Roofing FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered

The questions we hear in Northwest Arkansas are remarkably consistent, so here are the answers in one place.

How much does a new roof cost in Northwest Arkansas?

It depends on your roof's size, pitch, complexity and the materials you choose. Most residential roof replacements in Northwest Arkansas land between $8,000 and $50,000 or more. A simple ranch-style roof is far less labor than a multi-level home with dormers, valleys and steep pitches, and that difference shows up in the price.

It is also worth knowing that roofing costs have roughly doubled since 2019. A roof that cost $25,000 then costs around $50,000 today, and the increases are manufacturer price hikes passed through the supply houses, not contractor markups. A range is useful for planning, but the only real number comes from someone looking at your actual roof. We offer free inspections for exactly that reason.

Why is this quote different from the other one I got?

Every roofer in NWA buys from the same four supply houses. The materials are the same. What changes is the installation quality, the warranty behind it and the company standing behind the work. Before you compare prices, compare what is included. We are typically right in the middle of the pack on price, and we are comfortable with that because we would rather compete on service.

Can I just get the cheapest option?

You can. Understand what you are giving up, though. A class 2 or three-tab shingle is a 25-year product going onto a roof that should last 30, so the shingle will fail before the rest of the system does. A contractor without insurance leaves you exposed if something goes wrong. Cheap quotes often leave out the things you cannot see from the ground. We will always be honest about the trade-offs.

Do I really need to file an insurance claim?

If your roof has legitimate storm damage, yes. In Arkansas, you have two years from the original loss date to file a claim, and after that you lose the option entirely. We inspect honestly. If we do not think a claim is justified, we will say so.

I just bought a new house. Do I have to wait a year to file?

No. That is a myth. You can file an insurance claim at the first viable storm event, regardless of when you closed on the house. We have had clients file claims two months after buying brand-new construction. The hail does not care when you moved in.

Is a metal roof worth the extra money?

That depends on your priorities. Here is the honest comparison:

• Metal is rated for up to 40 years and costs more upfront, often significantly more.
• Metal dents visibly in a hailstorm, and unlike shingle damage, you will see those dings for decades.
• Some exposed-fastener metal roofs need annual maintenance, and some insurers want documented maintenance records, so ask your carrier before you commit.
• The lowest-end metal overlaps in price with the highest-end shingle, so metal is not automatically the better roof.

A premium SBS shingle can outperform entry-level metal at a lower price. SBS shingles use a rubber-like polymer mat, and they cost the most among shingles while being the longest lasting and most impact resistant. We will walk you through both options without pushing either.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. We work with a couple of finance companies to offer same-as-cash or low monthly payment options on projects. If a replacement is bigger than you planned for, ask about it during your evaluation so you can see real numbers side by side.

How do you clean up when the job is done?

A roof tear-off throws off a lot of debris and plenty of nails. A netting system and tarping catch the majority of it during the job. Then the cleanup is finished with rolling magnets that pick up unseen nails, often pulling out nails left over from the original construction. We inspect for wood, nails, metal and other material before, during and after installation, because pets, kids and tires all live in your yard.

How will I know the work was done right?

Clients get access to a digital photo link that documents the installation process and progress on their home. Each customer also gets an experienced site supervisor, and our sales reps, site supervisors and installers are trained on current building codes per the International Code Council as well as manufacturer installation instructions. That last piece matters, since following the manufacturer's instructions is what keeps the roof system eligible for warranty coverage.

Midcon is an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, an invitation-only program. It lets us offer the Platinum Protection Roofing System Limited Warranty: a 50-year non-prorated warranty on labor and materials, plus an additional 25-year workmanship warranty.

What if I do not need a new roof at all?

Then we will tell you. We do not push unnecessary claims or replacements. If an honest assessment says your roof has life left, we will say so and suggest when to start planning. One Google reviewer wrote that our rep concluded his roof had life left, and that honesty is why he will call us when it is time.

The takeaway: ask what is included in the price, not just what the price is. If you want real numbers for your own roof, a free inspection from our Lowell team is the quickest way to get them, with no pressure and no obligation.