How Much Does a Rubber Roof Replacement Cost in 2024?

Average Rubber Roofing Installation Cost

What Is Rubber Roofing?

Rubber roofing refers to single-ply roofing membrane types, including EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin), and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). 

Rubber roofing is slightly more expensive than asphalt shingles, but it’s a popular choice for many homeowners because of its durability, weather resistance, and projected lifespan. This eco-friendly roofing option is often made from recycled materials and won’t pollute runoff rainwater. Rubber roofing is found on low slopes, usually in commercial settings. Sometimes, it's used on residential additions like a flat-topped garage, patio, or sunroom. 

Rubber Roofing Cost Factors

Various factors impact rubber roofing project pricing, from the membrane type and performance needs to the size and slope of your roof.

Membrane Type

Rubber roof replacement costs vary depending on the type of membrane material. EPDM is a thermoset and costs $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot. TPO and PVC membranes are thermoplastics. Expect to pay $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot for TPO and between $1.50 and $3.00 per square foot for PVC. Those figures are for materials alone.

EPDM, TPO, and PVC single-ply roofing membrane types have differing characteristics, but each functions similarly on your roof. Rubber roofing is generally sold by a "square" (or 100 square feet), while square-foot pricing is common with rolls and sheets.

Labor

Installing an EPDM membrane is less expensive, with labor costs between $3.25 and $8 per square foot. Local flat roof installers tend to charge between $2.50 and $9 per square foot to install a TPO membrane and between $4 and $11 per square foot for a PVC membrane. 

Roof Size

The larger the roof, the more expensive the installation. A roof with higher square footage requires more roofing material. Also, the number of corners might impact your cost because roof installers custom-cut shingles to fit spaces. Cut shingles can’t be reused, so some of these materials may be thrown away as waste. You’ll still have to pay the full price for the material purchased for the job.

Roof Height or Pitch

The pitch on a residential building is typically high. A higher pitch can increase rubber roof replacement costs by 15% to 50% because of special equipment needed for installation. Larger home additions with flat or low slopes are better suited for sheet roofing. Overall, residential applications only use a very small percentage of flat roofing.

Roof Color

Depending on your location, roof color can help with energy savings. To keep costs at a minimum, use black EPDM covered with a white ballast material, which costs between $4 and $5 per square foot (plus labor). Black rubber tends to soak up the sun, getting very hot; therefore, many roll types are white or have a white coating.

Permits and Inspections

Check with your local governing and regulatory bodies about building permits or inspections you may need before starting your roof replacement or installation project. The permit cost will depend on local requirements, but you should budget at least $150 to $500. A more complex roof inspection costs as much as $600 to $800. 

Climate

Climate often determines the type of material used. A roof is subject to extreme temperature changes, wind, hail, and moisture. Some materials perform better in different climates. Local roofing contractors can give you information about which material works best in your area.

Accessibility

Accessibility determines labor costs, so roofing contractors in your area may increase their hourly fees for hard-to-reach areas. 

Roof Penetrations

Vents, skylights, A/C units, and architectural protrusions, such as dormer windows, add to an installation’s complexity. Dormers and slope changes require extra time to install and seal correctly. 

Insulation

About 25% of your rubber roof installation cost goes to insulation. There are various types to choose from. Your location’s climate and recommended R-values will be the deciding factors in insulation materials. The R-value describes how effective a material is at resisting heat flow.

The most common insulation material is PolyISO (Polyisocyanurate), which costs about $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot. PolyISO can be easily cut to fit and maintains its R-value longer than other types. It comes in 1- to 3-inch thick sheets.

Thickness

Your roof replacement costs depend on the thickness of the rubber roofing material you choose. The thicker the material, the stronger the installation system or attachment method needed to secure it.

Thickness is sometimes secondary to the type of material you choose, depending on your climate and application. Thickness is measured in mils (one mil equals one-thousandth of an inch) and ranges anywhere from 40 to 90 mils thickness.

Installation System

The cost of an installation system for your rubber roof varies by thickness and the three attachment methods: ballasted, fastened, and fully adhered.

Ballasted

Ballasting costs are between $1.50 and $2.50 per square foot, depending on the material’s thickness, and do not include labor. This installation method involves weighing down the roof membrane with rock, gravel, or pavers.

Fastened

The fastened method runs about $2.00 to $3.00 per square foot and varies by equipment costs, time, and labor. This method involves mechanically attaching the membrane to the roof with metal screws and plates under overlapping sections. A box of 100 screws and plates costs about $40. Seams, protrusions, and edges will vary equipment costs and add time and labor.

Fully Adhered

The fully adhered method involves gluing sheets of material and costs between $2.50 and $3.50 per square foot. You'll need about a five-gallon bucket per square (100 square feet) of roofing, though different types of glue provide different coverage areas. This is typically the most expensive form of attachment but creates the fewest holes.

Old Roof Removal

Old roof removal adds $1 to $2 per square foot. Building codes differ from place to place, but if there’s only one layer of old roofing, new installation may not require the removal of the old roof. Two or more layers require removal.

Ongoing Maintenance

While a rubber roof can last anywhere from 7 to 50 years, you'll need to schedule routine maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape and well-insulated. Common issues include patching tears and rips and scheduling an annual roof inspection and cleaning. Roof repair costs vary, but large objects and impacts like a tree branch or hail need repairs to stop further damage to underlying materials like insulation and wood.

Rubber Roof Costs by Membrane Type

The type of membrane affects your rubber roof replacement costs. Like other factors, you can figure out the cost per square foot for each material. 

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)

TPO membrane material costs between $4.50 and $14 per square foot, including installation. Expect this membrane type to last 7 to 20 years.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)

EPDM is the least expensive rubber roof to install, with materials and labor costing between $4.25 and $12 per square foot. With proper installation, an EPDM roof can last up to 15 years. 

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

It costs between $5.25 and $12.50 per square foot to install a PVC membrane roof. These rubber roofs can last more than 20 years.

Other Thermoset Types

Other common types include Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE), Epichlorohydrin (ECH), Neoprene (CR), and Polyisobutylene (PIB). Vulcanized (or set) thermoset can only be bonded to other thermoset types.

Rubber Roof Alternatives

As you research your rubber roof installation cost, consider the following rubber roof alternatives.

Rubber Shingles

Composite and rubber shingles are an ecologically friendly alternative to asphalt for residential purposes. Rubber shingles cost between $7.50 and $15 per square foot to install. Composite shingles are designed from synthetic materials to mimic the appearance of slate and wood but are about 50% to 60% less expensive. Composite shingles cost between $1 to $16 per square foot or about $22,000 for a 2,400-square-foot house.

Built-Up Roof (BUR)

Built-up roof (BUR), which costs between $4 and $10 per square foot to install, includes various layers of insulation, glue, and waterproof materials applied separately. BUR is a time-tested roofing type but requires a more labor-intensive installation.

Modified Bitumen

Modified bitumen, or modified asphalt roll, costs between $4 and $8 per square foot to install. The modified asphalt roll includes stabilizers and fiberglass or polyester fiber matting for reinforcement.

Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPF)

Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPF) or spray foam roofing costs between $2.00 and $4.00 per square foot. This liquid is sprayed directly over an existing roof and coated after the foam hardens. There’s no need for roof removal. A membrane can also be applied to it as well using the SPF as insulation and sealant.

Rubber Roofing Replacement vs. Repair

A full rubber roof replacement costs more than patchwork repairs, but it may be the better long-term solution in some cases. The age and condition of the roof can help you decide. Rubber roofs last up to 20 years but become more prone to leaks and cracks as they age.

The upfront cost of rubber roof repairs may be lower in the short term, but they may only provide a temporary fix. Contact a local roofing contractor who can explain your best options.

Budgeting for a Rubber Roof Replacement

Replacing the roof on your home can be a significant investment. When calculating the cost of a new rubber roof, you can save costs and maximize your return on your investment. Consider the following tips to keep your project within budget:

• Explore possible financing programs to help spread out the cost of the roofing project over time.

• Request project quotes from several reputable contractors to find the best price in your area.

• Look into local, state, or federal rebates or incentives for energy-efficient roof replacement.

• Weigh the costs of different materials against their long-term value and expected lifespan.

• Apply a roof coating to extend the life of your existing rubber roof and protect it against weather and moisture damage.

• Schedule regular maintenance and inspections to extend the lifespan of your new rubber roof.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.