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- Most common low price:$50
- Most common high price:$80
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How much does a rubber roof cost?
By Melissa Cooper
Last updated Thu, Feb 01
On average, a rubber roof costs $14,165-$18,825 to install, or about $5.67-$7.53 per square foot. The bulk of the cost is due to labor, which ranges from $9,685-$11,485, on average. Rubber roofing materials cost $4,235-$7,095, on average.
Rubber roof cost.
| Total average cost range | $14,165-$18,825 |
|---|---|
| Average cost per square foot | $5.67-$7.53 |
| Average material cost | $4,235-$7,095 |
| Average labor cost | $9,685-$11,485 |
| Average equipment cost | $245 |
*All figures represent costs for 2,500-square-foot roofs.
Rubber roofs are a viable option for some homeowners, especially those who have a flat roof and are on a tight budget. Let’s take a look at how much it costs to install this roofing material. Keep reading to learn about the advantages of rubber roofing, and get cost estimates from roofing contractors near you.
What's in this cost guide?
- Rubber roof cost.
- What is rubber roofing?
- What are the different types of rubber used in rubber roofing?
- What are the advantages of a rubber roof?
- Material and labor costs for rubber roofs.
- How much does rubber roofing cost per square foot?
- Rubber roofing cost factors.
- How long will a rubber roof last?
- Is a rubber roof worth it?
- Get free estimates from local roofers near you.
What is rubber roofing?
You might not have heard of rubber as a potential roofing material; but, according to the EPDM Roofing Association, this roofing material has been around for more than 40 years.
EPDM (which stands for ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is a relatively affordable roofing option compared to metal, slate and other roof types. Please be advised there are other types of roofing that are made from rubber.
What are the different types of rubber used in rubber roofing?
Rubber roofing might refer to any one of three compounds of single-ply, membrane roofing materials. These three compounds are best suited to roofs with low slopes and are EPDM, TPO and PVC. You will also find rubber shingles in the mix.
We’ve briefly discussed EPDM, but let’s look at this material and the others more closely.
EPDM.
This synthetic rubber is used in many applications and has become an essential material in the roofing industry. EPDM is an extremely durable material used in low-sloped buildings, residential and commercial, worldwide. Its two main ingredients are ethylene and propylene.
You can find EPDM roofing in black or white and a broad variety of widths between 7.5 feet and 50 feet. The thickness of EPDM is available in 45 and 60 mils.
Roofers install EPMD either mechanically attached, ballasted or fully adhered, sealing the seams with specially formulated tape or liquid adhesives.
Note: For the purposes of this article, we will be focusing primarily on EPDM rubber roofs.
TPO.
Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) has been on the market for decades, and you will recognize it easily since it is white and most commonly used on commercial rooftops.
This material offers excellent energy savings among single-ply membrane roofing materials. Although these roofing systems are largely intended for commercial use, they are worth including here to get a full picture of rubber roof materials.
PVC.
Another strong, durable and stable rubber material that works well for flat, low-slope roofing jobs is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a high-quality way to protect commercial buildings. This material’s cool reflective properties provide resistance to discoloration and damage from the sun.
What are the advantages of a rubber roof?
In addition to its affordability, some homeowners may also choose this roofing alternative because of its ability to withstand harsh weather, including strong winds, hail, UV rays and fire. This type of roofing is also relatively easy to install, maintain and fix, which means you may save money on roof repairs and have more peace of mind in the long run.
Historically, rubber roofs have been used primarily on commercial buildings; however, homeowners may consider an EPDM rubber roof for their residence — especially if they have a low-slope or flat roof. With a flat or low-slope roof, water can quickly pool and cause damage to your shingles. A rubber roof has water-resistant properties that can handle pooling water better than your typical asphalt roof.
Due to their insulating properties, EPDM roofs are also energy-efficient and can help you maintain a cooler roof and home, possibly lowering your energy bills in the process.
If you’re not sure if EPDM rubber roofing is right for you, chat with a local contractor about your other roofing options and get a few cost estimates before you decide.
Not sure if you should install an EPDM, TPO or PVC rubber roof? Ask local contractors near you.
Material and labor costs for rubber roofs.
When you receive several EPDM roofing cost estimates, you’ll likely see how the material costs compared to the labor costs. Here’s a quick look at the average costs for both:
Labor cost:
| Average cost per square foot | Average total material cost* |
|---|---|
| $1.69-$2.83 | $4,235-$7,095 |
Material cost:
| Average cost per square foot | Average total material cost* |
|---|---|
| $1.69-$2.83 | $4,235-$7,095 |
*All figures represent costs for 2,500-square-foot roofs.
How much does rubber roofing cost per square foot?
On average, you can expect to pay $5.67-$7.53 per square foot for installation costs. Here’s a look at how much you can expect to pay:
| Roof size | Estimated average cost* |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $5,670-$7,530 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $8,505-$11,295 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $11,340-$15,060 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $14,175-$18,825 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $17,010-$22,590 |
*All figures represent costs for 2,500-square-foot roofs.
Rubber roofing cost factors.
In addition to the material and labor, many other factors may go into determining the cost of installing an EPDM rubber roof on a home or commercial property.
The cost of rubber materials depends on the material's thickness and how much is needed. Another part of the cost includes how the installer intends to attach the roofing material to the structure.
Some options may include:
- Adhered with glue, which tends to be more expensive.
- Mechanically fastened with screws, which may be more affordable.
- Ballasts, layering stone, which is often the most affordable.
Additional factors that may influence your rubber roof installation costs include:
- The size of your roof. Contractors tend to measure and estimate the scope of the project in “roofing square.” One roofing square equals 100 square feet. The more squares that are required, the more your project will cost.
- The cost to repair your existing roof structure before installing the new roof. This may include roof decking or insulation repairs during the roofing replacement process.
- The time of year you decide to complete your roof installation.
- The state of the economy and how it’s influenced the cost of labor and materials.
Remember to always ask your contractor how they determine the pricing for your roof replacement project.
Compared to other roof types, an EPDM rubber roof may be one of the easiest to install. However, you may want to consider hiring a professional contractor for this project to reap these benefits:
- Peace of mind. Having an experienced contractor install your rubber roof helps ensure the job is done right the first time and may limit the need for roof repairs in the near future.
- Save time. Unless you’re a seasoned pro, it will likely take you longer than a contractor to replace your old roof with a new roof.
- Stay safe. Roof replacement projects can be dangerous — especially if you don’t have the right safety equipment.
- Warranties. Depending on where you get your roofing materials and who you hire, you may be able to get a warranty that lasts 5-30 years.
How long will a rubber roof last?
An EPDM rubber roof can last 15-25 years, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.
Is a rubber roof worth it?
To recap, here’s a look at some of the reasons why an EPDM rubber roof may be worth the cost:
- Relatively affordable
- Lasts 15-25 years
- 5-30 year warranties may be available
- Creates an impenetrable seal
- Easy to install and replace
- Very low-maintenance
- Energy-efficient roofing material
- Simple to fix any leaks by using latex sealant
- Can hold up against heavy rains, wind and hail
- Doesn’t crack under extreme temperature changes
- Makes a completely waterproof seal
Get free estimates from local roofers near you.
We hope this rubber roof cost guide helps you determine whether a rubber roof is the right option for your home and budget now — and long into the future.
Whether your roof is in disrepair, or you simply feel like it’s time for an upgrade, rubber roofing may be a cost-effective and durable choice. It might help to talk to a professional roofer to learn more about rubber roofing and what it can and can’t do to protect your home. Start your search for a top-rated roofing contractor on Thumbtack today.
FAQs
What are the disadvantages of a rubber roof?
One disadvantage to installing a rubber roof is that black mold spots can sometimes develop on rubber roof shingles over time. While unsightly, they are not a source of concern, and you can easily prevent or remove them with a regular roof cleaning.
Another additional step some homeowners take is to add a UV protectant that contains no petroleum distillates since they can cause rubber shingles to blister and allow water into your roof’s subframe.
Lastly, your newly installed rubber roof might have a strong odor. While this is typically a minor issue for most people, it dissipates over time until it fades. However, if someone in your home suffers from respiratory issues, it may cause problems.
How do roofing professionals install rubber roofing materials?
Once you find and hire your roofing professionals, you might want to know more about the installation process and how everyone gets the job done to give you insight into where your labor costs go.
Here are some tools and equipment your installation team needs and may bring:
- Sturdy, professional roofing ladder
- Hammers
- Safety goggles and gloves
- Seam probe tool
- Paint brushes
- Seam adhesive
- Silicone hand roller
- Roofing brush
- Seam tape
- Membrane adhesive
- Membrane scissors
- Solvent-based cleaning solution
- Penny roller
- Roofing rolls and underlayment, if necessary
Once your roofing professionals are set up with tools and anything else they need, they can start the process, which typically involves the following:
- Setting up the area, putting up ladders and staging the tools needed at specific spots
- Tearing off the old roofing
- Securing the roofing deck
- Laying the insulation if your specific type of rubber requires it
- Laying out the rubber roofing sheets
- Attaching the sheets correctly and securely
- Sealing the seams
- Conducting a final review and cleanup
How are rubber roofing materials sourced?
One of the most attractive aspects of rubber roofing materials is their sourcing. A rubber roof is commonly composed of recycled materials, making it one of the most eco-friendly options.
*All project cost estimates included in this article were provided by Xactware’s pricing data (unless otherwise noted). For more information, visit Xactware’s pricing methodology page.
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