Caring for a Batesville landmark. Roof replacement at First Presbyterian Church

This past summer our crew had the privilege of replacing the roof at First Presbyterian Church in Batesville. For many of us who grew up in Independence County, this is more than just another building. It is one of those places that quietly anchors our town, welcoming families for worship, choir practice, day school drop off, and community events year after year.

When the church called 2J’s Custom Roofs, they were not only asking for a new roof. They were asking us to help protect a piece of Batesville history.

A short history of First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church of Batesville was organized in 1842, making it one of the earliest Presbyterian congregations in Arkansas and one of the oldest churches in the Arkansas Presbytery.

The church’s story is woven together with the story of Lyon College. When Arkansas College opened in 1872, its first permanent campus sat on the same downtown block the church occupies today. Morrow Hall, the brick academic building that still stands beside the church, was the college’s original classroom building and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a beautiful example of Italianate and simple Victorian Renaissance style.

When the college moved to its current campus in the 1950’s, First Presbyterian acquired Morrow Hall and other nearby structures. The Long Memorial Building from the old campus was eventually removed to make room for the present sanctuary and church facilities.

Today the church complex on East Boswell includes the sanctuary, fellowship and classroom spaces, and a weekday day school, and it continues to serve Batesville as a place of worship, education, and community service.

What we found on the roof

By the time we were called in, the existing roof had already done decades of hard work. Our inspection showed:

Aging shingles nearing the end of their service life

Areas of wear around flashing, chimneys, and transitions between the sanctuary and adjoining buildings

Signs the roof was beginning to struggle with heavy Ozark rains

On a historic church like this, roof problems risk more than a little water intrusion. They threaten stained glass, old plaster, woodwork, and even the historic masonry. Our goal was to install a new roofing system that would handle Arkansas weather while respecting the character of the building beneath it.

Installing a modern roofing system that fits a historic campus:

Upgraded materials chosen for long term performance

For this project the church selected Malarkey Highlander architectural shingles, a durable shingle known for its impact resistance, strong granule adhesion, and enhanced protection against algae staining. ABC Supply Company provided all materials, and we appreciated the partnership and support throughout the project.

Clayton with Malarkey Roofing Products and Billy with ABC Supply even visited the jobsite during installation to review progress, answer technical questions, and provide on site support. Their involvement helped ensure the church received the highest quality installation possible.

Thorough inspection and planning

We began with a detailed walkthrough of each roof section, inside and out. That included the sanctuary, the education building, and the areas around Morrow Hall. We identified problem spots, checked the decking condition, and made a plan for repairs and reinforcements.

We then met with church leaders to talk through timelines, access points, noise, and safety around the day school and parking lots.

Protecting the property and grounds

Historic campuses often sit on tight downtown lots with limited access, so before any tear off began we protected landscaping, established material staging zones, and planned dumpster placement to keep entrances and walkways clear.

Careful tear off and structural repairs

Once everything was protected, we carefully removed the old shingles and inspected the decking underneath. Any compromised or weakened decking was replaced so the new Malarkey system had a solid foundation. We paid special attention to valleys and transitions between buildings, since water loves to find weak points in those areas.

Installing the new roof

With repairs complete, our crew installed the Malarkey Highlander system and upgraded flashings, underlayment, and ventilation. The finished roof complements the church’s historic architecture and gives the campus a clean, unified look from East Boswell and College Street.

Final cleanup and walkthrough

Church activity stays steady even on weekdays, so cleanup mattered as much as installation. We completed a full magnetic nail sweep, picked up debris throughout the campus, and walked the project with church leaders so everyone understood the work performed.

Why this project mattered to our team

At 2J’s Custom Roofs, most of our days are spent on homes across White and Independence County and the surrounding areas. We love that work. But projects like First Presbyterian in Batesville feel different.

This congregation has been worshiping together since before the Civil War. The block under their feet once taught generations of Arkansas College students. Today kids still run up those steps for day school, and families still gather under that roof to celebrate weddings, baptisms, holidays, and community events.

Helping protect that story for future generations is exactly why we are in the roofing business.

Does your church or historic building need a roof inspection

If you help care for a church, school, or older home in Batesville or the surrounding communities and you are not sure how your roof is holding up, we would be glad to take a look.

We can:

Inspect the current roof and explain what we see

Prioritize repairs and upgrades so you can plan your budget

Coordinate work around worship services and weekday ministries

Call 2J’s Custom Roofs to schedule a visit, and let us help you protect the places that matter most in your community.

Do I Need a Roof Repair or a Full Replacement? How to Know the Difference in Central Arkansas.

One of the most common questions homeowners ask us at 2J’s Custom Roofs is whether their roof needs a simple repair or a full replacement. It is an important decision because it affects your home, your budget and your peace of mind. The answer depends on several factors including the age of the roof, the type of damage, the condition of the shingles and the impact of our local weather.

North Central Arkansas (White, Independence, Cleburne, Jackson, Sharp and Fulton Counties) deals with everything from heavy rain and humidity to hail, strong winds and sudden temperature swings. All of these affect how long a roof lasts and how well it can be repaired. Below are the key things we look for when helping a homeowner decide which direction makes the most sense.

The Age of Your Roof

The age of your roof is one of the clearest indicators of what to expect. Most asphalt shingle roofs in Arkansas last about fifteen to twenty years depending on ventilation, installation quality and weather exposure. A roof that is ten years old with minor isolated damage is usually a good candidate for repair. A roof that is approaching twenty years is more likely to need replacement, especially if multiple issues are appearing at once.

Older shingles become brittle and lose the flexibility needed to seal properly. Even a small repair on an aging roof can disturb surrounding shingles and create new problems. For many homeowners this is when replacement becomes the more practical choice.

The Type and Extent of Damage

A small area of missing shingles or a single cracked pipe boot is usually repairable. Damage that is widespread or appears in multiple areas often points to deeper issues. For example, if you see shingles lifting across the entire roof, granule loss in multiple valleys or several soft spots in the decking, repairs may only offer temporary relief.

Storm damage is also an important factor. Hail larger than one inch, wind gusts over sixty miles per hour and flying debris can weaken a roof in ways that are not visible from the ground. If damage is scattered across the roof rather than limited to one small area, replacement may be the safer long term solution.

Signs Inside the Home

What you see inside your home matters just as much as what you see outside. Water stains on ceilings, bubbling paint, musty odors in closets or attic spaces and areas of discoloration on walls all point to moisture that has been present for a while. One small stain may be tied to a single repairable leak. Multiple stains or a growing pattern of moisture usually means the roof system as a whole is failing to keep water out.

Long term moisture inside your home can cause hidden problems such as damaged insulation, weakened rafters and mold growth. These are strong indicators that replacement should be considered.

Ventilation and Energy Efficiency

Proper ventilation is essential to the life of your roof. Poor airflow traps heat and moisture inside your attic which breaks down shingles and decking from underneath. If you notice your attic feels extremely hot, stale or humid during the summer or if your energy bills have increased over time, ventilation may be playing a role in your roof’s condition.

When ventilation is the main issue, it can sometimes be corrected during a repair. If poor ventilation has caused widespread shingle failure or weakened the roof structure, replacement may be the better option.

Previous Repair History

If your roof has required several repairs over the last few years, that is often a sign that it is nearing the end of its lifespan. A roof that constantly develops new issues often costs more in repeated repairs than a full replacement would. Many homeowners choose replacement at this stage to avoid ongoing stress and uncertainty.

How We Help You Decide

At 2J’s Custom Roofs we take pride in giving honest guidance. When we inspect a roof we explain what we see, why it matters and which option will serve you best over time. Some roofs only need a simple fix while others have reached the point where replacement is the smarter investment. We always give homeowners the truth even when the decision is not easy.

A recent job in Newark is a good example. The homeowner, Eric, called hoping the damage on his roof was not serious. After our inspection we found that the issue could in fact be repaired. We explained the repair option along with the cost and what he could expect in the years ahead. Eric appreciated the honesty, but after thinking it over he chose to move forward with a full replacement. He told us he did not want to get caught in the trap of throwing good money after bad and preferred a long term solution he would not have to worry about again.

Unfortunately not every roof has repairable damage. We recently met with Lisa in Batesville who was hoping for a repair because a full replacement was not in her budget. After a thorough inspection we had to explain that the roof was too far gone for a safe and lasting repair. It was failing in several areas and any small patch would have created more problems for her down the road. We walked her through replacement options and were able to offer financing that made the project manageable for her household. She left with relief rather than stress and knew she was making the right decision for her home.

These situations remind us that every roof and every homeowner is different. Our goal is always to give clear information, never pressure, so you can make the decision that fits your home and your budget. We live and work in the same communities we serve and we understand how our local weather affects your home. Whether you are dealing with storm damage, aging shingles or a leak you cannot find, we are here to help.

When to Reach Out

If you are unsure whether your roof needs a repair or replacement, the best first step is a professional inspection. You do not have to guess or climb onto the roof yourself. We can evaluate the overall condition, identify hidden issues and give you honest answers.

Whether you need a simple repair or a full replacement, you can rely on 2J’s Custom Roofs for quality work and clear guidance every step of the way.

The 7 Most Common Roof Problems We See In Central Arkansas (And How to Spot Them Early)

Every week our crew at 2J’s Custom Roofs is on rooftops across White, Independence, Jackson and Cleburne counties and the surrounding areas. Over the years we have seen the same problems appear again and again. This year in particular has shown how unpredictable and intense Arkansas weather can be. The storms that rolled through in March and April brought everything from large hail to powerful tornadoes. These events left many homeowners with roof issues that went undetected until weeks and months later because most roof issues begin small. With the right knowledge you can spot them early and protect your home long before the repair becomes expensive.

Below are the most common problems we find along with real examples from recent storms that affected our neighbors:

Undetected Roof Leaks

Roof leaks often begin long before water is dripping and a bucket is needed. The combination of humidity, heat and frequent storms in Arkansas puts pressure on the weakest points of a roof.

Watch for discoloration on ceilings, musty smells in the attic or shingles that appear dark or wet even on a clear day. Early detection is important because a minor leak today can easily grow into major structural damage later.

Worn or Cracked Pipe Boots

Pipe boots are the rubber seals around the vents on your roof. Over time the sun and heat will cause them to dry out and crack which creates a direct entry point for water. This is one of the most common sources of slow leaks in Arkansas homes.

Look for pipe boots that appear brittle or split. Stains on kitchen, bathroom or laundry room ceilings after a rain can be a good indication the seal has failed. Because these leaks often go unnoticed, regular inspections are helpful.

Missing or Damaged Shingles

High winds are one of the most common causes of early roof damage. Many areas across central Arkansas have regularly seen gusts over 60 miles per hour in 2025. Even if a roof looks fine from the ground, often strong winds have lifted shingles just enough to break their seal and sometimes pulling them loose from the nails. Once the seal is broken water can (and usually will) work its way into the home.

Look for shingles that appear lifted or curled, bare spots on your roof or loose granules and even shingles in the driveway or gutters. After any strong wind event it is wise to walk around your home and give both the roof and the ground a closer look.

Hail Damage

Hail was a major problem across our region this year. Several towns in and around the counties we serve were hit by damaging hail during March and early April. Here are some examples:

On March 31st, Viola in Fulton County reported hail as large as 1.75 inches. The previous day that area experienced stones up to 2.75 inches. On March 30th, Salem in Fulton County saw hail up to 1.5 inches. Cave City in Sharp County was hit twice, with 1.75-inch hail on March 14th and 3-inch hail on March 30th. On March 31st, Strawberry in Lawrence County reported hail measuring 1.75 inches. That same day Olyphant and Saffell in Jackson County saw stones up to 3 inches. Near Worden in White County hail reached 2.75 inches on April 2nd.

Hail of this size can bruise or crack shingles even if the roof looks normal at first glance. The damage often appears as small circular areas where granules are missing or as soft bruised spots you can feel with your hand. Metal vents, gutters and trim may also show dents.

*Because hail damage can shorten the life of a roof, we strongly encourage homeowners to schedule an inspection after any hail event.

Improper Installation

It is common for us to see roofs that were not installed correctly. Poor workmanship often shows up years later through leaks, loose shingles or exposed nails. Another common issue is improper ventilation. When a roof cannot breathe the trapped heat and moisture shorten the life of the shingles and weaken the entire system. This can lead to premature aging, soft decking, mold in the attic and higher energy bills.

Look for signs such as uneven shingle lines, nails sticking up, loose ridge caps, shingles that do not lay flat or attic spaces that feel unusually hot or stale.

Improper installation in any of these areas makes a roof more vulnerable during storms. The severe weather this spring revealed installation and ventilation mistakes on several homes we inspected. A roof can only perform as well as it was installed.

Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters can cause water to back up under the shingles. After the heavy rain events this year we found several homes with damaged fascia boards caused by overflowing gutters.

Look for standing water in your gutters, sagging sections or water spilling over the edges during a storm.

Gutter maintenance is a simple way to extend the life of your roof and prevent expensive repairs.

Aging Roof Systems

Every roof has a lifespan. Heat, humidity and seasonal changes slowly break down roofing materials. Older roofs often show thin or brittle shingles, missing granules or dark streaks from algae. Even without hail or wind an older roof can become vulnerable. If your roof is more than ten to fifteen years old it is wise to have it inspected, especially after the kind of extreme weather our community experienced this year.

Tornado and High Wind Damage in Our Community

Several tornadoes touched down in or near the areas we serve this spring. On March 14th a tornado struck north of Augusta in Woodruff County. That same day tornadoes also hit Diaz and Campbell Station near Newport in Jackson County. Cave City in Sharp County suffered significant destruction from an EF3 tornado on that day and our team spent a great deal of time helping homeowners there and in Melbourne in Izard County and Cushman in Independence County in the weeks that followed.

These events along with numerous reports of winds exceeding 60 miles per hour throughout the year created widespread roof stress that was not always obvious from the ground. Even if your home did not take a direct hit, strong winds can loosen shingles, damage flashing or lift ridge caps. If you live near any of these affected areas your roof may have experienced more strain than you realize.

When to Call a Professional

Catching roof problems early can save you thousands of dollars and protect the long-term health of your home. If you notice anything unusual, especially after major hail or wind events, scheduling an inspection is wise decision. At 2J’s Custom Roofs we take pride in serving our neighbors. We live here, worship here and raise our families here and all inspections are free with no obligation. When storms impact our communities, we show up to help.

Whether you need a small repair or a full replacement you can count on honest guidance and quality work from our local team that calls this same place home.