How Much Does a Rubber Roof Cost?

A rubber roof is a type of roofing material made from EPDM synthetic rubber and is designed to protect rooftops from basic weather damage while providing a clean surface. Rubber rooftops are not used on sloping roofs; they are used on flat rooftops or strangely shaped roofs that have flat surfaces. Many are installed on mobile homes or on the partitions of larger homes. Costs can range widely depending on how you install the rooftop.

For a basic residential rubber roof, a rubber membrane will cost between 50 cents and a couple dollars per square foot. However, the rubber rooftop requires adhesive materials, sealing supplies and other tools during the installation process. This can add up to $1,000 to $2,000 for buying a smaller-sized rubber rooftop in 2011, or around $3,000 for a more average size. This does not include any type of service and requires you to invest significant time installing the roof.

Hiring a professional contractor to install the rooftop adds significantly to the cost. On the low end, with a small roof and basic installation services in a competitive, price-dropping area, homeowners may pay around $2,000 to $3,000 in 2011 to buy the roof and have it installed. On the higher end a small roof may cost around $7,000 to purchase and install.

Prices can quickly rise based on other factors. For instance, there are a number of different rubber membranes to choose from; thicker membranes with better protection will cost more. Adding in particular colors can increase the price as well. A complex roof that requires detailed flashing will also be much more expensive than a relatively simple rooftop.

Commercial rooftops are typically flat, but businesses often need to purchase additional materials and hire a contractor. A square foot costs around $600, meaning you'll spend around $30,000 for a typical commercial project.