How Much Do Rubber Roof Shingles Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $9,000 - $23,000
Rubber roof shingles cost $15,000 on average, or between $9,000 and $23,000, depending on the roof's size, pitch, and other factors
If you’re installing a new roof using rubber shingles, you can expect installation prices of around $15,000, with rubber roof shingles costs commonly ranging from $9,000 to $23,000.
Rubber roof shingles provide superior protection from the elements while adding to your home's curb appeal. They're more durable and long-lasting than many other common types of roofing materials. Here's a look at how to estimate the cost of installing them.
- Average
- $15,000
- Low end
- $6,000
- high end
- $36,000
Rubber Roof Shingles Cost Factors
As a type of composite-like shingle, it's not surprising that the cost of rubber shingle roof installation closely resembles the price of a composite shingle roof. The size of the project, combined with other variables, will determine the total cost of your new rubber shingle roof.
Roof Size
When calculating rubber shingle roofing costs, your roof size is the most significant factor because it dictates the amount of materials and labor necessary to complete the job. As such, larger homes cost more to re-roof than smaller ones. However, other factors also come into play, meaning the calculation is rarely that simple.
Your roofing contractor will refer to your roof in squares or 100-square-foot sections rather than square feet. While that fact doesn't affect pricing, having that information can help you understand your roofer's jargon. Rubber roof shingles average between $450 and $1,150 per square, installed.
| Roof Size in Square Feet | Roof Size in Squares | Average Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 | 12 | $5,400–$13,800 |
| 1,600 | 16 | $7,200–$18,400 |
| 2,000 | 20 | $9,000–$23,000 |
| 2,500 | 25 | $11,250–$28,750 |
| 3,000 | 30 | $13,500–$34,500 |
Roof Pitch
Other terms your roofer may use are roof pitch or slope. Both refer to your roof's steepness, which can affect the cost of rubber shingle installations in two ways.
First, a steep roof requires more material to cover than a lower-pitched roof on the same-sized home, increasing the material cost and the time it takes to install the larger quantity.
Second, working on very steep roofs requires additional fall protection, such as roof jacks or scaffolding that allows the crew to stay safe and move around the site. The added protections can add time to the job, increasing the overall labor costs.
If you have a very steep roof, expect costs to hover between 15% and 50% more for rubber shingle roof installations.
Complexity
While simple roofs might consist of a single or couple of gable-end slopes, more complex roofs often feature multiple dormers, roof penetrations, or varying angles. The more complex a roof is, the more it can cost to roof due to the persistent need to stop and restart work in the next section and additional cutting and material requirements.
Preparation
When re-roofing, your contractor will have to remove the old material and dispose of it, which can add between $1 and $5 per square to the job. However, this work is usually included in the price quote.
Additional preparation may be necessary if the roof structure requires repair work before a new roof can go on. Depending on the extent of repairs, this work can increase costs by between $100 and $2,000.
Labor
Labor fees can vary by location and job specifics, but labor often makes up between 40% and 60% of the total cost of roof replacement. The particular labor costs for your roof will depend on combinations of almost all of the other pricing factors involved.
Location
Where you live can affect the cost of installing rubber roof shingles. Prices can vary by as much as $1,200 between states. It can also vary by up to 30%, depending on whether you live in a rural or city setting. Roofing costs in rural areas tend to be less expensive than they are in cities because of the differences in labor costs and high-demand pricing.
Permits
Reroofing often requires a building permit. Permit costs vary widely by municipality, from around $100 to $1,000. However, this price should be included in your roofer’s estimate.
Rubber Roof Shingles Ongoing Expenses
Rubber roof shingles are extremely durable and long-lasting. However, they can harbor mold growth without proper maintenance. Additionally, roof repairs are an ongoing cost consideration for all homeowners.
Maintenance
Occasionally having your roof cleaned can help keep your rubber roof shingles in good condition and free of mold growth that can occur. Clearing gutters of debris at least once per year is also essential for maintaining proper drainage to protect the roof and home.
Gutter cleaning costs an average of $170 for professional work, while DIY gutter cleaning can cost virtually nothing. Roof cleaning costs on an as-needed basis average between $295 and $620.
Repairs
If your rubber shingle roof experiences damage, rapid repair is crucial for its well-being and to protect the inside of the home. While some repairs are manageable with just a few drops of sealant on a rubber roof, other roof repairs can cost between $385 and $1,875, depending on the scope of work.
| Shingle Type | Expected life Span (Years) |
|---|---|
| Three-tab | 10–20 |
| Architectural | 20–30 |
| Rubber | 30–50 |
DIY Rubber Roof Shingle Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Rubber shingle roof installation isn't suitable as a DIY project. Safety is the number one concern for any roofing work. When working on a roof or ladder, the risk of falling and suffering serious injuries is very real.
Additionally, rubber shingle roof installation requires specialized roofing equipment and expertise to do the job correctly, ensuring longevity and adequate home protection.
However, if you're an avid DIYer insistent on performing the job yourself, the monetary cost savings would be roughly 50% of what professionals charge for the project.
We strongly recommend hiring a qualified and licensed nearby roofing company to generate an accurate price quote, perform the work to professional quality standards, and keep you safe throughout the project.
Cost of Common Rubber Shingle Roof Add-Ons
When hiring someone to complete roofing work on your home, it can also be a good time to consider adding a few things to the to-do list. Doing these tasks at the same time can be convenient and could save money by combining jobs.
Gutter installation: $625–$1,700
Skylight repair: $50–$1,500
Chimney repair: $160–$750
Attic-fan installation: $370–$915
Attic insulation installation:$1,700–$2,100
Gutter guard installation: $645–$2,445
How to Save Money When Installing Rubber Roof Shingles
While we don't recommend installing your own rubber shingle roof to save money, there are a few things you can do to help control costs.
Choose a rubber shingle roofing product that fits your budget and base the decision on how long you plan to live in the house.
Ask your roofing contractor if you qualify for any seasonal or other discounts.
Obtain three price quotes and compare them by cost and services provided.
Avoid extremely low price estimates, as they may not be the great deal they appear to be in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
For homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for a long time or wish to never 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.
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.