Flat Roofing Cost

What Does It Cost Per Square Foot to Install a Flat Roof?

When it comes to replacing a flat roof, there are several variables to consider. These factors include the size of your roof, the materials you’re employing, the sort of weather it’ll be exposed to, and the overall cost per square foot. Despite the importance of all of these factors, most property owners prioritize cost.

A “square” is a measuring unit used to express the cost of a flat roof. One hundred square feet is represented by each “square.” In most circumstances, the cost per square of flat top roof is between $350 and $1200, implying that a new flat top roof, fully constructed and including labor, might cost between $3.50 and $12.00 per square foot. These are simply estimates based on industry standards; a true estimate issued by a qualified professional roofer is a more accurate technique of evaluating expenses.

Like anything else, the cost is affected by the quality and type of material utilized. And this isn’t an area where you want to take chances. The harsh winters and storms that frequent the Boston area can wreak havoc on a building’s roof, so choosing the appropriate roofing material can mean the difference between long-term protection and needing to replace the roof in a hurry.

The Different Types of Flat Roofing

Perhaps the most well known type of flat top roofing is called the built-up roof. This type of roofing consist primarily of several layers of materials that are laid down on top of each other. The material used can be quite varied, including everything from hot tar, gravel, fiberglass and even roofing felt. One of the significant advantages of this type of roofing is that it is fire-resistant, but because of the smelly nature of the hot tar used, using it on buildings that are regularly occupied isn’t always the best option. This choice can be a very economical one, with the cost per square foot of installation being somewhere between $3.50 and $7.00.

Another option that is sometimes used for smaller structures is a roof made of modified bitumen. While it does use some similar materials as a built up roof, one of the significant differences in this style of roofing is that this system used only one layer of rolled material. It is installed one of two ways. The first is the torch down application method, where the roofer heat the materials on the roll as it is laid down. A layer of felt is layer over the area, followed by a primer, and finally the strips of bitumen. Everything is sealed together with a large torch or flame. This method, because of the potential fire hazard, shouldn’t be used outside the world of professionals. A second method used often by people who want to do their own roofing projects consist primarily of a type of peel and stick bitumen material. The overall cost of installation should be about $3.00 to $6.00 per square foot. This moderate price, as well as the longer 30 year lifespan that is typical make this choice a great one for those who are investing for the long haul.

When it comes to modern roofing, one choice that continues to make waves overall is the idea of using a membrane or “rubber” roof. One of the most common materials used in this type of roofing is known as ethylene propylene diene monomer, or more commonly by its acronym of EPDM. The best way to think of the material is like a flattened car tire that is resistant to sun damage, scuff marks and tears in general. They also come in two colors, black which can absorb quite a bit of heat, and white, that can reflect a good portion of the heat from the sun and surrounding area. As you can imagine, the black variety is most often used in the Boston area to help lower the overall heating costs during the winter months. Another advantage of EPDM roofing is that it is typically an easy install, which can reduce overall labor costs. Generally speaking, a cost per square foot of between $4.00 and $6.00 isn’t unreasonable. It’s no wonder why most choose this roofing system.

Keep in mind though, EPDM membrane roofs aren’t the only choice available if you’re considering a membrane style roofing system. Another choice is a PVC membrane roof. Although it is a bit more expensive at $7.00 to $11.00 per square foot due to the increased amount of labor, it does have some significant advantages. One of the most notable is the sheer overall durability of the roofing system. Another is the fact that it is one of the most environmentally friendly options on the market today. It’s also resistant to many chemicals, moisture, wind, fire and even some chemicals.