Rubber roofs are considered one of the “newer” roofing options available to homeowners. Made with 70% recycled tires and 95% recycled materials, it is the most environmentally friendly roofing choice on the market right now. Despite it being made with tires, it offers a wealth of both aesthetic and performance benefits, which we have more information below.

The Benefits of Rubber Roofing

There are some very distinct and obvious advantages to choosing a rubber roof as your choice:

• Has a long lifespan – Most rubber roofs can last up to 30 years or longer due to the quality materials.
• Durable against extreme weather conditions – The tire rubber is a strong, durable material that can withstand extreme weather conditions, such as hail (up to hail as large as 2”), snow and windstorms, alongside rising heat. It is also fire resistant.
• Minimal maintenance – Regular inspections are all that’s required when it comes to rubber roofs. You can expect to spend very little on its upkeep in the long-term.
• Affordable option – The initial outlay for the rubber roof isn’t as expensive as many people think. In fact, it’s recognized as a cost-effective option both in terms of its installation and the long-term maintenance.
• Cheaper insurance premiums – Insurance companies always cast an eye on the type you have to determine your home’s value and payout. Rubber roofs are seen as one of the better choices due to the strong materials, so expect to enjoy cheaper premiums and special deals.
• Range of colours available – Despite the conception that all rubber roofs look like “tires”, there are actually a variety of options available. You can find a colour that suits your home’s decor and style.
• Energy efficiency – You can save thousands of dollars on energy bills, as rubber roofs insulate your home more effectively than other materials. This keeps your attic cool and ultimately reduces energy use during the summer and winter months.
• Environmentally friendly – You’ll be contributing to making the world a better place by installing a rubber roof. In many cases, leftover rubber shingles are used for other roofs and for replacements or repairs, meaning better usage all over. Plus, there’s the materials themselves, which are all recycled.

What Affects The Pricing?

There are multiple factors that can impact the cost of the pricing for rubber roofs. Let’s consider the major ones below:

• The size of your roof – Simple mathematics here: the larger your roof, the more material you’ll need, the more it will cost you.
• The slope of your roof – You should also consider the slope of your roof as this impacts labour and the work required.
• The labour hire – You’ll have to pay for the roof to be replaced, which means hiring a professional contractor. Although not as expensive as it seems, make sure you consider an experienced contractor so the work is premium (https://activeexteriorsroofing.com/).
• Local permits – You might require a permit to start your project, which could set you back a few hundred dollars.
• Additional roofing needs – The likes of your soffit and fascia, chimneys and gutters should be considered when it comes to your project, as you might need to replace them too or build around them.
• Emergency funds – Sometimes things can go wrong with the project meaning you’ll have to cover the costs. We’re referring to the likes of asbestos, old roof removal and ventilation. Keep us money to the side in case you need it.

The Average Cost of Rubber Roof

While it can be difficult to decipher how much a roof rubber costs without speaking directly with a roofing company, our research has provided some interesting pricing information:

• Modernize states that “rubber roofing costs anywhere between $8,000 to $14,000 to install depending on the slope, pitch, and size of your roof.” They also say that you should expect to pay “$4.25 to $8.25 per sq.foot”.
• Home Advisor suggests a higher rate, stating that “on average, rubber roofing costs $7,500 for 1,500 square feet with a range of $6,000 to $18,000”, but due to the “ complexity of the installation”, including the “type and thickness of insulation, roof pitch, location, accessibility, and old roof removal, costs can exceed $24,000.”
• Home Guide says that it can cost “between $550 and $950 per square or between $5.50 and $9.50 per square foot installed.”
• While Roofing Calculator says that “generally, they cost between $7.35-$11.90 per square foot, including all materials and professional installation.”

However, these are just estimates. It’s best to speak directly with your local roofing contractor to get an idea on how much a new rubber roof will cost you. With this guide, you’ll have a better idea of knowing what to expect when starting your project.