Rubber roof shingles cost $16,000 on average, and prices usually fall between $11,000 and $24,000, depending on the roof's size, pitch, and other factors.
Rubber roof shingles cost around $16,000 on average, but prices can sit as low as $8,400 or rise up to $45,000, depending on a few different factors, like roof size, location, roof pitch, and more.
In this guide, we’ll explain all of the factors that affect the cost of rubber roof shingles so that you can budget more accurately when it’s time to complete your roof project.
Most roofers will price out a new roof based on roofing squares (each equal to 100 square feet), bundles (each equal to 33 square feet), or by square feet. Rubber roof shingles cost between $7 and $15 per square foot. If you can calculate your roof’s square footage, you can get a pretty accurate low-end and high-end estimate for the work.
| Roof Size in Square Feet | Roof Size in Squares | Average Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 | 12 | $8,400–$18,000 |
| 1,600 | 16 | $11,200–$24,000 |
| 2,000 | 20 | $14,000–$30,000 |
| 2,500 | 25 | $17,500–$37,500 |
| 3,000 | 30 | $21,000–$45,000 |
You can expect somewhere between 40% and 60% of your total to go toward labor or an average of between $6,400 and $9,600. Labor costs can increase if you have a complicated roof design or a particularly steep roof, as it will take longer to install your shingles in both cases.
Rubber roof shingle costs can vary by location, usually with respect to the local cost of living. You can expect higher installation costs in some states and major cities because the labor cost will usually vary based on the local cost of living.
| State | Rubber Roof Cost |
|---|---|
| California | $23,200 |
| Florida | $16,500 |
| Georgia | $14,600 |
| Illinois | $14,900 |
| Michigan | $14,700 |
| New York | $19,700 |
| North Carolina | $15,800 |
| Ohio | $15,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $15,300 |
| Texas | $14,800 |
While roof size, labor costs, and location are major cost factors, there are some additional things you should think about that can affect your rubber roof shingle costs.
A steep roof will usually make the installation more complicated, potentially requiring additional safety equipment and more caution throughout the job, ultimately driving up labor costs. You can expect labor costs to increase by between 10% and 20% if your roof has a steep slope.
Simple gable roofs that have two slopes that meet at a single ridge will usually be the most affordable to cover with rubber roof shingles—and any roof material, for that matter. More complex roof styles with multiple ridges, hips, valleys, or dormers will make your roof installation take longer, which will drive up your installation costs.
Before your roofing professional installs your new rubber shingle roof, they’ll usually rip off the old roof and assess the condition of the roof decking below. You’ll usually pay between $1,000 and $5,000 to have your pro remove and haul away your old roof material.
If your professional finds that the decking below your old roof is rotted or damaged, you could pay an additional $2 to $5 per square foot you need replaced. Structural repairs to the rafters below the decking can cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000, depending on the extent of the damage.
You’ll usually need building permits to replace a roof, and the cost of permits typically sits between $100 and $500, depending on your municipality. Most roofers will know the local cost of permits and include it in your total, but you should ask your expert if your estimate includes permit costs.
If you decide to install your own rubber roof shingles, you could save between $6,400 and $9,600 in labor costs, on average. While the potential savings are significant, it’s a good idea to hire a rubber roofing company near you to do the work.
There are a few reasons hiring a pro is best. First, you have a much lower risk of something going wrong and leading to a roof leak, which could end up costing you more than you’d save on labor by doing the work yourself. Second, most roofing manufacturers will only honor your warranty coverage if a professional installs your roofing, so you get greater peace of mind when you hire a roofer.
Third, working on a roof is dangerous, so you could prevent severe injury by hiring a professional. Finally, a roofing expert will be able to assess and fix damage to your roof decking when removing your old roof, which could prevent problems like leaks and structural issues from arising in the future.
Roof repair costs typically fall between $400 and $1,900, which is significantly less than you’d pay to install a new rubber roof—an average of around $16,000. In almost all cases, a repair will make better financial sense if just a small portion is damaged or leaking and the rest has at least a decade of useful life left in it.
With that being said, it’s a good idea to hire a professional to find out which is a better option for you. A replacement will almost always be more expensive, but you could end up saving money over time if a repair would only serve as a temporary solution and would eventually lead to a full replacement anyway. Consider the cost of a roof inspection before deciding which is right for your home.
Rubber roof shingle costs can rise up to around $45,000, but there are a few things you can do to help keep costs as low as possible.
Hire a professional. Hiring a professional to remove your old roof and install the new roof is best. You’ll pay more upfront, but you can save on long-term repair costs if you make an error, maintain your roofing warranty, and ultimately add more to your home value by ensuring a pro installs your new rubber roof.
Consider alternatives. Rubber roofs are popular options in areas that see extreme weather that can threaten asphalt shingle roofs. You can consider paying a bit more for a metal roof, which can last two to three times as long as a rubber roof, ultimately providing greater savings over time.
Take advantage of efficiency incentives. Rubber roofs provide outstanding insulation, so you might be eligible for home efficiency incentives if you install one. Check the DSIRE database for information on perks available in your area.
Installing a new rubber roof will usually bump up your home value, but the increase you’ll see will depend on a few factors, including the climate and the general buyer preference in your area. Most new roofs provide an ROI of between 50% and 70%, which means you’re likely to recuperate the majority of what you spend on your new roof.
With that being said, some buyers don’t like the look of rubber roofs and might be willing to pay less for a home that has one. Others may understand the longevity they’d see from a new rubber roof and be willing to pay more. Unlike with a new asphalt or metal roof, the added value from a rubber roof will be more subjective.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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For homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for a long time or never want to have to deal with replacing a roof again, rubber roof shingles are likely worth the added investment amount over asphalt shingle varieties. While the initial cost of installing a rubber shingle roof will be significantly higher, their long life spans can be worth it in the long term. Consider the curb appeal of a rubber roof, though, as other roofing materials, like metal, can look better and offer even greater value.
Rubber roof shingles have a few disadvantages that are more or less of a deterrent depending on what you hope to achieve by installing them. The initial smell of a rubber shingle roof can be off-putting. However, the smell often dissipates over a month or two after installation. Other disadvantages include their higher installed cost compared to other materials and the need for occasional cleaning to avoid mold growth.
Rubber shingles last for around 30 years, on average, and some can last for and include warranties for up to 50 years. Rubber roof shingles are more expensive than asphalt shingles, but they can last up to twice as long, meaning they provide more value in the long run. Just keep in mind that rubber roofs often require more maintenance than asphalt shingle roofs, including routine cleaning to avoid mold growth. Ask the roofer who installed your roof for an estimate for routine cleaning, if necessary.
