Most people think a roof is a roof, but actually, there are a lot of factors to consider when determining what type of roofing shingles to choose for your structure. This blog will provide some information about architectural and three tab asphalt shingles, to help you determine which type may work better for you.     Roof History As long as humans have made shelters, roofs have protected them and their belongings.  There has been quite an evolution of materials from ancient times to now, but they have all served the same purpose: to protect themselves from the elements of nature. Early man used straw, reeds, palms, or grass, and these materials are still used today in some regions. They were easily sourced and actually provided good insulation but were very high maintenance and very flammable. The use of clay tiles began over 3,000 years ago in ancient China and Mesopotamia.  The Romans and Greeks began using them in Europe. The fire-resistant and durable nature of the ceramic material made it a wise choice, and it continues to be used today. Wooden Shingles and Shakes have been used for thousands of years and increased in popularity in Northern Europe (12th Century) and Colonial North America due to abundant forests, but they were a high fire risk. Slate roofs showed up during the Middle Ages. In Europe, the affluent preferred slate due to its fireproof nature and durability (could last up to 100 years).  The downside of slate roofing was the high cost, and the heavy weight of the material was not appropriate for many structures. In the 1600s-1800s, metal roofing came into fashion, and lead, copper, and tin were used for churches, castles, and public buildings.  Metal roofs were favored for their longevity and durability. The Industrial Revolution also made an impact on the use of metal roofing, as fabrication made it less expensive. In the early 1900s, asphalt shingles came on the scene and became a common roofing material. Early versions were organic felt, covered with asphalt, then in the 1970s, fiberglass-based shingles became more popular. The affordability, fire-resistant nature, installation ease, and lightweight of the material made asphalt shingles the go-to product to use, and they are the most common roofing material in North America today.     Roofing and Shingles Shingles are designed to create a waterproof, water-shedding surface to a structure or home.  They overlap to prevent water leakage and direct water, from rain and snow, down the roof to gutters, which then directs the water away from the structure. Synthetic or felt underlayment is installed on the roof deck for extra protection prior to shingle attachment.  Shingles are installed from the bottom of the roof to the ridge of the roof, overlapping as they go. Adhesive strips seal each shingle to one another, and roofing nails are used to secure the shingles to the roof deck. The adhesive and nails help to prevent uplift from wind and stop water from getting blown under the edges of the shingles. Metal flashing is installed to direct water away from chimneys and roof edges, and drip edges are used to guide water to prevent seepage under the shingles and avoid rot. Roof vents are also installed to ensure airflow through the attic to ensure moisture control and temperature balance to control mold, mildew, wood rot, and insulation damage.   Architectural Shingles Architectural shingles are a multilayered shingle that offers a more dimensional, textured appearance. Their 3-dimensional texture, varied shapes, and shadowing create greater curb appeal for homes. A wide range of colors and styles are available, offering homeowners greater design options to complement their homes' architectural style.  They are thicker and heavier than three-tab asphalt shingles and have a longer life span, ranging from 25 -40 years.  Some premium brands can last even longer.  Durability and higher wind resistance make them a preferred choice over 3-Tab Shingles. Wind ratings of 110-130 mph are common. Architectural shingles are known for higher fire ratings and their weather-resistant qualities. As with anything, higher quality means higher up-front cost, but the increased life span helps to balance the scales. The weight of the shingles might require reinforcement for some roofs, so, it is important to have a skilled roofer like Elite Home Solutions perform the installation. Architectural shingles are also more complicated to install than three-tab asphalt shingles. If you are looking for a long-lasting, stylish, and cost-effective roofing material that can handle moderate to severe weather, then architectural shingles are probably a good choice. Pros of Architectural Shingles                             Long Lifespan                                                          Durable                                                        High Weather Resistance Ratings                      Aesthetically Attractive Impact Resistant Diverse Styles and Colors Longer Warranties Higher Home Resale Impact   Cons of Architectural Shingles Higher Cost Heavier than 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles Complex Installation     3-Tab Asphalt Shingles 3-tab asphalt shingles are a very popular choice for many homeowners.  These shingles have 3 tab cutouts that make it appear that there are three individual shingles per strip.  They are flat, lightweight, affordable, and uniform in appearance. Fiberglass (most common) or organic felt is used as the shingles' base material. The base material is then covered in asphalt for waterproofing. Mineral granules coat the top of the shingle to provide UV protection, fire resistance, and color variation. Typically, wind resistance ratings range from 60-70 mph, though some can go as high as 90 or more. Structures in moderate climates, with minimal wind and hail, are suitable for this type of shingle. 10-20 years is the average life span of 3-tab shingles, though it varies based on shingle quality, climate, and maintenance. When considering asphalt shingles for your home, you will find that 3-tab asphalt shingles are less expensive than architectural shingles.    Pros of 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles                           Low Cost                                                                                 Ease of Installation                                                               Lightweight                                                                            Uniform Look                                                                                                                                                                          Cons of 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles Decreased Lifespan Reduced Weather Resistance One-Dimensional Flat Appearance Decreased Durability Shorter Warranties     Which are the best asphalt shingles – 3 tab or architectural? Both 3-tab asphalt shingles and architectural shingles can be good choices for your home or structure, depending on numerous factors: budget, durability, appearance, design needs, and climate. Architectural shingles do beat 3-tab shingles in most categories as they are more durable, hold up better in extreme weather, are more attractive, and increase your home value more. Architectural shingles are usually a higher quality product and an excellent long-term investment if you are planning to stay in your home for a long time.     Elite Home Solutions is a trusted licensed   roofing contractor  in Arkansas. We provide professional guidance and a free quote  regarding your roofing project. Our team has years of residential roofing experience and would be happy to help you.

We are excited to announce that both of our branches in Arkansas (Northwest and Northeast AR) are accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Arkansas. What does it mean that Elite Home Solutions is BBB Accredited? We had to pass accreditation standards to become accredited with the BBB. Both of our locations have met those standards and are BBB Accredited, rated A. Some of the standards include build trust, honest advertising, transparency, responsiveness, and embodiment of integrity. What Locations (branches) are Accredited with the Better Business Bureau? Both our Northwest Arkansas and Northeast AR locations are accredited with the BBB. NORTHWEST ARKAN SAS 233 E Main St, Ste 20  Farmington, AR 72730 Farmington BBB Profile ​ NORTHEAST ARKAN SAS 144 Craighead County Road 437 Jonesboro, Arkansas 72404 Jonesboro BBB Profile To find out more about the Better Business Bureau of Arkansas , check out their website. For more information about Elite Home Solutions, check out these pages: About Us Meet The Team FAQs If you have questions, please contact us!

We are excited to let everyone know that we have an office in Jonesboro now! We are remodeling the space but will be open by appointment. We will have more details coming soon! Our address in Northeast Arkansas is: 144 Craighead County Road 437 Jonesboro, Arkansas 72404 For more information on our services in Northeast Arkansas, please check our Jonesboro and services pages.

The roof below one of our second-floor apartments in college was metal and was old and not insulated, so when it rained, it was initially difficult to get used to. Over time, we came to enjoy the water music that the old roof created. Today’s metal roofs are insulated for soundproofing and energy efficiency, so they aren’t as loud, but are still a pleasure to listen to. If you are considering a new roof, it is important to determine what roofing material is best for your property. Many folks are surprised to learn that metal sheets are not the only option. These days, there are many metal roofing styles to choose from. This blog will discuss metal roofing, its history, manufacturing process, and the pros and cons to help you decide which is best for you.   Metal Roof History Metal roofing  has been around for thousands of years.  Did you know the Pantheon in Rome, built in 27 BC, had a copper roof on the circular temple dome, and it lasted for centuries. Copper and lead roofs were used in the Medieval and Renaissance periods for cathedrals, castles, and government buildings. The Industrial Revolution’s metal processing advancements expanded metal roofing options and developed tinplate, zinc, galvanized steel, and corrugated metal panels.  These roofing materials became popular for their durability and affordability. In the 20th century, lightweight, easy-to-install panels gained popularity for commercial use, warehouses, and barns.  Residential use increased when the appearance became more attractive. In the 21st century, modern metal roofs have become energy efficient, architecturally flexible, attractive, environmentally friendly, and more high-tech.   Metal Roofing Manufacturing Process The manufacturing process of metal roofs entails the transformation of raw materials into panels or shingles. Metals most often used are steel, aluminum, zinc, or copper.  Steel ( galvanized  or   galvalume  coated) is the most cost-effective and strongest. The raw materials are melted and rolled into large sheets at a rolling mill,  standing seam, corrugated panels, or metal shingles or tiles can be forged. The sheets or tiles are then galvanized using a hot dip process, and a finish of durable paint or stone coating is applied to protect from rust, fading, and ultraviolet damage. Insulation and backing materials can also be added. The insulation increases energy efficiency and provides soundproofing. The installation process involves fasteners, clips, sealants, and sometimes underlayment.   Metal Roof Benefits Though more expensive to install, the durability far outlasts typical roofing material. On average, a metal roof can last 40-70 years. They are highly weather resistant and can handle heavy rain, hail, and high winds, and most metal roofing materials have a Class A fire rating and are non-combustible. We all know metal gets hot in the sun, but metal roofs actually reflect solar radiant heat and can reduce cooling costs by 10-25%. A cool roof coating can further increase energy savings. Metal roof maintenance requirements are low; metal roofs are   environmentally friendly , often made from 100% recyclable materials, and come in many colors and styles that can simulate shingles, slate, tile, or wood. There are cost savings with metal roofs, including less frequent replacements, less maintenance, lower energy bills, and, in hail-prone areas, potential insurance discounts.   Asphalt Shingle vs Metal Roofing There are benefits to both asphalt shingles and metal roofs.   Understanding the differences between the two is important so you can decide which roofing material is best for you. Asphalt roofs are less expensive upfront, are quieter, come in a wide array of colors and styles, and are a bit easier to install. However, asphalt shingles can require more maintenance, are less durable in storms, have minimal insulating benefits and can actually absorb heat which increases air conditioning use, overtime algae and staining can occur and are generally are   not eco-friendly  (11 million tons end up in landfills annually). Metal roofs can be twice the cost, but their longevity and durability far exceed asphalt shingles. They are environmentally friendly and energy efficient, most are highly impact resistant, and require little maintenance. A metal roof can require intensive labor, and some HOAs do not allow it. If softer metals such as aluminum or copper are used, they can dent on impact. Neither metal nor asphalt roofing material is definitively better than the other.  It all depends on your specific needs and budget. Metal roofs do provide increased longevity and durability. If you plan on owning your property for a long time, it will certainly save you on maintenance and utility costs over the long haul and they are eye catching. They certainly treat Mother Nature more kindly at the end of their life.   If you are considering a metal roof, we are a licensed roofing contractor. We can provide a   free estimate  for a metal roof for your property and answer any questions you may have.

We are working on rebuilding a fence and repairing damage on a home, but this project is a little different than most that we have worked on – it caught on fire from a brush fire. The brush fire started from a firepit at a neighbor’s home and then it spread to our customer’s property. The fire burned the fence and some of the house. We are thankful that our customer was not home and was safe from the fire! This could have been a lot worse and was preventable. The neighbor’s insurance company is paying for the claim. In this situation, everyone was safe, and insurance was there to pay for damages. But it could have been a much worse scenario. We thought it would be a good blog topic, so wanted to share some info on burn bans.     Purpose of Burn Bans The Forestry Department of Arkansas monitors risks of fires. “The Cole-Crutchfield Forest Fire Law, adopted as Act 35 of the 1935 General Assembly, still stands (with amendments) today. The law’s purpose is to “ protect the forest of the state ” and outlines the potential penalties for individuals convicted of violating it.” Burn bans are put in place to increase safety during periods of dry conditions where fire is more likely to spread. All outdoor burning is banned and is usually prohibited for a 24 hour period at a time. When harsher and dryer conditions occur, there could be a court ordered burn ban for up to 60 days.   Burn Bans vs Red Flag Warnings In Arkansas, burn bans are enacted by local city and county officials (such as fire marshals, fire department, mayor, and judges) and are in place for safety. In March 2025, 60% of Arkansas counties  were under a burn ban. Burn bans prohibit starting fires outdoors because of harsh and dry conditions in the area. Sometimes during a burn ban – there can be extreme wind conditions. In combination with the dry conditions, wind could spread fire even more. When there are adverse weather conditions that could drastically increase the chance of the fire spreading – it is called a Red Flag Warning . A burn ban is a legal ban, but a red flag warning is just a warning about a potentially dangerous set of weather conditions. Burn bans are posted on local road signs and are also posted on the Arkansas Forestry site: https://mip.agri.arkansas.gov/agtools/Forestry/Fire_Info . In Benton County , there are 24-hour and court ordered burn bans (up to 60 days). In Fayetteville , the fire departments issue burn bans based on unusually hazardous atmospheric conditions. In Rogers , approved burns must be put out if wind conditions exceed 10 MPH even without a burn ban in place. Many cities in Arkansas offer burn permits (to burn but not during a burn ban – not all materials, but some can be approved). Jonesboro  doesn’t offer permits and doesn’t allow burning unless it is leaves and yard debris. Burning must be 25 feet from property lines and homes and can be no larger than 3 feet in diameter. When you are going to start your fire pit or burn some leaves, please make sure there are no burn bans in place before starting any fires. During a burn ban, there also may be other restrictions – not just on starting fires in a pit but it could also include grills and other items. And keep in mind that when on federal land, there are restrictions on fires and cooking that must be followed – even without a county or city wide burn ban in effect. For more information on fencing, check out our fence construction page . For questions on damages or more info about us, please contact us.

Elite Home Solutions is moving from Farmington to Springdale in Summer of 2025! We are remodeling the office space and will update our amazing customers and community once we have final details! We are so excited!

Elite Home Solutions installs and repairs seamless gutters in the Northwest and Northeast areas of Arkansas. We receive similar questions about seamless gutters, so wanted to cover our thoughts on seamless versus sectional gutters.     Gutters Gutters direct water away from your home or business. Gutters are made up components that work together to direct water flow such as downspouts, elbows, end caps, gutter guards, gutter hangers, fascia boards, and others. Gutter systems  come in a variety of materials such as aluminum, copper, steel, and zinc. Gutter types like sectional and seamless include styles like k-style, fascia, and half-round. Gutters are offered in a variety of materials and colors to match or complement your structure’s aesthetics. The pricing of installation of your gutter system will be based on the size of your home, type of gutters, gutter material, installation labor, and other factors. Vinyl and aluminum gutters cost less than copper, steel, or zinc. More premium materials do come with a higher cost but in the long term they will also have less maintenance and last longer.   If we had to summarize gutter materials in a phrase or word – this is what we would say: Aluminum – Versatile Vinyl – Budget friendly Copper – Corrosion Resistant Galvanized Steel – Weatherproof Zinc – Long Lasting   Seamless Gutters vs Sectional Gutters Sectional gutters are made by combining pieces and attaching those with seams and joints. Seamless gutters are usually cut from one piece of metal and have no seams. Sectional gutters are more likely to have drips or leaks at the seams since there are more connection points.  Seamless gutters are continuous and do not have seams. This type of gutter is made from a single piece of metal. Seamless gutters must be exact, so the gutter system hugs your home and does its job to direct water away from the structure. With larger homes, seamless gutters can be very long and will take a team to transport and properly hang the gutter system. Seamless gutters must be cut to fit your specific home’s custom measurements. Since they are cut to your structure’s size, seamless gutters reduce water leakage. With sectional gutters, seams and joints can be points where water leaks from the gutter system to the ground below. Sectional gutters are pre-cut pieces of gutters that are connected together with seams and joints. Sectional gutters can be made in a variety of materials and styles.  Sectional gutters are the more traditional gutter system and are less expensive than custom made seamless gutters.     Benefits of Seamless Gutters Less likely to have leaks because there are no seams to connect the system.  Sectional gutters are connected with seams and joints – and that is where a lot of gutter leaks happen – in the connection points. Seamless gutters have less maintenance than traditional, sectional gutters. Seamless gutters are less likely to have clogs since clogs usually occur in the seams and connecting joints of sectional gutters. Offered in a lot of colors and common materials, but seamless gutters don’t have the expansive color and material options like sectional gutters offer.   Benefits of Sectional Gutters Sectional gutters are less expensive than seamless gutters, since they are precut and molded together to create a continuous gutter system. Offered in a variety of colors and materials to match your home or business’ aesthetics. Repairs are simpler since a section can be removed an easily replaced in sectional gutters compared to seamless where the gutter is one piece of continuous metal. Elite Home Solutions is a top-rated contractor and roofer in Arkansas. We have a talented team of gutter specialists who can install, replace, and repair all types of gutter systems including seamless. If you have any questions on your gutters, please contact us!  For more info, check out our gutter installation page.

Roofing Damage As a top-rated roofing company  and licensed contractor in Arkansas, we have helped a lot of customers with roof damage by repairing the damage and if unrepairable – replacing the roof and any other damaged components. We wanted to share some info related to causes of damage, roof age, roofing materials, and signs of possible roof damage. A roof is a very important part of your home or business. It does a lot more than just protect from the elements – it works with other components to protect your home. Roofs and gutters help guide water away from the home to gutters which expel water away from the house to properly drain.  Common Causes of Roof Damage in Arkansas: Hail damage – Hail is common in our great state. Arkansas was ranked as 3rd out of 10 for Hail Claims  in 2022 by Statefarm Insurance. The hail event  on June 14, 2023 impacted 93,575 properties in Arkansas and 16 other states. A little bit of hail damage may not cause any damage or leaks, but repeated hail or long time periods or large sized hail and extreme wind can cause significant damage.   Wind Damage and Fallen Trees – During storms or high winds, unhealthy trees will break and fall during winds that exceed 39 miles an hour or sometimes even lower wind speeds.  Healthy trees may also fall or break due to severe winds or high wind speeds . Trees can damage the roof, underlayment, decking, attic, and related structural components depending on how and where the tree falls. Chimney Leak – Chimneys are usually stone or brick columns that passes through a roof or sometimes the side of the home. Chimneys have flashing to prevent water from entering the structure. If flashing was installed incorrectly or has worn over time, it stops preventing water. Water starts entering the inside of the home around the flashing around the chimney. I mproper Installation or Low Quality Products – When roofs are not installed properly, you may have a water leak, shingles may curl or slide up, water can penetrate through nail holes, or has an uneven appearance.  Or sometimes, components of the roof are missing such as flashing, ice and water shield, vents, boots, or other components of the roofing structure.  Sometimes the attic isn’t vented properly or or poor-quality products are used.  Incorrect installation and/or low-quality products cause issues and shorten the lifespan of the roof.   Clogged Gutters – We see a lot of damaged fascia, siding, decking, etc because gutters are full of leaves and the water is backing up under the shingles. Clogged gutters can allow water to pool and overflow instead of draining down and away from the home, which could lead to leaks in the roof and ceiling, water damage around the clogged gutters, or mold growth because of the standing water.  Standing water can also bring in insects like mosquitos who love standing water. The water that pools from the clogged gutters can also pool around the foundation which can lead to serious structural issues and cracks. To prevent this issue, we recommend inspecting and cleaning gutters every 3 to 6 months or more (depending on type of gutters, if have guards or filters, and the number of trees around the structure). Poor Maintenance – A roof like with the rest of the home needs proper maintenance to make sure it meets its lifespan and protects your home or business. Small things with a roof like a shingle coming loose is an easy fix but if that shingle is not replaced – it can cause much more severe damage in the long term.  We recommend having a roof inspection annually. Storms and Tornados – Storms and Tornados can cause roof damage and in some cases much more intense structural damage like pulling off parts of the home. In March of 2024, severe weather, tornadoes, and wind  caused damage through Northwest Arkansas. Sometimes storms are unpredictable.  If you get damage from a storm, please ensure your safety first. Then, you will want to cover the damaged area with a tarp to prevent further water damage. To most home owners, this may tough since proper shoes for roof climbing are needed, plus a tarp and tie downs may not be immediately accessible. Elite Home Solutions can help you secure your roof, please call us if you need help. Birds, Animals, and Insects – Roofs protect your home or business, but to animals, birds, and insects – your roof, attic, eaves, or other part of the structure may look like a great home for their family.  These pesky creatures can cause roof damage and other structural damage, so it is very important to look for signs such as access points and listen for sounds of uninvited guests in your roof or attic.   Roof Age and Reduced Resilience - Roof Age and Roofing Materials – Roofs help maintain temperatures and an old or damaged roof can cause energy costs to increase as energy efficiency has been reduced from damage or age.  As roofs age – the roof becomes less resilient and not as able to fight against harsher storms.  The shingles or roofing material will be a factor in the longevity of the roof and how it ages – regular shingles will not last as long as architectural shingles. Metal and tile roofs also compare differently to either type of shingle – under most circumstances will outperform and last longer than traditional shingles.  However, not everyone likes the price point or sound of metal roofs or the look of tile roofs. Roofing materials can impact roof age along with other factors such as climate, harsh storms, hail activity, and other geographical and climate related factors.  As roofs age, roofs will become weaker and more easily prone to potential damage. Sometimes roof damage is very obvious and other times it isn’t. We have customers who have lost the whole top part of their homes – not just their roofs, but the decking, but the attic and surrounding structural components.  Thankfully, our customers were safe but their home was not.  They knew immediately when they arrived that there was roof damage to their home during the storm.  For other clients, there was a storm and there are no leaks, but a little while later ceiling stains appear.  And sometimes, a shingle in the yard – is just that – a random shingle that wasn’t installed properly. The best way to determine if you have roof damage is to schedule an inspection. We will climb on the roof and look at your roof to asses damages, if any. We also utilize tools to help us capture measurements and review damage severity. Like we said, sometimes damage is more apparent than other times – here are some common things to look for when looking for roof damage at your home or business. Signs of Potential Roof Damage: ·        Missing Shingles ·        Curling Shingles ·        Roof Sagging ·        Clogged Gutters ·        Damaged Flashing ·        High Energy Bills ·        Leaky Chimney ·        Ceiling Stains ·        Shingle(s) in Yard or Excessive Granules in Gutters or Granule Loss ·        Water Leaks ·        Attic Leaks ·        Ice Dams ·        Pest Infestation ·        Moss on Shingles   If you have noticed some of the signs above, please reach out to us to schedule a free roof inspection. We are here to help – we have experience repairing, installing, and replacing roofs in Northwest and Northeast Arkansas. We are also a licensed contractor and understand how your roof and other elements of your home work together to protect one of your biggest assets – your home or business!  We are a top-rated roofer, have a talented team , and value quality workmanship. We offer warranties on our services and products.