How much does rubber roofing cost in 2023?

Whether for a low-slope housetop, garage, or glass-enclosed porch, installing durable roofing materials with water-resistant characteristics is a smart move to make. While the market offers a slew of options to choose from, a rubber roof is the best one to consider. It allows for eliminating drainage issues and creating excellent insulation from the off. Thus, you can lower your heating bills and reduce the risk of leaks while putting minimal effort into the upkeep. And nope, the rubber roofing cost won’t break the bank. Most homeowners spend about $11.000 to install a brand-new housetop, but the final price will depend on the material quality you go for.

The average cost of a rubber roof

As a rule of thumb, the bigger your roof is, the more you have to spend on its renovation. But you can cut expenses by selecting more budget-friendly membrane materials and types of insulation. The rubber roofing cost per square foot can be anywhere from $4 and $11 (installation included). If you don’t feel like hiring contractors but doing everything yourself, you can expect to pay from $1 to $4 per sq. ft. for rubber roof materials only. 

The national average rubber roof cost per square foot

Many rubber roofing manufacturers offer cut-to-size products of different thicknesses to help quicken installation. Thus, you can find rolls with dimensions of 20 ft. x 25 ft. to 20 ft. x 70 ft. to 20 ft. x 90 ft., and more. They can vary by brand and rubber roofing material. With the national average cost of $2 per square foot, you can easily calculate possible expenses. 

The rubber roofing cost per roll

The cost of rubber roofing by size

If you have a low-sloped roof with a pitch of about 4 inches, its footage and complexity will remain the main cost-affecting factors. How does it work? Suppose you have a 2,000-square-foot housetop with many corners and decorative elements like chimneys. In this case, roofers may need to cut shingles to different sizes to protect all leak-prone areas, meaning some pieces may become waste. While you could have spent up to $8,000 on materials to cover a standard roof, you’ll have to fork up additional bucks to complete your project. On top of that, a complex roof will require more effort, which can also be reflected in the final price. 

The average rubber roof replacement cost by housetop size

The rubber roofing material cost by membrane type

Rubber shingles are considered an eco-friendly alternative to asphalt and slate options as they are made from recycled materials like plastic sawdust and tires. Depending on your budget, design preferences, and needs, you can choose from different membrane types, including:

• TPO. If you run out of money, thermoplastic polyolefin can be the right choice as it is an affordable yet quality option. You can expect to spend $1 to $3 per sq. ft. for materials. If you are about to hire contractors, they may cost from $4 to $10.50 per square foot installed. The average lifespan of this membrane type is about 17 years. 
• EPDM. If you want to cover your housetop with time-tested roofing materials that don’t require much maintenance, pay heed to ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). It can set you back from $4 to $11 per sq. ft. installed. As it’s only manufactured in black color, you should better choose it for cold US states.    
• PVC. Polyvinyl chloride membrane is the longest-lasting rubber roof type, as it can last for up to 22 years, even in severe weather conditions. You can expect to pay from $5.5 to $12 per sq. ft. installed. The rubber roofing material price alone may land between $1.7 to $3.5 per square foot.
• Other thermoset types. You can also come across thermosets (vulcanized roofs) like neoprene (CR), polyisobutylene (PIB), and chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE). They can only be combined with other thermoset types using adhesives to create a thicker membrane. 

The cost of rubber roofs by membrane type

The rubber roof cost by style

When selecting the right rubber roofing, you can also be guided by the style. There are two options to consider – shingles and tiles. They come with different designs, features, and price tags. Analyze the following info to make up your mind:

• Shingles. Membrane shingles are applied in large sheets to minimize the number of seams, leaving your roof less vulnerable to leaks. The rubber roofing material prices can vary depending on the brand and location, falling anywhere between $3 to $12 per square foot installed. Made from recycled synthetic rubber, they can withstand harsh environmental conditions for up to 30 years if well maintained.
• Tiles. If you want to upgrade your flat roof with state-of-the-art engineered roofing products without compromising its beauty, composite tiles are what you need. Manufacturers utilize a wide range of materials, from fiberglass to polymers to rubber, for their production. That’s why composite tiles can skyrocket the weather resistance of your roof, along with its curb appeal. Even though you’ll have to fork out between $7 and $15 per square foot with installation, this can be a great investment. This roofing material stands out with its 50-year lifespan. 

The rubber roof material cost by style

The rubber roofing cost by the membrane installation system

Thickness and system type are two more factors that can affect your rubber roofing price tag. Even though it can be tempting to purchase cheaper options, as ‘a few millimeters won’t make a big difference,’ it isn’t the case. Thinner materials are less durable and sustainable, meaning you can face first problems when installing. Here are three main rubber roofing systems to choose from:

• Ballasted. You can expect to pay between $1.25 and $2.50 per square foot for materials only. Contractors may utilize rocks, pavers, or gravel to weigh down the roofing sheets. 
• Fastened. This membrane installation system suggests overlapping roof membranes and attaching them to the surface with metal screws and plates. In addition to materials that may land between $2 and $3 per sq. ft., you will have to purchase equipment. If your housetop has protrusions, the rubber roof installation cost may significantly increase.
• Adhered. If you want to reduce the number of holes to a minimum, this method is for you. Roofers will use special glue to attach materials to the roof surface. Sheets alone may cost you from $3 to $4 per square foot, but you’ll also need to buy adhesive agent, considering that a 5-gallon bucket is enough for 1 square. 

The rubber roofing prices by the membrane installation system

The labor cost to install a rubber roof

If your housetop doesn’t have a complex shape and multiple stories, installing new roofing materials can become a great DIY project if you have some experience. However, you should be confident in your skills to attach everything correctly and securely. 

Professional contractors can save you the hassle of installing rubber roofs for as little as $2.50 per square foot. But they can charge more (up to $6 per sq. ft.) for a sophisticated roofing project. 

Things to consider when calculating the roofing cost per square foot

How much does a rubber roof cost? This question triggers anxiety in many homeowners facing the need to replace their housetop. If you trouble your head about this aspect, too, take your time to consider all nuances that can drive up the price. The list of such things includes but is not limited to:

• Roof pitch and design complexity. In many US states, building codes forbid rubber roof installation if the slope is over 2 inches per foot (2%). Thus, you should check out beforehand if your housetop is eligible for such an update. If you own a multi-level house, you should contact local contractors to estimate the scope of work. Complex projects can come with a higher price.
• Roof accessibility. Once your housetop is 15+ feet, it’ll be considered a hard-to-reach one. Roofers can charge more for poor accessibility and the efforts involved to get the job done. 
• Roof color. When using a rubber roof cost calculator, you may overlook such a non-obvious factor as housetop color. But it does affect the price since all other than black roofing materials are more costly. Thus, if a standard option doesn’t speak to you because of a hot climate, you can shell out more. 
• Roof penetrations. You can protect your roof from moisture build-up by adding extra flashing and insulation around A/C units, chimneys, and other weak areas. As these steps require time and effort, labor costs can be significantly increased. What’s more, it may take contractors longer to finish the roofing project because of dormers, skylights, and other decorative elements. 
• Material thickness. The thicker your roofing material is, the longer it can stay in mint condition. But contractors will have to employ a stronger installation system to attach sheets securely, meaning higher project costs. 

Additional roofing services affecting the rubber roofing cost

Replacing a housetop is never easy, but experienced contractors can make it a breeze. You should only be financially prepared for possible expenses. To ensure a stress-free roofing project, include all related services in the budget before it begins:

• Getting permits. Whether for a repair or corner-to-corner rubber roof replacement, you need to get permits from local authorities. The costs may be higher or lower depending on your location, but you can expect to spend about $300 on average.
• Inspection. It’s recommended to schedule an annual roof inspection to detect damage or deficiencies early on. Specialists can also help you decide on the materials and services required to make your housetop an ultimate protective shield again. Roof inspection can set you back between $100 and $400.
• Old roof removal. If you have a single layer of old roofing, you can skip this step, as installing a new one over it is a usual thing. However, a multi-layered one requires total removal. This service may cost you about $1.5 per square foot. 
• Repair. If you can’t afford a full roof replacement, its repair can save the day. You can expect to spend up to $450 for fixing minor cracks by sealing or patching, while a big-scale issue (up to 1 square) may cost you from $400 to $1,000.
• Insulation. To create a nice-looking flat surface and keep your house warm, you need to install an insulation layer underneath the top roofing material. The cost may go between $1.70 and $7 per sq. ft. installed. 
• Sealing and coating. If you live in a hot and wet US state, a coating process can help you increase the lifespan of your rubber roof. It helps protect the surface from UV rays, preventing rubber cracking. Plus, you can save yourself from algae and moss growth outside and inside the roof. You may fork up from $1.20 to $4 per square foot. 

The cost of roofing-related services