Roofing Contractors In Arkansas

Arkansas homes have a wide variety of roofs, which vary in style and material. Common materials used on Arkansas roofs are slate, shingles, metal, asphalt shingle, tile, composite, wood shake and composite roofing.

Typical Climate In Arkansas

Generally, Arkansas has a warm and humid climate, but the more mountainous regions of the state experiences cooler and wetter conditions. Temperature ranges from 40 degrees in January to 81 degrees in July in Little Rock, and the capital averages about 50 inches of precipitation a year. Mountainous regions receive a little less annual rainfall. Arkansas, as a whole, can experience light snowfall in the winters. Humidity can be anywhere from 84 to 57 percent on any given day.

Common Roofing Issues In Arkansas

Arkansas weather can be unpredictable, which can also lead to unforeseen roof damage. Winters can bring ice storms, which can fell trees, produce ice dams that cause drainage problems, and generally stress the structure of the roof. Another common problem in Arkansas is the buildup of moss or algae due to the humidity. If the roof isn't exposed to the sun, moss and algae can build up, not only becoming an eyesore but also potentially eating away at the roof's structural integrity. Seasonal climate changes can also cause roofs to expand and contract causing shingles to crack or loosen.

Licensing In Arkansas

A contractor's license is required to bid on projects costing $20,000 or more in Arkansas. The state has different licensing requirements for commercial and residential contractors. Residential contractors must have four years of experience and two verifiable references to qualify for a license authorizing residential building and remodeling. An exam is also required.

Legal Issues And Complaints

Homeowners can take complaints with contractors to both the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board and the Residential Building Contractors Committee, whose job it is to enforce the provisions of the Contractors Licensing Law and the Residential Licensing Law. Unlicensed contractors can incur civil penalties in the amount of $400 per day or 3 percent of the total project, whichever is less. Both the Board and the Committee can also revoke a contractor's license for fraud or misconduct.

Energy Efficient Roofs In Arkansas

There are two roofing companies in Arkansas that are partnered with ENERGY STAR. The two companies are Siplast Inc. in Arkadelphia, and Central States Manufacturing Inc. in Lowell. Central States Manufacturing specializes in metal roofing that lasts longer. Siplast has an entire green division offering Teranap waterproofing for green roof systems, Paradiene Cool Roof membranes, and Lightweight Insulating Concrete systems.

Unusual Roofs In Arkansas

One architectural gem in Arkansas is the Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs. Built in 1980, architect Fay Jones used a cross-lattice system overhead to hold the structure together. The repeating diamond shapes rise to hold an overhanging peaked roof. Care was taken to ensure the construction of the chapel didn't use "anything too big for two men to carry along a narrow hillside path."