A roof can last decades if it’s well-maintained and receives the occasional treatment, like painting, cleaning, and ice dam removal. However, ensuring you have the right shingles for your home and area in the first place will also factor into how long it lasts.
Rubber shingle roofs are ideal if you desire a long-lasting, durable roof requiring little maintenance. But how much will rubber shingles cost you for better peace of mind?
This guide discusses the benefits of rubber shingles and digs into rubber roofing costs, including the prices for materials and installation fees.
What Is the Cost of Rubber Shingles?
On average, rubber roofing costs between $4–$8 per square foot, or $400-0$800 per square. However, the cost of installing a new rubber roof varies based on your location, the type and quality of the rubber shingles, and whether you hire a roofing contractor or install them yourself.
No matter what kind of new roof you decide on, expect to spend, as roofs are expensive. However, knowing the average cost of a rubber roof and the benefits of investing in one can help you decide if this is the right choice for your home.
Rubber Roof Installation & Materials Cost
| Per Square Foot | Per Square (100 Sq. Ft.) | Per Project | |
| Average Cost | $4–$8 | $400-$800 | $18,000 |
| Lowest Cost | $2–$5 | $200–$500 | $10,500 |
| Highest Cost | $8–$10 | $800–$1,000 | $27,000 |
*Costs based on a standard 3,000-square-foot roof
How Much Do Rubber Shingles Cost by Type?
Rubber shingles and roofing materials come in three primary types, which creates significant variation in pricing based on the type of material alone.
| Types of Rubber Shingles | Average Cost |
| Built-up Roofing | $2–$5 per square foot |
| Single-ply Membranes | $8–$10 per square foot |
| Modified Bitumen | $4–$8 per square foot |
Built-up Roofing (BUR)
The majority of flat roofs are made from built-up roofing, which contains multiple layers of roofing felt. You can expect to pay between $2 and $5 per square foot for built-up roofing.
Single-ply Membranes
Single-ply membranes are the newest type of roofing materials and are elastomeric roof membranes. Common variations include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). Typically, single-ply membranes cost between $8 and $10 per square foot.
Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen is an alternative solution to built-up roofing. These singles contain an added layer of polymer or cap sheets, which provide extra flexibility in lower temperatures. Modified bitumen typically costs between $4 and $8 per square foot.
How Much Do Rubber Shingles Cost by Square Footage?
If you’re planning on a DIY roofing project, check the cost of the raw materials by square footage. Even if you’re hiring a contractor for the job, it’s still incredibly helpful to know how your roof’s square footage will impact the overall cost of your project.
The table below lists average rubber shingle costs by roof size.
| Roof Size | Typical Price Range | Average Cost |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $4,000–$8,000 | $6,000 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $6,000–$12,000 | $9,000 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $8,000–$16,000 | $12,000 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $10,000–$20,000 | $15,000 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $12,000–$24,000 | $18,000 |
| 3,500 sq. ft. | $14,000–$28,000 | $21,000 |
| 4,000 sq. ft. | $16,000–$32,000 | $24,000 |
Which Factors Impact the Cost of Rubber Shingles?
Factors like your location, the type of rubber shingle selection, and your roof’s square footage significantly affect the price of rubber shingles and their installation.
Materials
Homeowners can typically expect rubber shingle material costs to make up $9,000 to $14,000 of the overall cost of a rubber roof installation. The cost of the materials alone can be tough to swallow, but there are many benefits to investing in a rubber roof, such as low-maintenance upkeep and improved durability.
Size of Your Roof
Regardless of the roofing material you select, your roof’s size will significantly affect the overall cost. Most roofing materials are priced based on the square footage of your roof, so the larger your home and roof are, the more you can expect to spend on any roof replacement.
Location
Your location affects shipping costs, taxes, the cost of labor, and even manufacturing costs. While there isn’t much you can do about location’s effect on your roofing project, it’s another factor to consider when shopping around.
What Are the Benefits of Investing in Rubber Shingles?
Rubber roofing is typically more expensive than asphalt shingles. However, they’re cheaper than slate shingles and just as fire-resistant.
One of the main advantages of a high-quality rubber roof is its extensive life span. Most roofs with asphalt shingles last between 15 and 20 years, but rubber roofs typically last between 30 and 50 years and require little maintenance. If rubber shingles are installed correctly, they rarely crack or leak at all. If you experience cracks, these can typically be addressed with a little latex sealant, saving you money on expensive roof repairs.
In addition, rubber shingles are more weather resistant than asphalt roofing, especially for low-pitch roofs or flat roofs, which often experience water damage because water doesn’t run off as easily. The durability of rubber shingles is nearly high as they resist thermal shock. They won’t become brittle, crack during high temperatures, or wither under UV rays and cyclic fatigue. This factor makes rubber shingles excellent for climates that face extreme weather conditions.
Another benefit of rubber shingles is that they’re quicker to install than asphalt or slate roofing materials. They usually come in a seamless roll which is lightweight, easy to move, and trimmed to the size of your existing roof.
Finally, rubber shingles are made from eco-friendly, energy-efficient materials and are more flexible than traditional types of roofing materials.
Professional Vs. DIY Rubber Shingle Cost
The average cost of rubber shingle installation by a professional is $16,025, but the materials alone can cost $12,025 on average. This difference of $4,000 may leave you considering if installing the rubber shingles yourself is an easy way to save money. However, roof work comes with many dangers, and if done improperly, it can result in leaks and more costly repairs down the road.
Installing Rubber Shingles Yourself
DIYing roof replacement is dangerous without an expert’s help. Even professional roofers are at a high risk of injury or death, with roofing being one of the most dangerous jobs in America. Each year in the United States, more than 10,350 workers are seriously injured by falls.
As a result, we recommend consulting with a professional for your safety and to ensure that the rubber shingles are correctly installed so they can last for several decades.
Hiring a Professional for Rubber Shingles Installation
Hiring a reputable roofing professional is a reliable way to know that your rubber roof will be installed properly. Here are the steps you need to take to hire a reputable contractor for rubber shingles installation.
- Find local experts: Ask friends and family for recommendations and search online for local contractors in your area specializing in rubber roofs.
- Get a few quotes: Gather at least three quotes from contractors after an initial consultation.
- Ask about their recommendations: Ask each contractor what kind of roofing material they recommend, their proposed timeline and process, and other questions you have about the project.
- Vet them: Vet your roofing contractors and assess the quotes and recommendations you’ve been given before making a final decision.
So, Are Rubber Shingles Worth the Cost?
While rubber roofs are more expensive than traditional asphalt roofs, they’re far more energy-efficient, longer-lasting, and require less maintenance. The energy efficiency benefits alone can save you hundreds of dollars a year in heating and cooling costs. Since rubber shingle roofs require fewer repairs and maintenance costs, this can reduce the amount you spend on home repairs each year.
Before selecting roofing materials, assess the pros and cons of choosing rubber shingles versus other roofing materials, deciding if the higher costs upfront are worth it for you and your home.
FAQs About Rubber Shingles
Are Rubber Shingles Worth It?
Rubber roofing is one of the best options available because of its durability, long life span, and low maintenance. It’s quickly becoming one of the most popular choices on the market, so consider it when replacing your roof.
What Are the Disadvantages of a Rubber Roof?
The biggest drawback of a rubber roof is that it requires an experienced contractor with a good eye for detail to install it. Rubber shingles can crack and are more vulnerable than other materials when installed incorrectly.
Do Rubber Roofs Need Maintenance?
Rubber roofs are a low-maintenance roofing material. However, they’ll need an occasional cleaning to remove grime and a sporadic paint job to keep them looking fresh.
How Long Does It Take To Install a Rubber Roof?
Many roofing professionals can install a rubber roof in one day because rubber shingles come as seamless rolls, which are rolled onto your roof, then trimmed to fit. This is why they’re a much faster alternative than traditional asphalt shingle installation, which is done by hand.
