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Cost of Flat Roof Materials and Installation 2024

Flat roofs are a special type of roof you can use for your home. If you decide to cover your home with a flat roof, your options are partly limited and partly expansive. They are slightly limited because you can’t use roofing materials like asphalt shingles, concrete tiles, and corrugated metal for a flat roof. The materials you can use for flat roofs are; PVC, TPO, EPDM Rubber, etc. So, in this article, I will share with you the estimated cost of flat roof materials and installation in 2020. You may be wondering why you can’t use asphalt shingles, concrete tile, and other traditional roofing materials on a flat roof. Well, the answer is simple –if you use them, your roof will be prone to leak. Traditional roofing materials are installed by overlapping one row on the other. That’s why they work cohesively with a roof pitch to shed rainwater and snow. However, flat roofs have little or no pitch. This will make rain and snow always go beneath the shingles or tiles. And if it continues, it will rot the substrate and lead to a leak in no time. So, technically you can’t use traditional roofing materials for a flat roof. When a roofer is covering a flat roof, he has only one goal – to create a barrier that water can’t penetrate. With this in mind, the roofer will always exceed your expectation. Flat Roof Costs Most people believe that it’s easier to install material on a flat roof than a pitched one. And the reason for this belief is because flat roofs are easier to access. There’s usually a low percentage of workplace accident/casualties during flat roof installation. The surface doesn’t steep, and you don’t need harness and braces to move around it. Before we start discussing the cost of a flat roof, remember that it requires the application of adhesive like Bitumen. Again, there are instances when the installation cost of a flat roof is higher than a 10/12 pitch. In most cases, flat roof labour cost varies depending on where you live and the roofer handling the project. Read Also: Best Roofing Materials To Use in 2020 PVC Membrane PVC Membrane is the fight flat roofing material on my list. Before you cover your roof with a PVC membrane, you need to install an insulation board first. The board helps to minimize energy cost and provide a suitable substrate. The PVC membrane is installed in rows of six feet wide, including an overlap of 6 to 8 inches. For every row of rolled membrane you install, you must attach it mechanically with a hot-air at its seam. If your roofer is experienced in flat roofing, he will install a three-foot-wide PVC membrane next to the roof’s edge and the out perimeter of the roof. This helps to prevent the possibility of wind uplift. Again, the contractor will use plate and screw to fasten each PVC membrane‘s row mechanically to the roof deck. After which, the seams will be hot with air welded, this help to reduce the chances of uplift. Some roofers may not be comfortable with using the mechanically attached installation method. Instead, they use full-adhesive or glue to the roof deck. And it is more expensive when your roofer decides to use the fully-adhered method. So, weight your option and work with the one that’s friendlier with your pocket. In a nutshell, it costs about $7.50 to $12.50 per square foot to install a PVC roofing membrane. The cost depends on the membrane, scope of the work, the accessibility of your roof, and location. All these factors will affect the cost in the long run. EPDM Rubber The EPDM rubber is another great roofing material you can use for your flat roof. Most times, manufacturers don’t like producing seams with EPDM membrane sizes that can reach about 50’ wide by 200’ long. Even though this size is excellent for avoiding possible leak, they are a bit difficult to handle during installation. Averagely, EPDM rubber costs about $6.50 to $10.50 per square foot installed. TPO TPO is a common flat roof material. Before you install TPO, you need first to fasten insulation boards to the roof substrate. Again, TPO comes in rolls, and you can fasten them to insulation boards mechanically or use self-adhesive. On average, TPO costs about $6.50 to $10.50 per square foot installed. Modified Bitumen Modified Bitumen is another amazing roofing material. Usually, modified bitumen is installed in multiple layers. Each of the layers is touched to the surface below at every ¼ turn of the roll. Installing modified bitumen is labour intensive, and it requires professionals to handle it. Again, Modified Bitumen has cold-rolled technologies, but they require a lot of roofing tar applications. On average, modified bitumen cost about $4.50 to 8.50 per square foot installed. Built-Up Roof Built-up roof installation involves the application of multiple layers of ply sheets which the roofer will bond together with hot asphalt. You have the option to either use a reflective coating for energy efficiency or gravel for added durability. On average, Built-up Roof cost about $6.50 to $9.50 per square foot. Spray-On Roof Usually, the term ‘applying spray-on roof’ sounds easy. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hire an expert to handle it for you. Depending on your budget and roofer’s advice, you can decide to apply the material over the existing roof. If you opt for this option, there will be little or no preparation work except for cleaning. Don’t forget to instruct your roofer or contractor to apply the spray delicately and evenly. It’s important to know that the cost of installing a Spray-on the roof material depend whether you are applying polyurethane foam or acrylic. However, on the average, Spray-on the roof material cost $7.50 to $12.50 per square foot. Flat Roof Material Life Span There are several myths about roof materials lifespan in the roofing world. The truth is, several factors affect a roof’s lifespan, and one of them is installation. How a roofer installs, your roof will go a long way to affect its lifespan. That’s why it’s advisable always to get a professional and experienced roofer who can delicately handle your roofing installation or replacement project. Weather conditions can also stress your roofing material which will reduce the roof’s lifespan over time. Below is what you should expect from most flat roofing materials in terms of durability; PVC – 15 to 30 years EPDM – 10 to 15 years TPO – 7 to 20 years Bitumen -10 to 20 years Built-Up Roof – 15 to 20 years Spray-Onn – It can last up to 20 years Why Do Contractors Call For Flat Roofs? Do question people often ask me is – why do contractors still call for flat roofs even though they are challenging to handle and prone to leaks? Well, I will provide an answer to your question in this section. Ordinarily, contractors call for flat roofs for two reasons – aesthetics and convenience. For instance, a flat roof will look more beautiful when you are building addition with like three seasoned rooms. Using unblended roof pitches in a home-like, this could be an awkward eyesore. Furthermore, a flat roof gives a more convenient place to install your outdoor HVAC units in a commercial building. So, a roofer may also call for a flat roof due to the convenient of storage space. Are you looking for a professional roofing contractor in Connecticut? Search no more, Suburban Windows and Roofing LLC is a perfect roofer to partner with. We will handle your roofing installation and replacement in the most budget-friendly manner. If you hire our roofing services, you will undoubtedly get peace of mind for your roof. We will get the best roofing material and install them professionally. Sound interesting, right? Use our online Roofing Estimate or Call us for a free Quote (860) 982-4345. At Suburban Window and Roofing LLC, we always get it the right first time. ​