Our research shows that the average cost for a new roof in Arkansas is $6,934. Expect to pay an average of $5,536 for a budget roof and $16,575 for a premium version. Replacing your Arkansas home’s roof requires understanding the state’s unique climate challenges, which can significantly impact material performance and installation requirements. Understanding these local factors helps Arkansas homeowners make informed decisions about timing, materials, and budgeting for their roof replacement projects.
During our research, we found that Arkansas generally has lower labor costs and a more competitive construction market compared to other states nationwide. Learn more about the factors affecting roof replacement costs with our comprehensive guide below.
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New Roof Cost in Arkansas by Square Footage
As an Arkansas homeowner, you live in a diverse mix of housing styles, from historic Victorian homes in Little Rock to modern ranch houses in Bentonville. Homes in Arkansas typically feature architectural designs that blend Southern tradition with contemporary trends.
The average Arkansas home size generally sits at 1,860 square feet, reflecting the state’s mix of older homes, affordable housing options, and practical building preferences. For context, the average square footage of a house in the United States is about 2,411 square feet, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
The smaller home sizes in Arkansas contribute to the state’s lower overall roof replacement costs, as reduced square footage translates directly to fewer material and labor requirements. Understanding how your home’s size affects roofing costs is particularly important in Arkansas, where you’ll find a range of housing options, from compact starter homes to sprawling country properties with complex rooflines.
The table below shows estimated costs based on different home sizes, accounting for typical roof pitch, architectural complexity, and the mix of single and multi-story homes common throughout the Natural State. These figures include both materials and professional installation aimed at helping you plan your roof replacement project.
| Square Footage | Estimated Number of Stories | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 1.05 | $7,098 |
| 1,500 | 1.30 | $8,599 |
| 2,000 | 1.70 | $8,768 |
| 2,500 | 1.90 | $9,806 |
| 3,000 | 1.98 | $11,292 |
Cost Breakdown of a New Roof in Arkansas by Material
Asphalt shingles are the most common material for new roofs, with nearly 75% of homes in the United States using this as the roofing material of choice. Arkansas follows this trend due to the material’s affordability and solid performance in the state’s climate.
In Arkansas, the roofing material you should select requires several key features: withstanding high humidity, severe thunderstorms, occasional tornadoes, and the freeze-thaw cycles that occur in the northern parts of the state during winter months.
Architectural asphalt shingles have gained popularity over basic 3-tab shingles because they offer better wind resistance against the severe storms common in Tornado Alley, while still maintaining affordability. Metal roofing is another popular option, particularly in rural areas and among homeowners seeking long-term value. Metal roofs perform well against hail and severe weather while offering energy savings in the state’s hot, humid summers.
Wood shingles face challenges in Arkansas’s humid climate, where moss and algae growth can be problematic. Note that cedar varieties can work well with proper maintenance and adequate attic ventilation. Clay tiles are less common in Arkansas due to concerns about freeze-thaw cycles in northern regions. Clay tiles can be effective in southern Arkansas, where winter temperatures are generally more moderate.
Slate shingles are the premium option, offering century-long durability that can withstand the state’s varied weather conditions. Note that the high upfront cost limits its use to luxury homes and historic restoration projects.
The table below shows a breakdown of the cost of a roof in Arkansas based on your material choice, reflecting the state’s competitive pricing and material availability. The total cost figures are based on the average square footage of a typical Arkansas home.
| Material | Cost / Sq Foot in Arkansas | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt | $4.69 | $5,536 |
| Metal | $8.52 | $10,067 |
| Wood | $10.12 | $11,964 |
| Clay | $13.96 | $16,496 |
| Slate | $14.03 | $16,575 |
New Roof Costs in Arkansas Against Other Nearby States
Arkansas’s roof replacement costs are highly competitive within the South-Central region of the United States. The Natural State benefits from lower labor costs, abundant material availability, and strong competition among roofing contractors, all of which help keep prices affordable for homeowners.
Tennessee shows significantly higher costs, reflecting the more expensive urban markets of Nashville and Memphis, as well as different labor dynamics. Meanwhile, Mississippi’s costs are moderately higher, despite similar rural characteristics. Louisiana presents slightly higher pricing, influenced by New Orleans’s unique roofing requirements and higher cost of living in certain areas.
Texas has much higher costs on average due to major metropolitan markets like Dallas and Houston. Missouri offers very similar pricing to Arkansas, reflecting comparable rural economies and weather challenges, making these neighboring states highly competitive for roofing services. The table below compares Arkansas’ roofing costs with those of nearby states.
| State | Average Cost | AR Cost vs. State Average |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $6,934 | Baseline |
| Tennessee | $8,518 | AR costs 21% less |
| Mississippi | $7,763 | AR costs 11% less |
| Louisiana | $7,266 | AR costs 5% less |
| Texas | $8,634 | AR costs 22% less |
| Missouri | $6,931 | AR costs <1% more |
Other Potential Costs in a Roof Replacement
We recommend budgeting for several additional expenses that commonly arise during roof replacement projects beyond the base cost of materials and installation. Given the state’s susceptibility to severe weather damage, your contractor may find unexpected issues. These costs can add to your total project expense, but preparing for them helps avoid budget surprises.
Removing Existing Roofing
According to Homewyse, removing existing roofing material can take about 1.5 hours per 100 square feet. The amount you pay for this service depends on your contractor’s hourly rate, speed, and the size of your home’s roof. In Arkansas, removal costs can vary between urban and rural areas, as disposal options may differ depending on your location.
Inspections and Permitting
Arkansas’s local building departments often require a roofing permit, along with detailed plans that demonstrate compliance with updated wind resistance standards. Code compliance is particularly important, given the state’s location in Tornado Alley and the frequency of severe weather events. Some counties may also mandate specific inspection schedules during installation to ensure proper hurricane strapping and fastener patterns meet current codes.
Dry Rot
Dry rot is another issue that your roofing contractor may uncover when replacing your home’s roof. Your contractor may need to remove damaged material and install new wood, depending on the extent of the damage. Arkansas’s high humidity levels, particularly in the southern and eastern regions, can accelerate wood deterioration, making moisture damage a common discovery during roof replacements. Homes with inadequate attic ventilation or a history of previous storm damage are particularly susceptible to dry rot.
FAQs About Roof Replacement Costs in Arkansas
What is the average lifespan of a roof in Arkansas?
The lifespan of a roof in Arkansas depends on material choice and the exposure to the state’s weather conditions, such as high humidity and occasional extreme weather events like tornadoes and ice storms. Asphalt shingles typically last 15–30 years in the state’s climate, with architectural shingles potentially lasting longer when properly maintained and installed with adequate ventilation to combat humidity issues. The state’s hot, humid summers and occasional severe weather can accelerate aging, but proper attic ventilation and regular maintenance can help maximize your roof’s lifespan.
How does Arkansas’s severe weather affect roofing choices?
Arkansas’s location in Tornado Alley and susceptibility to severe weather significantly influence roofing material and installation choices for homeowners throughout the state. For these conditions, impact-resistant shingles rated Class 4 for hail resistance are popular and may qualify for insurance discounts. Proper installation with enhanced fastening patterns and hurricane strapping is crucial for wind resistance.
When is the best time to replace a roof in Arkansas?
The optimal time for roof replacement in Arkansas is during the spring and fall months when weather conditions are most favorable and severe weather activity is at its lowest levels throughout the state. Spring (March–May) offers moderate temperatures and generally stable weather patterns, though homeowners should be aware that this is the beginning of the severe weather season. Planning ahead and scheduling during optimal weather windows often results in better contractor availability, more competitive pricing, and reduced risk of weather-related delays that can extend project timelines and increase costs.
Do I need special building codes or permits for roofing in Arkansas?
Yes, most roof replacement projects in Arkansas require building permits, and the state has adopted specific building codes designed to address severe weather challenges common throughout the region. Your roofing contractor should handle the permit application process and ensure all work meets current Arkansas building codes. Note that you’re ultimately responsible for ensuring your contractor obtains the necessary permits.
How We Get Our Roofing Cost Data
The cost to replace a roof varies based on a few key factors: the home’s square footage, number of stories, roof pitch, type of roofing material, and pricing in your area.
For each home size, we used calculator.net to calculate a total roof area, using a 6/12 roof pitch with one-foot eave overhangs. The calculation includes a weighted average of one-story versus two-story homes across the United States.
We converted the roof area measurement into “squares” (the roofing industry’s standard unit, with one square covering 100 square feet) to align with how materials are sold and priced. Then we sourced material costs directly from RSMeans data from Gordian®, the industry’s leading construction pricing database used by professional contractors nationwide.
For state averages, we used clark.com to find the median home size in each state. While these figures provide an estimate for budgeting purposes, actual prices vary based on region, specific property characteristics, location, and current market conditions. For the most accurate pricing, we recommend requesting quotes from at least two reputable roofing companies in your area.