Cleveland is the seat of Bradley County, a city of about 50,000 people and the largest city in our service area outside Knoxville and Chattanooga. The city's Building Division publishes an unusually clear roofing rule: replacing only the shingles or other covering does not need a permit, replacing structural decking does, and every new roof must include a drip edge. For insurance jobs, the city will issue a permit on request even when the work would not otherwise need one. Cleveland knows storm damage first-hand. On 12 April 2020 an EF-2 tornado formed less than a mile from downtown and hit a residential area, destroying 26 homes, causing major damage to 23 more and affecting 62 others, according to NOAA's storm events database. We inspect first, document what we see with photos, and give you a written estimate before any work begins.
Permits and building code in Cleveland, TN
Building permits in Cleveland are handled by the City of Cleveland's Development & Engineering Services Building Division.
The City of Cleveland says a roof replacement that involves only the shingles or other covering does not need a permit, but replacing the structural decking does. All new roofing jobs must include a drip edge, and the city will issue a permit on request when an insurer requires one. Source
Storm history in Cleveland
- EF2 tornado — Formed less than a mile from downtown Cleveland; 26 homes destroyed, 23 with major damage and 62 more affected. Source
- EF2 tornado — The Harrison tornado entered western Bradley County with winds up to 130 mph and continued into northern Cleveland. Source
- EF4 tornado — The Ringgold-Apison tornado entered Bradley County at EF-4 strength with winds estimated at 170 mph, damaging many homes and businesses. Source
What affects roofing costs in Cleveland, TN
| Factor | How it affects the price |
|---|---|
| Decking replacement | Replacing structural decking adds material and labor and, in Cleveland, requires a permit. |
| Drip edge | The city requires a drip edge on all new roofing jobs, so it is part of every Cleveland estimate. |
| Insurance permits | When an insurer requires a permit, the city will issue one on request. |
Every home is different, so we price every job individually. You get a clear estimate after a free inspection, before any work begins. Request your free inspection.
Roofing services we provide in Cleveland
Common questions about roofing in Cleveland
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Cleveland?
Not if only the shingles or other covering are replaced, according to the City of Cleveland. Replacing structural decking does require a permit.
Does Cleveland require a drip edge?
Yes. The city says all new roofing jobs require the installation of a drip edge.
Can I get a permit for an insurance claim?
Yes. The city will issue a permit at the owner's request when insurance requires one, even if the work would not otherwise need it.
Get a free roof inspection in Cleveland
Fastest service
Call 865-851-5002Talk to our scheduler and book your free inspection in one call. Monday – Sunday, 8 AM – 8 PM.
- Free, no-obligation inspection
- A written, itemized estimate before any work begins
- Licensed and insured, family owned for 15+ years
Prefer we call you?
Request your free, no-obligation estimate and we will call to schedule.
