When it comes to running your business, it’s important to keep an eye on your bottom line. While the average cost of flat roof installation is less than a pitched roof, the price for flat roof replacement may still make you hesitate to call your local roofing contractor.
You may be worried your old roof is at the end of its lifespan, and wondering if the total cost of a whole new roof is something you can afford. There are several cost factors that go into the price of a new flat roof. If you’re worried about installation costs or the costs of repairs, it’s best to prepare by learning what the national average cost is for a new roofing system.
What is the Average Commercial Flat Roof Replacement Cost?
Installation costs vary for several reasons. Some of the biggest cost factors include the following:
- Differences in labor costs across roofing companies
- Differences in material cost (ex. BUR vs.single-ply membrane), and availability of materials based on your location
- Your area’s building codes (which can increase costs)
- Roof size and addressing additional elements like skylights
When it comes to commercial flat roofing projects, $4 per square foot is a low cost estimate, and $11 per square foot is on the higher end.
Common Flat Roof Materials & Cost Per Square Foot
One of the biggest factors that impacts the total cost of your new flat roof installation is the type of material you choose to use. It’s also important to consider the need for a full tear-off. Below is the price range for common commercial roofing materials when it comes to square footage:
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- Built up roofing (BUR) – often referred to as a tar roof: $2.00 – $5.00
- Fiberglass/ GRP: $3.50 – $7.50
- Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber roofing: $3.50 – $10.00
- Spray polyurethane foam: $3.50 – $7.00
- Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO): $4.00 – $10.00
- Modified bitumen: $4.00 – $7.50
- PVC: $5.00 – $12.00
- Metal roof: $5.00 – $16.00
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Choosing the Right Type of Flat Roof
Remember – cheaper isn’t always better. When choosing the material for your new flat roof (including the appropriate underlayment), you want to take into account more than just the roof installation cost. You want to consider your area’s climate, the material’s energy efficiency, and how easy it is to patch or repair.
For instance, while a modified bitumen roof may cost a little more than built-up tar, its ability to reflect heat may save you money on your energy bills later on. Metal roofing tends to be on the higher side cost-wise, but it’s durability can’t be beat, and it’s also environmentally friendly because, in certain cases, it can be installed overtop of an existing roof. A metal roof can last up to 50 years, while a tar built-up roof may last half of that.
What Impacts Replacement vs. Flat Roof Repair Costs?
The difference in cost between repairing a flat roof and replacing it is going to come down to how much square footage has been damaged – which could mean a difference of thousands of dollars.
When deciding if you need to repair your old roof or install a brand new roof, there are a few things you should consider. If the roof is towards the end of its lifespan, or more than 25% of the roof has been damaged, then you’ll likely want to replace it.
How to Protect Your Existing Roof
You can protect both your business’ roof and its bottomline by regularly monitoring the condition of your roof. Regular cleaning of your gutters and drainage systems (aka roof drains or scuppers), inspecting for water damage, and regularly utilizing experienced roofers to apply sealant can help increase the lifespan of your commercial roof (and cut down on the cost of repairs or the need for early replacement).
Get Warranty-Backed Flat Roof Installation
Another great way to protect your bottomline – and your roof – is to make sure you hire a quality roofing company. Remember, cheaper isn’t always better when it comes to roof installation, and roofers who offer you a low cost of labor may be cutting corners.
When looking at a roofing company’s price for flat roof replacement, remember to also ask if they provide maintenance and what kind of warranty they offer – both of which save you from hefty replacement or repair costs down the road.
TEMA’s experienced commercial roofing experts understand that quality and longevity are important when it comes to commercial roof replacement or repair. When you hire TEMA, you’re hiring a partner in your business’s success. Through rain, shine, and emergency leaks – TEMA is with you for the long haul. If you’re worried about your existing roof and flat roof replacement costs, reach out and discuss your individual situation. Set yourself up for long-term success – use TEMA Roofing for your business.
