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By Amanda Lutz Updated January 23, 2024 Frosted Polycarbonate Film
Typically cost ranges from $8,500 to $30,000.
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Rubber roof installation costs typically range from $8,500 to $30,000 , but many homeowners will pay around $19,250 on average for a flat EPDM membrane on a 2,000-square-foot roof. Rubber is waterproof, fire-resistant, and energy-efficient roofing material. It’s also relatively affordable compared to other new roof installation pricing . Though it’s only used for flat and low-slope roofs, rubber shingles are available for pitched roofs. Our guide details the different types of rubber materials and explains what determines rubber roofing costs.
Metal roofs cost, on average, between $7,081 and $110,150.
The NRCIA reports that the average tile roof cost is $8,000 to $23,000.
Shingle-style roofs cost, on average, $5,000 to $18,000.
Note: Article cost data sourced from Fixr and Home Advisor.
See below to get an idea of how much rubber roof installation costs.
The cost of rubber roofing is primarily determined by the type of rubber and the roof size .
Rubber can be used as single-ply membranes on flat roofs or as shingles on pitched roofs. The only true synthetic rubber used as a roofing membrane is ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). However, other types of plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), are also useful as roofing membranes. Here’s how these materials compare.
The larger your roof, the more materials and labor are necessary to cover it. Roofing materials are sold by the square foot or by the roofing square, which is an area of 100 square feet.
Based on a range of $4.25 to $15 per square foot , here’s how much you can expect to pay for roofs of various sizes.
Installing rubber roofing isn’t an ideal do-it-yourself ( DIY ) job. While some experienced DIYers may have the skills and experience to install this type of roof themselves, we recommend hiring licensed rubber roofing contractors to ensure that your roof meets all building codes and stays covered by warranties , some of which stipulate professional installation.
Rubber roofing membrane is a specialty material, and not all licensed roofers have experience installing it. Thus, you’ll need to look for a roofing company with the right training and tools. Licensed professionals will ensure that you get all the necessary permits and meet all applicable building codes. They’ll know how to use heat or sealant to properly secure the materials.
The warranty on many new roofing materials requires professional installation, so while hiring pros to install your new roof may make the initial investment costlier, it also protects your home.
Homeowners may be tempted to try to save on labor costs by doing roof work themselves, but that’s usually not a good idea in terms of safety. Flat and low-slope roofs are a bit safer to work on than pitched roofs, but there’s a fall risk inherent in any roofing project .
A key part of keeping rubber membranes watertight is properly sealing it, which can require special tools or glues that are more accessible to professional roofers than homeowners . Overall, it’s best to leave this job to the pros.
Depending on your project’s specifics, the following factors may also play a role in the total cost .
Any features in addition to basic roofing materials will come with extra costs. Here are some examples.
Anything that juts up from your roofline, such as a vent, chimney, or skylight , is called a roof penetration. Since rubber roofing membrane will need to be cut and sealed around each penetration, the more of these you have, the more complex the installation becomes. Each cut in the membrane creates the potential for leakage, so roofers need to seal around penetrations carefully to prevent water damage . That’s why a roof with multiple vents or skylights will cost more to install.
In addition to being sealed to each other, sheets of rubber membrane must also adhere to the roof. There are three different ways to do this: by weighing them down with ballast, attaching them with bolts and screws, or gluing them to the roof deck. Each of these processes comes with different installation costs .
Frequently, the removal and disposal of old surface materials like shingles , flashing, and underlayment will be included in roof installation costs . If it isn’t, you may need to pay $1 to $2 per square foot to remove old materials. Make sure to discuss the cost of old roof removal when you’re getting estimates from professional roofers .
If your existing roof has any structural issues, these will need to be fixed before new materials can be installed. Flat roof repair costs an average of $300 to $1,250 and may include the following.
Rubber membranes are typically available in a variety of thicknesses, usually between 40 and 90 millimeters (mm). Thicker rubber costs more and may be more difficult to seal, but it’s also more durable and more resistant to damage. The thickness you need will be determined primarily by your local climate .
Rubber membrane roofing is only appropriate on roofs with a slope of 4:12 or less. That means the roof only rises 4 inches vertically for every 12 horizontal inches. If your roof is steeper than that but you’ve got your heart set on rubber, then you’ll need to opt for rubber shingles , which are more expensive than rubber membrane.
Typically, rubber membrane is used on flat or low-slope roofs that materials designed for pitched roofs aren’t appropriate for. In some cases, though, you may find yourself choosing between rubber and other roofing materials . Here’s a direct cost comparison as well as a look at the pros and cons of the most popular residential roofing materials .
If you need roof replacement for a flat or low-slope roof , rubber membrane is an affordable, low-maintenance roofing solution. For pitched roofs, rubber shingles offer a durable, eco-friendly alternative to asphalt. Although rubber roofing should be installed by a licensed, experienced professional for best results, it’s still less expensive than many alternatives.
We recommend looking for a local roofer with specific experience in rubber roof installation . Most contractors will offer free quotes , so be sure to get at least three estimates before making your choice.
Rubber roofing materials have a number of benefits, such as low cost, high resistance to weather and water damage, and good energy efficiency. If your home has a flat roof, rubber membrane is among the best roofing solutions.
Rubber membrane, such as EPDM, is less costly than asphalt shingles, but these two materials are typically used on very different roof types. Rubber shingles are costlier than asphalt shingles, but they also last longer.
Here are some pros of opting for a rubber roof.Holds up against rain and high windsResists fire and heat damageIncreases energy efficiency by reflecting UV rays or holding heat depending on the colorDoesn’t crack, chip, or breakCosts less than many other popular materials
Rubber roofs last at least 15 to 20 years, but a well-installed EPDM rubber roof may last up to 60 years.
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