Everything You Need to Know About Nashville Roofing Installation
Author: Sheryll Poe | April 26, 2024
Nashville, aka Music City U.S.A., is known for its vibrant music and entertainment scene, delicious Southern cuisine ranging from traditional BBQ to soul food, and a rich collection of historic sites, museums and landmarks. Tennessee's capital city also gets its fair share of extreme weather, which can wreak havoc on Nashville roofing.
From snow and freezing rain to sweltering heat waves and humidity to strong, straight-line winds (even tornadoes), residential roofs in Nashville take a beating throughout the year, so having a sturdy and well-installed roof is essential for Nashville-area homeowners.
Here's everything residential contractors need to know about roofing in Nashville.
Dixie Alley Tornadoes Can Cause Damage to Roofs
While Nashville is not part of the Great Plains Tornado Alley, Tennessee is plagued by tornadoes — along with the accompanying heavy rains, hail and strong winds — year-round. In fact, a breakout of 13 tornadoes in December 2023 made it one of the deadliest Decembers in the state to date, according to The Tennessean, and wind speeds got up to 150 mph.
Tennessee adheres to the 2018 IRC (International Residential Code), and section R905.2.4.1 lays out the wind resistance requirements for asphalt shingles. IRC requires asphalt shingles to be designed for a 110 mph minimum wind speed.
The most popular roofing material options in Nashville are "dimensional" or architectural shingles. Architectural shingles, which last for up to 50 years, come in many different grades and usually start with a rating to hold up to 115 mph winds.
Similarly, metal roofs are some of the most durable roofing materials on the market and are ideal for homeowners in tornado-prone areas like Nashville. A properly installed and well-maintained metal roof can protect from wind, hail, rain and storm debris.
Summer Weather Means Heat and Humidity
Nashville residents can expect heat waves where temperatures hover above 90 degrees at least once a year. In 2022, Nashville experienced a record 58 extreme heat days, WKRN news reported.
Light-colored or reflective roofing materials, whether asphalt or metal, can reflect sunlight, which helps keep homes cooler and reduces energy costs. However, extreme heat and humidity and exposure to sunlight can reduce the life span and resiliency of asphalt.
Slate or stucco roofing materials also work well in hot climates, but keep in mind that these are two heavy and expensive materials, prone to chipping or flaking over time.
Unexpected Ice and Snow Events
While Nashville may be getting less snow than it used to, the city still receives an average of 4.7 inches per year. In January 2024, Nashville received a whopping 7.6 inches of snow during one late-season snowstorm, according to the National Weather Service.
With major snow events followed by sunny days and subsequent melting, ice dams are a real danger for Nashville homeowners. As heat rises in a home, the attic becomes warm enough to melt some of the snow and ice. The melted snow and ice flow down the colder roof edge and frozen gutters. From there, the water can refreeze, causing ice dams.
As a result, many of Nashville's building codes cover water diversion requirements for valley linings, drip edges, and crickets and saddles. The city and IRC codes also cover sheathing requirements.
As for preventive roofing materials, with their slick surfaces, metal roofs are a popular option for homeowners worried about snow accumulation and ice dams, especially if the roof is southern-facing.
Nashville Roofing That Stands the Test of Time and Weather
Knowing which residential roofing materials will work best in Nashville's wide temperature range can be tricky. The professionals at your local Beacon Roofing branch can help with any questions you have as you dive into a new project. Beacon pros are well-versed in the local code and building requirements and can help you find the best-performing product for every budget and location.