How Much Does a Rubber Roof Cost in 2024?

Installing a 1,500-square-foot rubber housetop can set you back from $8,700 to $19,000, with most householders spending about $15,300. If you plan a rubber roof replacement on a tight budget, you can go for affordable materials that may cost $5,600 to install. High-end alternatives can run at $30,000+. Typically, the price of rubber roofing lands between $4 and $13.50 per square foot. Hence, you can easily determine the possible cost range of your project. 

The price of rubber housetop

The pricing details are gathered from data collected through our network of roofing partners and aligned with open-source information from Home Depot, Angi, HomeGuide, and other key industry sources.

Rubber Roof Cost per Square Foot

Each square foot of rubber housetop can cost you from $4 to $13.50, including installation. Your expenditure can vary based on the specific material chosen (while some membranes are budget-friendly, others are on the highest side of the range) and the design and incline of your roof. Larger homes and those with steeper slopes always incur higher rubber roofing prices. If you are an experienced DIYer and don’t feel like hiring contractors but doing everything yourself, you can only purchase materials for $1 to $4 per square foot. 

Rubber Roofing Cost per Roll

One roll of rubber housetop, given its 100 square feet, can cost from $100 to $400. Different brands and material types can affect both the cost and the dimensions of the rubber membrane rolls available. 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., 20 ft. x 70 ft., 20 ft. x 90 ft., and more. 

Willing to know how much local contractors can charge to install the largest roll? Stop by MyHomeQuote for accurate information. Complete a 1-minute questionnaire to get personalized estimates any time soon.

The cost of rubber roof per roll

Rubber Roof Cost Calculator - Variables Impacting the Total Cost Explained

When calculating a budget for your rubber housetop installation project, your digits must be based on a few dynamic factors. Your roof square footage, the rubber roof material selected, labor rates, and desired add-ons are what you need to pay heed to in the first place. Understanding these aspects can guide you in planning your roofing project with a clearer budget in mind. Here is what you need to know:

• Roof size. Roofing costs are calculated per square foot or square. Oversized housetops necessitate more materials and are more labor-intensive. If you want to get an accurate rubber roof cost estimation and prevent material surplus, you need to know the precise square footage of your housetop.
• Roofing material. You can opt for affordable yet durable EPDM, energy-efficient TPO, known for its heat-reflective properties, or long-lasting PVC. The cost of rubber roofing material can fluctuate based on quality, warranty, and brand. Premium materials might offer reduced maintenance needs, meaning savings can overshadow higher upfront prices over time.
• Labor. These expenses can vary widely depending on the regional cost of living, the expertise of the contractors, and the time required to complete the job. Complex roof designs with multiple slopes, chimneys, skylights, or other architectural features can require more time and skill to navigate, increasing rubber roof installation fees. Hiring experienced professionals comes with guarantees but typically at a higher rate.
• Add-ons. Additional features such as improved insulation, installation of skylights, specialized drainage systems, or custom edge treatments can also affect rubber roof pricing. While these add-ons can potentially increase the total expense, they can provide significant benefits in terms of enhanced roof performance and energy efficiency. Each extra service should be evaluated for its necessity, considering immediate costs and long-term savings or benefits.

Cost of a Rubber Roof by Size

If your housetop is 10 to 45 squares, you expect to spend from $4,000 to $60,700 to cover it with rubber. Your expenditure will depend on the type of material preferred, the roof’s pitch, and the design. Installation on smaller roofs tends to be cheaper as they require less time and fewer materials, and vice versa. Given that the average American house has about 2,000 square feet, most homeowners fork out from $8,000 to $27,000 for a rubber roof. 

The price of rubber housetop by size

Rubber Roof Replacement Cost by Material 

Not only does your choice of roofing material affect the upfront costs, but it also dictates installation complexity. Some materials call for heat welding for the seams, which can add to the labor fees as this requires specialized skills and equipment. Rubber roofing material prices can fluctuate depending on the style, membrane type, and installation system. Plus, the cost may differ because of invisible features like durability, lifespan, and energy efficiency. 

Cost of a Rubber Roof by Membrane Type

Installing rubber shingles – an eco-friendly alternative to asphalt and slate options – can cost you $4.30 to $15 per square foot. 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 $1.30 to $3.60 per sq. ft. for materials. If you are about to hire contractors, they may cost from $4.50 to $14.50 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 $4.30 to $13.20 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 $5.60 to $15 per sq. ft. installed. The rubber roofing material price alone may land between $1.90 to $3.90 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 price points of rubber roofs by membrane type

Rubber Roofing Cost by Style

The style of your rubber roofing material determines whether you’ll have to pay $4.30 or up to $17 per square foot. 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. Rubber roofing material prices can vary depending on the brand and location, falling anywhere between $4.30 and $15.50 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 $7.50 and $17 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

Rubber Roof Installation Cost by the Membrane Installation System

Thickness and roof type govern the selection of membrane installation system and possible expenses, landing between $1.85 to $4 per square foot. Remember that thinner materials are less durable and sustainable, meaning you can face first problems when installing. Hence, a few millimeters can make a difference. Here are the three most popular rubber roofing systems to choose from:

• Ballasted. You can expect to pay between $1.85 and $2.60 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 $2.10 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

Labor Cost to Install a Rubber Roof

Professional contractors can save you the hassle of installing rubber roofs for $2.50 to $11 per square foot. Please note that sophisticated roofing projects are always evaluated higher. Specialists sometimes charge from $46 to $77 per hour.

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The total rubber roof price can be driven up by add-on services, including:

• 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 $500 on average.
• Inspection. It’s recommended that an annual roof inspection be scheduled early on to detect damage or deficiencies. 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.
• Surface preparation. If your roof requires extensive cleaning or special treatment for mold and mildew, you may pay from $1.50 to $13 per square foot for surface preparation. This ensures the new roofing membrane adheres correctly, extending the roof’s lifespan and preventing future issues that could lead to additional expenses. 
• 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 $1,500.
• Old roof removal & disposal. 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 and disposal. These services may cost you about $4 - $10 per square foot, depending on local regulations, landfill costs, and the volume and type of material being disposed of.
• 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 rubber roofing-related services

Additional Factors to Consider Estimating the Rubber Roof Installation Cost

Flat rates are a rare occurrence when it comes to a rubber housetop. Multiple factors affect the fees, from the pitch to material thickness. The list of key cost drivers includes but is not limited to:

• Roof slope 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 effort 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. However, it does affect the price since roofing materials other than black are more costly. Thus, you can shell out more if a standard option doesn’t speak to you because of a hot climate. 
• Material thickness. The thicker your roofing material, the longer it can stay in mint condition. However, contractors will have to employ a stronger installation system to attach sheets securely, meaning higher project costs. 

What Are the Key Considerations for Selecting the Right Rubber Roof Membrane for Your House?

An ideal housetop membrane must meet your expectations for durability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Hence, first, you need to consider the type of rubber membrane. While EPDM stands out with its flexibility and resistance to weather conditions, TPO and PVC are known for their reflective properties and energy efficiency. 

Climate is another crucial factor, as different membranes perform better in specific environments. For instance, UV radiation and temperature fluctuations require a membrane with excellent expansion and contraction capabilities. Compatibility with existing roofing materials and the building structure, warranty, sustainability (recyclability and eco-friendliness), and cost should also be assessed.

In Which Climates Should You Avoid Using Rubber Roofing?

This type of roofing, particularly EPDM, is well-suited for many climates but may not be the best choice for specific conditions. Thus, rubber rooftops can be susceptible to premature degradation in areas with extreme heat and heavy ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Constant high temperatures can cause the material to become overly pliable and distort, while intense UV can break down the material chemically, reducing its lifespan. Rubber housetops might not perform optimally in locations prone to grease or oil emission, like near industrial areas, as these substances can deteriorate the material over time. 

What Are the Main Advantages and Downsides of Rubber Roofing Material?

Flar roof covering can boast exceptional durability and longevity, with adequately installed roofs lasting up to 40 years. Such roof membranes are highly resistant to weathering, extreme temperatures, and ultraviolet light. Additionally, they are waterproof and resistant to thermal shock. Their installation is straightforward, usually involving fewer seams, which reduces the likelihood of leaks. Plus, they offer zero stress on building structures.

However, there are downsides to consider. Rubber housetops can be susceptible to punctures from sharp objects and can be damaged when installing satellite dishes or HVAC units without proper precautions. Although maintenance is generally low, it can require periodic resealing of seams and checking for punctures. 

Our Conclusion

Rubber housetops are a compelling choice for many homeowners, especially those in areas with variable weather conditions. However, before making a financial commitment, you must weigh climate compatibility, building requirements, and budget constraints.

Our roofing partners offer detailed cost-benefit analyses and advice on the suitability of rubber roofing for your home. Armed with the right information and professional guidance, you can make a wise decision that balances immediate needs and long-term benefits.

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