Table of Contents
Introduction
In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in Arkansas in 2025, for both residential and commercial buildings. I’ve spent years reviewing contractor bids and researching roofing costs for my clients around the country. The roof cost estimates I provide here were produced by analyzing current material prices, Arkansas labor costs, and other relevant factors, including roofing project values from actual Arkansas building permit data. The roof systems covered here include asphalt shingles, metal roofing, slate, tile, synthetic composite, cedar shakes, and all of the common types of low-slope commercial roofing.
Construction costs in Arkansas are generally lower than the national average, with roof replacement prices averaging roughly 10 to 20 percent below the U.S. average. (Compare with national average roof replacement costs.)
Actual roof prices will vary depending on location, roof size, roof slope, roof complexity, and, of course, the type of roof system installed. Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular residential roof covering in Arkansas, but alternatives like standing seam metal and clay or concrete tile are also used. Commercial “flat” (low-slope) roofs most commonly use single-ply membranes (EPDM, TPO, and PVC), modified bitumen, or spray-applied polyurethane foam roofing systems.
On average, Arkansas residential roof replacement prices in 2025 typically range from about $5 per square foot for basic asphalt shingles to around $30 per square foot for high-end copper roofing. This means a typical 1,700-square-foot pitched roof may cost between about $8,000 and $50,000, depending on the material chosen.
Commercial roofing typically costs more than people think, due to insulation requirements. Board insulation is normally installed as a part of the roof system, and costs around $1 to $1.50 per square foot (installed) per inch of thickness while providing an R-value of around R-4 to R-6 per inch.
Commercial roof replacement prices in Arkansas range, on average, from around $4 per square foot for a ballasted EPDM overlay system with no insulation included to around $13 per square foot for a 2-ply modified bitumen system with enough insulation to meet the Arkansas R-20 energy code requirement for roofs with above-deck insulation.
The tables below provide cost information for all roof types and systems.
Climate Considerations for Arkansas Roofs
Arkansas has a varied climate shaped by its location between the humid Gulf Coast and the continental interior of the United States. Most of the state has a humid subtropical climate, with long, hot, and humid summers and mild winters. The Ozark and Ouachita Mountains in the north and west can see cooler temperatures, occasional snowfall, and more frequent ice storms, while the southern lowlands tend to be warmer and wetter. Annual precipitation averages 45 to 60 inches, with the highest totals in the south and along the Mississippi Delta. Severe thunderstorms, hail, high winds, and the occasional tornado are significant risks for Arkansas roofs, especially during spring and early summer.
Heating and cooling degree days in Arkansas are weighted toward cooling, as air conditioning needs are high during the long humid summer season. Reflective “cool roof” systems, such as white membranes, coatings, or light-colored metal panels, are can help lower air-conditioning costs. However, asphalt shingle roofs in Arkansas may develop colonies of Gloeocapsa magma (roof algae), which appear as dark streaks, and dark-colored shingles can help disguise these stains better than lighter colors.
Given these conditions, Arkansas homeowners and property managers should consider the following:
- Asphalt shingles remain the most common and affordable pitched roof covering. Algae-resistant shingles are recommended to prevent black streaks and stains. In hail-prone regions, impact-resistant (Class 4) shingles and high-wind-rated roofing systems are recommended to limit storm damage (and may help lower insurance costs).
- Proper attic ventilation is important for extending roof life and controlling moisture. Improper attic ventilation can void your roof warranty.
- Metal roofing performs well in Arkansas, offering excellent resistance to wind, hail, and heavy rainfall. PVDF-coated steel or aluminum panels provide long-term durability and color stability.
- Tile, slate, and cedar roofs perform well when properly installed, but cedar shakes and shingles should only be used as part of a Class A fire-rated system to meet fire safety standards.
- Proper attic insulation and attic air sealing are important.
Things to Keep in Mind
These roof cost estimates should be fairly accurate; I make an effort to update them regularly using current material prices and labor data specific to Arkansas. Keep in mind that the costs listed below are averages, and actual costs can vary significantly depending on your specific location and the size, configuration, accessibility, and condition of your particular roof.
The residential roof cost estimates provided here are for roof replacements on roofs with a 6/12 pitch and include all standard roof components (underlayment, ice & water shield, fasteners, flashing, etc.). Steeper roofs or roofs with complex designs can increase costs by as much as 30%.
Removal of an existing commercial or residential roof typically adds between $1 and $3 per square foot. For the estimates in the tables below, $1.50 per square foot for tear-off and disposal has been included in all pricing except for the “no additional insulation” commercial roof pricing, which generally indicates a roof recover project.
Table 1: Residential Roof Costs in Arkansas
| Average Cost of a Residential Pitched Roof in Arkansas | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof Type | Average Installed Cost Per Square Foot |
Average Installed Cost Per Square (100 sq. ft.) |
Average Installed Cost Typical Residential Roof (1,700 sq. ft.) |
| Asphalt Shingles 3-Tab or Strip Shingles |
$4.80 | $480 | $8,160 |
| Asphalt Shingles Architectural or Dimensional Shingles |
$5.25 | $525 | $8,925 |
| Asphalt Shingles Luxury or Premium Shingles |
$6.55 | $655 | $11,135 |
| Cedar Shake & Shingle Red Cedar Shingles |
$11.95 | $1,195 | $20,315 |
| Cedar Shake & Shingle Red Cedar Shingles Class A Fire Rated System |
$13.40 | $1,340 | $22,780 |
| Cedar Shake & Shingle Red Cedar Shakes |
$11.55 | $1,155 | $19,635 |
| Cedar Shake & Shingle Red Cedar Shakes Class A Fire Rated System |
$12.95 | $1,295 | $22,015 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Aluminum, Basic Coating) |
$9.45 | $945 | $16,065 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Steel, Basic Coating) |
$7.05 | $705 | $11,985 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Steel, PVDF/Kynar Coated) |
$8.80 | $880 | $14,960 |
| Metal Roofing Metal Shingles (Aluminum, Basic Coating) |
$12.00 | $1,200 | $20,400 |
| Metal Roofing Metal Shingles (Steel, Basic Coating) |
$9.00 | $900 | $15,300 |
| Metal Roofing Metal Shingles (Steel, PVDF/Kynar Coated) |
$11.25 | $1,125 | $19,125 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Aluminum, Basic Coating) |
$14.55 | $1,455 | $24,735 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Steel, Basic Coating) |
$10.90 | $1,090 | $18,530 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Steel, PVDF/Kynar Coated) |
$13.60 | $1,360 | $23,120 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Copper) |
$29.15 | $2,915 | $49,555 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Zinc) |
$19.70 | $1,970 | $33,490 |
| Metal Roofing Flat Seam Metal (Copper, Soldered Seams) |
$34.30 | $3,430 | $58,310 |
| Slate Roofing Hard Natural Slate (Grade S1) “Standard” 1/4″ Thick |
$20.65 | $2,065 | $35,105 |
| Slate Roofing Hard Natural Slate (Grade S1) “Rough Texture” 1/4″ to 3/8″ Thick |
$22.95 | $2,295 | $39,015 |
| Slate Roofing Hard Natural Slate (Grade S1) “Architectural” 3/8″ to 1/2″ Thick |
$26.80 | $2,680 | $45,560 |
| Synthetic Composite Synthetic Composite Shingles (Engineered Polymeric Tile) |
$10.80 | $1,080 | $18,360 |
| Tile Roofing Clay Tile Flat Profile (Shingle Style) |
$13.20 | $1,320 | $22,440 |
| Tile Roofing Clay Tile Mission (2 Piece) |
$14.00 | $1,400 | $23,800 |
| Tile Roofing Clay Tile S-Profile (1 Piece) |
$12.60 | $1,260 | $21,420 |
| Tile Roofing Clay Tile Premium Styles |
$15.85 | $1,585 | $26,945 |
| Tile Roofing Concrete Tile Flat Profile (Shingle Style) |
$10.05 | $1,005 | $17,085 |
| Tile Roofing Concrete Tile S-Profile (1 Piece) |
$9.60 | $960 | $16,320 |
| Tile Roofing Concrete Tile Premium Styles |
$12.00 | $1,200 | $20,400 |
| Tile Roofing Lightweight Concrete Flat Tile (Shingle Style) |
$10.45 | $1,045 | $17,765 |
Table 2: Commercial Roof Costs in Arkansas
For energy code purposes, Arkansas spans IECC Climate Zones 3 and 4, but the state has adopted a uniform statewide minimum requirement of R-20 for commercial roofs with insulation entirely above the deck. This requirement comes from the Arkansas Energy Code, which has not been changed in a while. The state standard is less demanding than the current model code, which sets higher minimums of R-25 in Zone 3 and R-30 in Zone 4.
Building owners planning roof replacements or new construction projects may benefit from going beyond the state minimum, as adding extra roof insulation can improve long-term energy performance and reduce heating and cooling costs.
Always verify current R-value requirements with your local building department, as code requirements can change.
When performing a roof recover (installing a new roof over an existing one), these insulation requirements generally do not apply. Roof recover projects typically involve installing a layer of cover board over the existing roof system to provide a suitable substrate, then applying the new roof membrane. Keep in mind that roof recovery is not always permitted or advisable.
| Average Cost of a Commercial Low-Slope Roof in Arkansas | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof Type | Average Installed Cost Per Square Foot |
Average Installed Cost Per Square (100 sq. ft.) |
Average Installed Cost Typical Commercial Roof (25,000 sq. ft.) |
| EPDM Roofing Ballasted EPDM 45-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $7.45 | $745 | $186,125 |
| EPDM Roofing Ballasted EPDM 60-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $7.85 | $785 | $196,125 |
| EPDM Roofing Ballasted EPDM 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $4.15 | $415 | $103,625 |
| EPDM Roofing Ballasted EPDM 90-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $8.20 | $820 | $205,000 |
| EPDM Roofing Mechanically-Attached EPDM 45-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $10.15 | $1,015 | $253,625 |
| EPDM Roofing Mechanically-Attached EPDM 60-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $10.55 | $1,055 | $263,625 |
| EPDM Roofing Mechanically-Attached EPDM 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $4.55 | $455 | $113,875 |
| EPDM Roofing Mechanically-Attached EPDM 75-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $10.80 | $1,080 | $270,000 |
| EPDM Roofing Fully-Adhered EPDM 45-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $10.35 | $1,035 | $258,625 |
| EPDM Roofing Fully-Adhered EPDM 60-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $10.75 | $1,075 | $268,625 |
| EPDM Roofing Fully-Adhered EPDM 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $4.80 | $480 | $120,000 |
| EPDM Roofing Fully-Adhered EPDM 90-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $11.10 | $1,110 | $277,500 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Aluminum, Basic Coating) | $9.45 | $945 | $236,125 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Aluminum, PVDF/Kynar Coated) | $11.80 | $1,180 | $295,000 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Steel, Basic Coating) | $7.05 | $705 | $176,125 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Steel, PVDF/Kynar Coated) | $8.80 | $880 | $220,000 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Aluminum, Basic Coating) | $14.55 | $1,455 | $363,625 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Aluminum, PVDF/Kynar Coated) | $18.25 | $1,825 | $456,250 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Steel, Basic Coating) | $10.90 | $1,090 | $272,500 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Steel, PVDF/Kynar Coated) | $13.60 | $1,360 | $340,000 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing APP-Modified Bitumen 2-Ply System With R-20 Insulation | $12.65 | $1,265 | $316,125 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing APP-Modified Bitumen 2-Ply System No Additional Insulation | $7.85 | $785 | $196,125 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing APP-Modified Bitumen 3-Ply System With R-20 Insulation | $14.95 | $1,495 | $373,625 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing SBS-Modified Bitumen 2-Ply System With R-20 Insulation | $13.05 | $1,305 | $326,250 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing SBS-Modified Bitumen 2-Ply System No Additional Insulation | $8.25 | $825 | $206,250 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing SBS-Modified Bitumen 3-Ply System With R-20 Insulation | $15.60 | $1,560 | $390,000 |
| PVC Roofing Mechanically-Attached PVC 50-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $10.60 | $1,060 | $265,000 |
| PVC Roofing Mechanically-Attached PVC 60-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $10.90 | $1,090 | $272,500 |
| PVC Roofing Mechanically-Attached PVC 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $5.00 | $500 | $125,000 |
| PVC Roofing Mechanically-Attached PVC 80-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $11.20 | $1,120 | $280,000 |
| PVC Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC 50-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $10.80 | $1,080 | $270,000 |
| PVC Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC 60-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $11.10 | $1,110 | $277,500 |
| PVC Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $5.25 | $525 | $131,250 |
| PVC Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC 80-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $11.50 | $1,150 | $287,500 |
| PVC KEE Roofing Mechanically-Attached PVC KEE 60-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $12.00 | $1,200 | $300,000 |
| PVC KEE Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC KEE 60-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $12.25 | $1,225 | $306,250 |
| PVC KEE Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC KEE 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $6.30 | $630 | $157,500 |
| PVC KEE Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC KEE 80-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $12.55 | $1,255 | $313,625 |
| Spray Polyurethane Foam SPF 5-Inch Thick Silicone Coating Light Prep | $9.90 | $990 | $247,500 |
| Spray Polyurethane Foam SPF 5-Inch Thick Silicone Coating Heavy Prep | $11.40 | $1,140 | $285,000 |
| TPO Roofing Ballasted TPO 45-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $7.25 | $725 | $181,125 |
| TPO Roofing Ballasted TPO 60-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $7.60 | $760 | $190,000 |
| TPO Roofing Ballasted TPO 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $3.90 | $390 | $97,500 |
| TPO Roofing Ballasted TPO 80-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $7.95 | $795 | $198,750 |
| TPO Roofing Mechanically-Attached TPO 45-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $9.95 | $995 | $248,625 |
| TPO Roofing Mechanically-Attached TPO 60-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $10.30 | $1,030 | $257,500 |
| TPO Roofing Mechanically-Attached TPO 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $4.35 | $435 | $108,750 |
| TPO Roofing Mechanically-Attached TPO 80-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $10.60 | $1,060 | $265,000 |
| TPO Roofing Fully-Adhered TPO 45-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $10.15 | $1,015 | $253,625 |
| TPO Roofing Fully-Adhered TPO 60-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $10.55 | $1,055 | $263,625 |
| TPO Roofing Fully-Adhered TPO 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $4.55 | $455 | $113,875 |
| TPO Roofing Fully-Adhered TPO 80-mil Membrane With R-20 Insulation | $10.80 | $1,080 | $270,000 |
Further Reading: Roof Cost Details by Roofing Type
- Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost Guide
- Cedar Shake & Shingle Roof Cost Guide
- Copper Roof Cost Guide
- EPDM Rubber Roof Cost Guide
- Metal Roof Cost Guide
- Modified Bitumen Roof Cost Guide
- PVC Membrane Roof Cost Guide
- Shingle Roof Cost Guide
- Single-Ply Roofing Cost Guide (EPDM, PVC, TPO)
- Slate Roof Cost Guide
- Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing Cost Guide
- Standing Seam Metal Roofing Cost Guide
- Tile Roof Cost Guide
- TPO Membrane Roof Cost Guide
About the Author
Jack Gray spent 20 years as a principal roof consultant with the Moriarty Corporation, an award-winning building enclosure consultant firm founded in 1967. Mr. Gray has worked in the roofing industry for over 25 years, with training and practical experience in roof installation, roof inspection, roof safety, roof condition assessment, construction estimating, roof design & specification, quality assurance, roof maintenance & repair, and roof asset management. He was awarded the Registered Roof Observer (RRO) professional credential in 2009. He also served as an infantry paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and has a B.A. from Cornell University.