How much does rubber roofing cost?
How much does rubber roofing cost?
$4 – $10 cost per square foot installed
$6,000 – $20,000 average total cost to install (1,500 – 2,000 SF)
Rubber roofing cost
Rubber roofing costs $4 to $10 per square foot installed or $6,000 to $20,000 on average, depending on the roof size, membrane material, and insulation. EPDM roofing costs $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot for materials alone, plus $3 to $7 per square foot for replacement labor.
| Roof square feet | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 100 | $400 – $1,000 |
| 250 | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| 500 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| 800 | $3,200 – $8,000 |
| 1000 | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| 1500 | $6,000 – $15,000 |
| 2000 | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| 2500 | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| 3000 | $12,000 – $30,000 |
Rubber roof replacement cost calculator
The following table shows the average cost to install or replace a rubber roof.
| National average cost | $11,000 |
| Minimum cost | $2,250 |
| Maximum cost | $30,000 |
| Average cost range | $6,000 to $20,000 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Membrane roof cost by material
Rubber membrane roofs cost $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot for materials alone, depending on the type. TPO is a blend of plastic (PVC) and rubber (EPDM). PVC is the most expensive and durable option.
| Type | Materials | Total installed cost | Life expectancy (years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPDM | $0.50 – $3.50 | $3.50 – $10.00 | 15 – 25 |
| TPO | $1.00 – $2.50 | $4.00 – $10.00 | 10 – 25 |
| PVC | $1.50 – $3.00 | $5.00 – $12.00 | 20 – 30 |
EPDM roofing cost
EPDM roofing costs $3.50 to $10.00 per square foot installed or $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot for the materials alone. EPDM roofing is made with recyclable rubber and is fire, water, and UV resistant.
Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is typically cheaper than other rubber roof membranes. Other than seam repairs, it requires little to no maintenance. However, since EPDM is glued instead of heat welded, its seams may break down sooner than TPO and PVC.
TPO membrane prices
TPO roofing costs $4 to $10 per square foot installed or $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot for materials only. Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) is heat welded, combining the seam strength of PVC and making its seams more reliable than EPDM at a lower price than PVC.
However, since TPO is a relatively new technology, quality may fluctuate depending on the manufacturer. Because TPO is sold in narrow rolls, it has more seams and a greater chance of seam failure.
PVC membrane roofing cost
PVC roofing costs $5 to $12 per square foot with installation or $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot for materials only. Poly vinyl chloride (PVC) membrane is the most durable, longest-lasting, and most expensive rubber roof type.
Other membrane roofing prices
Other membrane roofing can be broken into two categories:
Thermosets – Also called vulcanized or cured roofs, thermosets bond using adhesives to create one large membrane. EPDM is the most common thermoset type. Neoprene (CR), Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE), Polyisobutylene (PIB), and Epichlorohydrin (ECH) are less common.
Thermoplastics – PVC and TPO are the most common thermoplastics, which bond using heat or chemicals. Styrene butadiene styrene (SBS), a type of modified bitumen, and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) are also thermoplastics.
Rubber roof shingles and tiles cost
Rubber roof shingles and tiles cost $3 to $13 per square foot or $7,000 to $17,000 installed on average. Rubber shingles are energy-efficient, weather-resistant, and made with recycled synthetic rubber. Rubber tiles last 20 to 30 years on average and are suited for pitched roofs, unlike single-ply membranes.
Composite shingles cost $7 to $14 per square foot installed. Composite shingles are like rubber tiles but are made from a wider variety of materials, including ‌plastic, polymers, and rubber.
Cost factors to install or replace EPDM rubber roofing
Rubber roofing installation costs depend on the roof size, material, membrane quality, installation complexity, and labor costs.
| Factor | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Old roof removal | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Membrane roofing materials | $0.50 – $3.50 |
| Insulation / recovery board | $0.50 – $3.00 |
| Labor cost | $2.50 – $5.50 |
| Total cost to replace | $4.50 – $14.00 |
Old roof removal – Removing an existing rubber roof costs $1 to $2 per square foot on average.
Insulation / recovery board – Roof cover boards go under the roofing membrane and are made from materials such as plywood, foam, or fiberglass. Polyiso foam boards are used most often for rubber roofs.
System type – Adhered roofs cost more than ballasted or fastened roofs.
Material – Rubber roof membranes are made from rubber (EPDM), plastic (PVC), or a mix of rubber and plastic (TPO).
Labor – Complex roof shapes and multiple stories typically increase labor costs.
Accessibility – Roofs higher than 15 feet are harder to access and often cost more to install.
Color – EPDM is typically black but can be found in white at a higher cost. TPO and PVC are most often white, black, tan, or gray.
Energy savings – White membranes reflect more light, save energy, and extend the roof’s lifespan.
Penetrating roofing parts – Labor costs may increase if the contractor must add extra flashing around chimneys, skylights, dormers, vents, or AC units.
Rubber roof installation cost by system
Rubber roof materials cost $1.60 to $3.50 per square foot, depending on thickness and system type.
Ballasted roofs use rocks or gravel to weigh down sheets.
Mechanically fastened roofs use metal plates and screws to secure the roof.
Adhered roofs use glue or self-adhesives to create a tight seal.
| Type | 45 mils* | 60-75 mils* |
|---|---|---|
| Ballasted | $1.60 – $2.50 | $2.00 – $2.50 |
| Fastened | $1.85 – $2.90 | $2.00 – $3.00 |
| Adhered | $2.75 – $3.30 | $2.80 – $3.50 |
*Not including installation.
Membrane roofing insulation costs
Polyiso foam roofing insulation boards costs $0.50 to $3.00 per square foot for the materials alone, depending on thickness. Rubber membrane roofs use 4' x 8' polyiso foam insulation boards as underlayment.
| Thickness | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| 1” | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| 2” | $1.00 – $2.50 |
| 3” | $1.30 – $3.00 |
*Not including installation.
EPDM roof cost for RV, garage, or mobile home
Rubber roofs prices depend on the roof size and structure type:
| Location | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| RV / camper | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Mobile home | $1,200 – $3,500 |
| Garage | $1,100 – $5,000 |
| House | $6,200 – $16,000 |
Rubber roofing cost per roll
Rubber roofing costs $50 to $350 per 100 square feet, which is the size of one standard roofing square. Rubber membrane roll sizes vary by brand and material type.
Rubber roof repairs and maintenance costs
Rubber roofs last longer when properly maintained. When calculating costs, take the following factors into consideration:
Rubber roof repair costs $200 to $500 for minor patches or $350 to $1,000 to remove and replace sections up to 100 square feet. Roof leak repair costs $150 to $1,000.
Roof inspections cost $100 to $400 on average. Regular inspections may catch damage or worn seams in early stages.
Roof cleaning costs $0.15 to $0.60 per square foot or $250 to $600 total on average and removes mold, dirt, and algae.
Roof coating or sealing costs $1 to $4 cost per square foot or $500 to $2,000 total on average.
Commercial roof replacement cost
Commercial roof replacements cost $4 to $10 per square foot with installation on average. Roofs larger than 20,000 square feet may get a discount for buying materials in bulk. Rubber roofs may be used on homes with flat or low-sloped roofs but are most commonly used for commercial buildings.
Other flat roof types & prices
Other flat roofs cost $3 to $11 per square foot on average with installation, depending on material, application method, and strength.
Modified bitumen roofs cost $4.00 to $7.50 per square foot or $4,900 to $14,600 installed. Modified bitumen is a layer of asphalt reinforced with either plastic or rubber.
Sprayed polyurethane foam roofs cost $3.50 to $7.00 per square foot or $6,500 to $11,600 installed. An SPF roof system includes a base layer of polyurethane foam, a UV-protective top coating, and an impact resistant granule coating.
What is EPDM rubber roofing?
Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) roofing is a UV and fire-resistant rubber membrane. EPDM is older, more popular, and less expensive than other single-ply roofing membranes. This roofing type has a temporary strong odor after application but is nontoxic and made of recyclable materials.
How long does a rubber roof last?
Rubber roofs last 10 to 30 years on average, depending on the material type, weather, and maintenance. Rubber roofs in extreme climates may break down sooner than in mild climates.
EPDM roofing lasts 15 to 25 years.
TPO roofing lasts 10 to 25 years.
PVC roofing lasts 20 to 30 years.
Can you use EPDM on a pitched roof?
EPDM is only suitable for flat and low-sloped roofs with a pitch less than 4:12. However, rubber tiles may be used on higher-pitched roofs.
Getting estimates from rubber roofing contractors
Before hiring a roof installer near you, be sure to:
Get three or more quotes to compare.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Look for companies with a state contractor license and a National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) certification.
Select a certified, insured, bonded company with five or more years’ experience.
Be careful with extremely low or high price quotes.
Beware of companies who recommend a full roof replacement if only repairs are needed.
Verify that the roofing contractor has experience with your roof type.
Ask for a clear written estimate and warranty before work begins.
Avoid large upfront payments. Instead, negotiate a payment schedule and save receipts.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
Can you provide references for past work?
Are you a member of the NRCA? What certifications do you have?
Do you use materials made by members of the EPDM Roofing Association (ERA)?
Can you provide a detailed quote?
Does your quote include waste disposal or taxes?
How long will the project take?
Which sealant or coating do you recommend for my roof, if any?
What will you do in the event of unexpected bad weather?
How will you access my roof? What safety precautions will you take?
What additional fees may be required?
Will you obtain any necessary permits?
What does your warranty include?
Do you offer financing?