Is it time to replace your flat roof? If the answer is yes, the first thing that comes to mind is how much it will cost. There are different types of flat roofing options, and the cost isn’t the same for each material. When you search online, you’ll find a huge range of estimates, which can be really confusing. That’s why we are here to help!
At OConnor Contracting, we’ve been helping homeowners and business owners learn more about their properties and the roofing industry. In this article, we will convey the actual costs of flat roof replacement based on the material you choose.
Flat Roof Replacement Costs In 2023
You can cover your garage, patio, or entire home with a flat roof. A flat roofing system is economical for most homeowners, and it can easily accommodate solar panels, HVAC units, and satellite dishes. We’ve also seen people plant gardens on their flat roofs. When you are replacing your roof, there are five types of flat roofs to compare– TPO, EPDM, PVC, standing seam metal, and screwed-down metal. Below is their replacement cost per square foot:
#1 PVC or Vinyl
PVC or vinyl roofs are the most common type of flat roofs we see on US homes. PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride, which is manufactured by treating salt and oil. PVC is mixed with plasticizers, pigments, UV inhibitors, and heat reflectors to create a sturdy roofing membrane. PVC roof replacement costs can range between $3 to $5 per square foot. This is an economical range for many homeowners across the country. If your home is in a warm or hot region, a PVC roof won’t get damaged by heat and UV rays. A flat roofing membrane won’t change color and shape over time. On average, a PVC roof can stay strong for 20 years! It’s also ideal for fire-prone areas because PVC has self-extinguishing elements and will not catch on fire like other roofing materials.
#2 TPO- Thermoplastic Polyolefin
TPO is a flexible, energy-efficient roofing membrane. The roof replacement cost for a TPO membrane is from $3 to $5 per square foot. Like PVC, TPO is also white and good at reflecting heat and keeping your home cooler during summer. Another important note is that TPO has a better impact resistance than PVC. It doesn’t easily tear or weaken by hailstones and freezing temperatures. For a cold region, you can ask your roofing contractor to add a darker shade to a TPO roof so that it can trap more heat. However, a TPO roof won’t be the best option if your area is prone to wildfires. On average, a TPO roofing membrane can last for 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance.
#3 EPDM- Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer
EPDM is a rubberized material. It creates the most sturdy and durable single-ply membrane. The average cost to remove and install an EPDM roof ranges between $5 to $13 per square foot in 2023. It costs more than PVC and TPO, and it offers some benefits that the other two don’t. The rubber roofing membrane can last between 30 – 40 years! It has excellent resistance power and insulating properties. EPDM roofs also do well in hail-prone, snowy, and hot regions. EPDM roofs are naturally black, which means it absorbs heat and is more suitable for buildings in cold climates. If you live in a warm region, you can always choose a lighter color by paying a little more.
#4 Standing Seam Metal Panels
Metal panels are by far the most sturdy and long-lasting materials for flat roofing systems. The standing seam panels generally cost between $4 and $10 per square foot, depending on the metal you choose. A standing seam metal roof includes a series of panels locked mechanically at the seams. It creates a flexible roofing system where the panels have room to expand and contract without getting damaged. This quality is beneficial for areas with extreme temperature changes. This type of roofing system can last for about 50 – 100 years with proper maintenance! Below are the roofing costs of five popular metals:
- Galvanized Steel: $3 to $5
- Galvalume: $2 to $7
- Aluminum: $4 to $6
- Zinc: $6 to $10
- Copper: $14 to $25
#5 Screwed-Down Metal Panels
This is another type of metal roofing system popular for flat roofs. It is a more affordable choice if you look at the initial costs– $4 to $6 per square foot. Screw-down panels create a rigid roofing system, as they are installed using nails and screws. The panels don’t have space to expand and contract. You can go with a screwed-down flat roof if your area has mild temperatures. Both metal roofs offer maximum protection against the elements and impact damage, and they provide an excellent surface to hold heavy equipment and even a roof deck.
The prices above are the actual costs of different flat roofing materials in 2023. The final cost to replace your roof will depend on more factors, such as labor costs and warranties.
Factors Affecting The Flat Roof Replacement Costs
One of the most important factors affecting the cost of flat roof replacement is the current season, the labor charge of your roofing contractor, and manufacturer warranties.
Season
Dry months like summer and fall are the busiest months for roofing contractors. When the sky is clear, and the temperature is warm, the roofing materials can seal completely and quickly. On cold and rainy days, it takes a lot of time for the roping materials to seal, and there are chances of water penetration during the installation.
Labor Cost
Labor costs can account for up to 40% of the total bill for a flat roof replacement. It constitutes the time, tools, workforce, experience, and quality of the roofing contractor you choose. Labor costs are usually based on an hourly rate, and they include the removal of old roofing material, cleaning the roof, and installing the new one. If there is a need to repair leaks or cracks in the current roof structure, the price will go up.
Manufacturer Warranties
In addition to labor costs, warranties cover any defects that occur within a certain period after installation. The length and coverage of the warranty vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the general term includes ten years for manufacturing defects. Certain high-quality brands also help protect against improper installation by manufacturer-certified contractors.
The best way to get an accurate cost estimate is to ask your local roofing contractors for quotes. Good roofing contractors add all the cost factors in their quotes, so you can understand exactly what you will be paying for. If you live in Western New York, we will be happy to help you.
Need Help In Choosing The Right Flat Roofing System For Your Home Or Business?
At OConnor Contracting, we’ve been building the most sturdy and durable roofs for years. We can offer you high-quality flat roofing services at fair prices. If you live in Western New York, call us at (716)-600-7663 for a free consultation and estimate. We will help you understand which material is best for your home and business.
