Metal Roofing
Metal vs Shingles in Arkansas: Which Roof Is Right for You?
Metal or shingles for your Hot Springs home? Compare cost, lifespan, hail, and wind. Free inspection from a licensed Arkansas roofer. Call 501-359-5550.
Should you pick metal or shingles in Arkansas?
Pick metal if you plan to stay in your home 20 years or more. It lasts 40 to 70 years and shrugs off hail. Pick shingles if you want a lower price today, or if you plan to sell soon. Both work well in Garland County.
Here is how the two compare on a typical Hot Springs home.
| What matters | Metal roof | Shingle roof |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| How long it lasts | 40–70 years | 15–25 years |
| Hail | Dents, rarely leaks | Loses granules, fails |
| Wind rating | Up to 140 mph | 60–130 mph |
| Summer heat | Reflects sun | Soaks up sun |
| Roofs in 50 years | One | Two or three |
How much does each roof cost in Hot Springs?
Metal costs more up front than shingles. Both prices turn on the size of your roof, how steep it is, its shape, and what we find under the old roof. We inspect for free and put an exact number in writing for either one, so you can compare them side by side.
Metal costs more on day one. That is the whole reason people hesitate.
But look at the 50 year math. One metal roof covers that stretch. Shingles need replacing two or three times. The gap gets smaller than it first looks.
Money is not the only thing that matters. Some people just want a roof they never think about again.
Financing changes the picture for a lot of people. A metal roof you can pay for over time may beat a shingle roof you pay for twice. Ask us about it when we hand you the estimate.
Which roof holds up better in Arkansas hail?
Metal holds up better. Hail can dent a panel, but a dent rarely turns into a leak. Hail knocks the granules off shingles, and those granules protect the shingle from the sun. Once they are gone, the shingle fails.
Arkansas sits near the edge of hail alley. Spring storms roll through Garland County most years. Wind matters too. We get severe thunderstorms, high winds, and the occasional tornado.
Metal panels lock down tight. Good shingles hold well, but the ratings are lower.
If a storm already hit your roof, read about hail damage repair and storm damage repair.
How long will each roof last?
A metal roof lasts 40 to 70 years in Arkansas. A shingle roof lasts 15 to 25 years. That is the biggest gap between them.
Heat is hard on shingles. Our summers bake them. Tree cover near Lake Hamilton and the Ouachita Mountains adds shade, moss, and debris, and that shortens shingle life further.
Metal does not mind any of that. Keep the valleys clear and it just sits there doing its job.
Metal is not maintenance free, though. On exposed fastener panels, the rubber washer under each screw dries out in 15 to 20 years. Those screws need checking. Standing seam hides its fasteners, so there is nothing on the surface to fail.
Which roof fits your house?
Both fit most Hot Springs homes. Shingles blend in anywhere. Metal stands out, and some people love that while others do not.
Think about four things:
- How long you will stay. A long stay favors metal. A short stay favors shingles.
- Your budget today. Shingles ask less of you right now.
- Your neighborhood. Some subdivisions have rules about roof material.
- Your roof shape. Lots of valleys and dormers push metal costs up.
We install both. We are not going to talk you into the expensive one.
What if you cannot decide?
Get a free inspection first. We climb your roof, take photos, and show you what you actually have. Then you choose with real numbers in front of you.
Sometimes the answer is neither. If your roof has ten good years left, we tell you that. A roof repair may be all you need.
Read more about shingle roofing and metal roofing, or see how we work across Hot Springs.
Who will do the work?
Our own crews. We are at 209 Albert Pike in Hot Springs, licensed in Arkansas under RR0540931024. We have roofed here over 20 years, finished more than 500 projects, and keep 20 trained people on staff.
We do not hand your job to a subcontractor you have never met.
Ready to compare both roofs on your own house? Contact us or call 501-359-5550 for a free inspection and estimate. We answer seven days a week, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Financing is available, and we help with insurance claims.
Frequently asked questions
Is a metal roof worth the extra money in Arkansas?
A metal roof is worth it if you plan to stay in your home long term. It costs more up front than shingles, but it lasts 40 to 70 years instead of 15 to 25. You buy one roof instead of two or three. If you plan to sell soon, shingles usually make more sense.
Which roof handles Arkansas hail better?
Metal handles hail better than shingles. Large hail can dent a metal panel, but it rarely makes the panel leak. Shingles lose their protective granules when hail hits them, and that damage shortens the life of the roof. Dents look bad. Bare shingles let water in.
Do shingles still make sense in Hot Springs?
Yes, shingles still make sense for plenty of Hot Springs homes. They cost less up front, they suit most neighborhoods, and a good architectural shingle lasts 20 to 25 years. If you plan to sell within ten years, shingles are usually the smarter buy for you.
Can you put a metal roof over my old shingles?
Sometimes, but we usually do not. We prefer to tear the old roof off so we can look at the decking underneath. Rotten decking is common on older Hot Springs homes, and you cannot see it through shingles. A tear-off costs more, but it avoids surprises.