself.

In most cases, yes. Removing the old roof lets the roofer inspect and replace damaged decking, install new underlayment and flashing correctly, and avoid adding extra weight. Laying new shingles over old ones can hide problems and may limit manufacturer warranty options.

File after a storm only when an inspection confirms real damage that will cost more than your deductible to fix. Most policies have deadlines for reporting damage, so don’t wait long after a storm. Having your roofer present when the adjuster inspects helps make sure all damage is documented.

It depends on your policy and what caused the damage. Most homeowners policies cover sudden damage from covered events like hail, wind, or falling trees. They usually do not cover normal wear and aging. If the repair costs less than your deductible, filing a claim usually doesn’t make sense.

With a replacement cost policy, insurers usually pay in two parts: a first check for the actual cash value (the cost minus depreciation), then the held-back depreciation after the work is finished. Actual cash value policies pay only the depreciated amount. Your deductible is subtracted either way.

A properly done repair on a roof that is otherwise in good shape should last as long as the rest of the roof. On an older roof, the repair itself may hold, but new leaks are more likely to appear nearby because the surrounding shingles are wearing out.

It can look the same or completely different, depending on what you choose. You can match your current shingle style and color, or pick a new color and profile to update your home’s curb appeal. Previewing options before you decide helps you see the result first.

Yes. We inspect and document the damage with photos, explain what we found, and can meet with your insurance adjuster during their inspection. We work with homeowners and their insurance companies so covered work is documented properly, but your insurer decides what is covered.

Large hail can dent a metal roof, but dents usually don’t mean the roof will leak. Many metal panels carry a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating, the highest level, which tests whether the panel cracks or opens up, not whether it dents. Thicker panels and textured or ribbed profiles show dents less.

Standing seam panels are joined by raised seams and fastened with hidden clips or seams, so no screws go through the face of the panel. Exposed-fastener panels are screwed through the face with rubber-washered screws. Standing seam costs more, needs less maintenance, and works on lower slopes. Exposed fastener costs less but needs periodic screw checks.

Sometimes. Building codes generally allow a new roof over one existing layer of shingles, but not over two or more layers. Even when it’s allowed, we usually recommend tearing the shingles off so the decking can be inspected and repaired, and the metal can be installed over a clean, flat surface.

A metal roof with a light-colored or reflective “cool” finish can keep the roof much cooler in summer sun, which can lower air conditioning demand. The U.S. Department of Energy says a reflective roof can stay more than 50°F cooler than a conventional roof. Dark or unpainted metal doesn’t get the same benefit.