How Much Does a Flat Roof Replacement Cost?

Whether it’s for your home or a commercial structure, flat roof replacement costs are essential to nail down. After all, how can you plan a roof replacement without knowing the total price? When calculating costs, one of the biggest factors is which flat roofing material you use. But how do you know that you’re getting a good product and a fair flat roof replacement cost?

That’s what we’re here for. John Hogan Roofing has been replacing flat roofs in Florida for over 30 years, so we’re your local pricing experts. Today, we’re using our experience to walk you through flat roof replacement costs and help you choose the best roofing material for your structure!

Flat Roof Replacement Costs by Material

When choosing a roofing material, price is important to know, but it isn’t everything. After all, you don’t just need a cheap roof, but one that will age with your structure and keep it safe and functional in the years to come.

With that in mind, let’s talk about some of the pros, cons, and prices of flat roofing materials!

Modified Bitumen

Like shingles, modified bitumen is made of protective asphalt. But unlike shingles, modified bitumen is uniquely formulated to suit low-slope roofs and prevent water from penetrating your roofing system. With additional support layers made up of fiberglass or polyester, there are very few roofing threats that modified bitumen can’t handle.

Since modified bitumen is flexible, it’s less prone to weathering and cracking than other flat roofing materials. This is perfect for sunny Florida, where temperatures can fluctuate significantly throughout the day. Additionally, since this is an affordable flat roofing material, it’s usually cheap and easy to get necessary repairs for your mod bit flat roof.

The one con of modified bitumen is its relatively short lifespan. Unlike other flat roofing materials, mod bit only lasts for 10-15 years. However, its low cost does somewhat offset this comparatively short lifespan.

So how much does a mod bit flat roof replacement cost? On average, mod bit costs between four and eight dollars per square foot, making it one of the most affordable options on the market. If budget is a concern and you want a reliable roof to get you through another decade or so, mod bit is a great option!

TPO

Thermoplastic polyolefin, or TPO, is a single-ply membrane roof. This means that, unlike mod bit, TPO is made of a single layer that is then adhered to your roof. This keeps installation costs low and ensures that your roof has a secure, rubberized water barrier to keep all moisture away from your decking.

But waterproofing your roof isn’t the only protection TPO offers. Since it usually comes in white, it also reflects UV rays away from your structure. Additionally, TPO is highly resistant to tears and punctures, which is likely to serve you when storm debris lands or hail on your roof. Given this level of protection, it’s no surprise that a TPO roof can last for around 20 years.

Downsides of TPO include issues with shrinking seams over time, which can lead to puckering and other issues with your single-ply roofing system. There are also concerns about how TPO ages, since it has only been on the market since the 90s and is therefore still considered a “new” roofing material.

Despite these minor downsides, though, many homeowners and business owners still choose TPO roofs. And with low flat roof replacement costs, it’s not hard to see why. TPO roofing costs between five and $10 per square foot, making it an affordably priced roofing option for many property owners.

EPDM

Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, or EPDM, is a very competitive flat roofing material option. Similar to TPO, it’s a single-ply roofing membrane. Unlike TPO, though, EPDM usually comes in black. This can attract more UV rays and heat, but it’s also useful for commercial structures that want to hide dirt, such as hospitals where parts of the roof may be visible from the interior.

EPDM boasts plenty of protective features, including strong resistance to fire, wind, and hail. Given this, it’s no surprise that EPDM has a uniquely long lifespan of 25-30 years. As a bonus, when it comes to calculating flat roof replacement costs, TPO comes in favorably on the material front with affordable material costs.

That said, the complicated installation process does somewhat reduce this affordability. Because EPDM requires experienced contractors to install, its installation costs remain somewhat high. Additionally, some property owners don’t like the aesthetics of a dark flat roof, so it’s certainly not suited to every situation or structure.

All told, EPDM has competitive flat roof replacement costs with average pricing between five and $12 per square foot. This makes it slightly more expensive than other options but certainly still within the average range for flat roofing options. And with its uniquely long lifespan, it’s no wonder that many Florida property owners choose EPDM!

Get Your Personalized Flat Roof Replacement Cost Estimate

The ranges above can help you get an idea of how much your new roof may cost. But what they can’t tell you is exactly how much you’ll pay for a flat roof replacement. To get that information, you’ll need to start collecting estimates from reliable roofing contractors.

John Hogan Roofing keeps getting your estimate simple. All you have to do is schedule your free estimate online. Unlike other roofers, we aren’t pushy and don’t use high-pressure sales tactics. Instead, we just have a brief chat with you about what you’re looking for, take a look at your roof, and then put together a comprehensive estimate that includes the full scope of your flat roof replacement.

Flat roof replacement costs are a normal thing to be concerned about. Get yourself some peace of mind by getting a free estimate from Florida’s top-rated flat roofing company!

Flat Roof Replacement Cost FAQs

Q: How much does it cost to replace a flat roof?

A: The cost of replacing a flat roof can vary widely depending on factors such as the size of the roof, materials used, labor costs, and any additional features like insulation or drainage systems. On average, it can range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more.

Q: What factors influence the cost of flat roof replacement?

A: Several factors impact the cost, including the type of roofing material chosen (e.g., EPDM rubber, TPO, and modified bitumen), the size and complexity of the roof, accessibility to the roof, contractors’ labor costs, and any necessary repairs to the roof deck.

Q: Does having additional insulation installed increase flat roof replacement costs?

A: Yes, adding insulation during a flat roof replacement can increase the overall cost. However, proper insulation can improve energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling expenses over time, making it a worthwhile investment for many property owners.

Q: Can I reduce flat roof replacement costs by picking cheaper materials?

A: While it’s possible to lower costs by choosing less expensive materials, it’s essential to consider the long-term durability and performance of the roofing system. Opting for cheaper materials may result in more frequent repairs or replacements down the line, ultimately costing more in the long run.

Q: Can I do anything to lower flat roofing costs?

A: Yes, some cost-saving measures include obtaining multiple estimates from roofing contractors to compare prices, scheduling the replacement during the off-peak season when labor rates may be lower, and opting for energy-efficient roofing materials to potentially reduce long-term utility expenses.