Tennessee employs approximately 2,340 roofers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a workforce projected to grow 14 percent over the next decade, more than double the national growth rate of 6 percent. That demand reflects both the state’s rapid residential construction and the regular cycle of storm damage across all three grand divisions. Severe thunderstorms, hail, and occasional tornadoes strike Middle and West Tennessee most frequently between March and June, while East Tennessee’s mountain elevations face ice and heavy snow loads that stress older roofing systems. The combination of weather exposure and population growth in the Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis metropolitan areas keeps roofing contractors among the busiest trade professionals in the state.
Tennessee’s Board for Licensing Contractors governs roofing work through its BC-21 classification, a specialty roofing license that has been required for both prime contractors and subcontractors since January 1, 2014 (Public Chapter 355). Any roofing project totaling $25,000 or more in combined materials and labor triggers the licensing requirement. Contractors holding a broader building classification (BC for residential, commercial, and industrial; BC-A for residential; BC-B for commercial; or BC-C for industrial) are also authorized to perform roofing work. The licensing process requires passing the Tennessee Business and Law examination, submitting a CPA-prepared financial statement, providing proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and demonstrating relevant experience. License issuance typically takes four to six weeks after the Board reviews the application at its regularly scheduled meeting.
For residential remodeling projects costing between $3,000 and $25,000 (excluding electrical, plumbing, and HVAC), a Home Improvement (HI) license applies in nine Tennessee counties: Bradley, Davidson, Hamilton, Haywood, Knox, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford, and Shelby. This license requires a $10,000 surety bond and $100,000 in liability coverage and must display the license number in all advertising. Homeowners in counties outside this list can still benefit from hiring licensed contractors, though the HI license is not legally mandated for smaller projects in those areas.
Safety oversight falls to the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA), which enforces fall protection standards identical to federal OSHA requirements. Roofers working six feet or more above a lower level must use guardrail systems, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems. TOSHA’s Special Emphasis Program on Fall Protection specifically targets construction sites, including roofing operations, during both scheduled inspections and complaint-driven investigations.
When evaluating a roofing contractor, confirm that their license is active and appropriately classified by using the Board for Licensing Contractors’ online verification tool at verify.tn.gov. Ask for proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and request documentation of any manufacturer certifications, such as GAF Master Elite or CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, which indicate advanced training and extended warranty eligibility. Verify that the contractor provides a written proposal specifying materials, scope, timeline, payment terms, and warranty details before work begins. Contractors who hold both the Tennessee general contractor license and manufacturer certifications can typically offer longer warranty periods covering both labor and materials.
Top Roofing Contractor Providers in Tennessee
1. MidSouth Construction
- Address: 652 Old Ezell Rd, Nashville, TN 37217
- Phone: (615) 712-8893
- Website: https://roofingbymidsouth.com
- Rating: 4.9/5 (1,017 reviews)
- Services: residential roof replacement, commercial roofing, roof repair, roof inspection, roof cleaning, gutters, gutter guards, siding installation, storm damage restoration, insurance claims assistance
- Description: MidSouth Construction is a GAF Master Elite certified contractor headquartered in Nashville, holding Tennessee General Contractor license number 64545. The company has served Middle Tennessee since 2010 and maintains factory-certified applicator status with Firestone, Carlisle, Sika, GenFlex, and Versico for commercial roofing systems.
2. Barnett Roofing
- Address: 402 N Cedar Bluff Rd, Knoxville, TN 37923
- Phone: (865) 323-2402
- Website: https://barnettroofingknoxville.com
- Rating: 5.0/5 (2,373 reviews)
- Services: roof replacement, roof repair, roof inspection, roof cleaning, shingle roofing, metal roofing, slate roofing, tile roofing, flat roofing, gutter installation, storm damage repair
- Description: Founded by David Barnett in 1998 and based in Knoxville since 2001, Barnett Roofing holds GAF Master Elite certification and is the only GAF President’s Club member headquartered in the greater Knoxville area. The company holds a BBB A+ rating and services East Tennessee communities from Newport to Madisonville.
3. Wells Roofing and Remodeling
- Address: 5118 Park Ave Suite 114, Memphis, TN 38117
- Phone: (901) 482-2546
- Website: https://wellsroofingandremodeling.com
- Rating: 5.0/5 (1,100 reviews)
- Services: residential roofing, commercial roofing, church roofing, shingle installation, metal roofing, TPO roofing, gutters, exterior painting, window replacement, water damage restoration, steeple installation
- Description: Wells Roofing and Remodeling is a family-owned business founded by Earnest E. Wells, Sr. with more than 55 years of experience serving the Memphis area. The company is licensed, insured, and bonded in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas and specializes in residential, commercial, and church roofing projects.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing Contractor in Tennessee
Q: What license does a roofing contractor need in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires roofing contractors to hold a license from the Board for Licensing Contractors for any project totaling $25,000 or more in materials and labor. The BC-21 roofing classification applies to both prime contractors and subcontractors performing roofing work at that threshold, a requirement that took effect on January 1, 2014. Contractors with broader building classifications (BC, BC-A, BC-B, or BC-C) are also authorized to perform roofing. Applicants must pass the Tennessee Business and Law examination, submit a CPA-prepared financial statement, and provide proof of insurance. License issuance takes four to six weeks.
Q: How much does a roof replacement cost in Tennessee?
Roof replacement costs in Tennessee vary based on the size of the roof, the pitch and complexity of the structure, the materials selected, and the contractor’s labor rates. Architectural asphalt shingles are the most common residential roofing material and generally cost less per square (100 square feet) than metal, slate, or tile. Additional factors include the number of existing layers that must be removed, the condition of the underlying decking, and whether new flashing, vents, or gutters are included. Requesting itemized written estimates from at least three licensed contractors provides the clearest basis for comparison.
Q: Does homeowner’s insurance cover roof damage in Tennessee?
Most homeowner’s insurance policies in Tennessee cover roof damage caused by sudden, accidental events such as wind, hail, falling trees, and fire. Damage from gradual wear, deferred maintenance, or age-related deterioration is generally excluded. Tennessee follows an open-perils framework for most standard homeowner’s policies, meaning all risks are covered unless specifically excluded. Filing a claim promptly, documenting damage with photographs, and having a licensed contractor present during the insurance adjuster’s inspection can improve the likelihood of an accurate damage assessment.
Q: How long does a roof replacement take?
Most residential roof replacements in Tennessee are completed in one to three days, depending on the size and complexity of the roof, the number of existing layers to remove, weather conditions, and crew size. Larger commercial projects, multi-story buildings, and specialty materials such as slate or tile extend the timeline. Scheduling during dry weather months (typically late spring through early fall) minimizes weather-related delays, though experienced contractors maintain crews capable of completing standard residential tear-off and installation within a single day.
Q: What questions should I ask before hiring a roofing contractor?
Confirm the contractor’s license status and classification through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors at verify.tn.gov. Ask for proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance with coverage amounts appropriate for the project. Request references from recent projects similar in scope to your own. Inquire about manufacturer certifications that enable extended warranty coverage. Verify that the written proposal includes a detailed scope of work, material specifications, start and completion dates, payment schedule, and warranty terms covering both labor and materials. Ask whether the contractor handles permit applications and final inspections with the local building department.
Q: What roofing materials perform best in Tennessee’s climate?
Architectural asphalt shingles with algae-resistant granules are the most widely installed residential roofing material in Tennessee, offering a balance of durability, cost, and wind resistance. Metal roofing (standing seam and ribbed panel) provides superior longevity and performs well under heavy rain, hail, and high winds common across the state. TPO and EPDM single-ply membranes dominate the commercial flat-roof market due to their energy efficiency and resistance to UV degradation. Slate and tile offer the longest lifespan but require reinforced roof structures to support the additional weight. The choice of material should account for the local wind zone, average annual rainfall, and the structural capacity of the building.