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.
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.
What to Expect With a Roof Installation
Cost by Location
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
Additional Rubber Roof Shingle Costs
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.
Roof Pitch
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.
Complexity
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.
Prep
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.
Permits
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.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Install Rubber Roof Shingles
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.
How to Save Money on Rubber Roof Shingle Costs
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.
Does a Rubber Shingle Roof Increase Home Value?
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.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Roofing services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.3★ avg. • 120 total reviews
Chance R.
5.0
04/2024
D1 Roofing delivers outstanding service from beginning to end, backed by a strong warranty and expert teams. I highly recommend them for their excellence in meeting and surpassing expectations with unmatched communication. Choosing D1 Roofing was flawless decision
Jeremy P.
1.0
12/2023
This place took $25,000 for a flat roof job with a five-year warranty and never returned to fix the leaks that were caused by their work. These people are not professionals and should not be doing this type of work. They incorrectly changed the pitch of the roof, and caused more damage than...
David B.
5.0
11/2023
The technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Kevin S.
5.0
04/2023
I am really impressed with their timeliness and turnaround. Mitchell came out, and we decided to move forward with their pricing. Our roof was on within a week, and we could not be happier with their team! Amazing company, great prices and honest, dependable craftsmanship. I highly recommend...
Rob B.
5.0
04/2021
Manuel Calvillo is the best option in the area for roofing and you won't be disappointed.
Julie K.
2.0
10/2020
They damaged multiple items on my property, including a marble slab used as a table top, tried to hide it, and refused to pay or replace. Arrived day one without a ladder to access roof & delayed a day. Left a mess in back yard; didn't wear face masks; no show by owner to property to see damages
Marcia L.
5.0
06/2019
I've hired Gary/Cherokee Roofing for two different homes, work quality, responsiveness, and completion have been great both times. And the prices quoted were very competitive. I would definitely hire again.
Paul F.
5.0
10/2018
Lyle did a great job removing asbestos shingles from our front porch roof. They worked together with our roofer to make sure that the new roof was able to be installed on the same day that Lyle removed the asbestos shingles.
Paul F.
5.0
10/2018
Bradley Builders did a good job replacing the roof on our front porch. They color-matched the existing shingles on the rest of the house and installed a metal ridge roll since we live in a historical neighborhood. They did the job while we were out of town. When we got back, everything was...
Madison B.
5.0
05/2016
I would absolutely recommend this business. They offer a variety of services, including: painting, roofing, and refinishing wood flooring. I hired them to refinish the original hardwood flooring in my home built in 1874. The job was quite challenging, as the floors were extremely aged and...
Dan is a writer and property manager and can be found sharing his home improvement tips on sites like EcoWatch and Today’s Homeowner. He loves sharing his years of hands-on experience and love of DIY to help homeowners bring their visions to life.
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