What is Rubber Roofing?

Rubber roofing is an alternative roofing type that is constructed from eco-friendly rubber or plastic polymers. When it comes to strength and reduction of leaks, the flexibility that rubber roofing is worth the additional cost.

Average Cost of Rubber Roofing

As a homeowner, you are likely wondering what the average cost of  rubber roofing is and whether it is a roofing option worth considering.

On average, you can expect your rubber roofing to cost you anywhere between $4.25 and $8.25 per square foot. When installed, this would be around $425 to $825 per square foot when installed. By comparison, asphalt shingles are quite a bit cheaper at around $100 to $150.

So, what are the benefits of rubber roofing over asphalt if rubber shingles cost that much more per square foot?

The truth is that rubber roofs last twice as long as asphalt. This makes rubber a worthy investment.

3 Advantages of Rubber Roofing to Consider

#1 Lifespan

As mentioned already, rubber roofing has an exceptional lifespan. With little upkeep required, rubber shingles or rolls will, on average, last you between 30-50 years. Compare this with asphalt roofs which last at most between 20 and 30 years.

Assuming your rubber roof was correctly installed, you shouldn’t have to worry about any cracking or leaking at all. If a crack or leak is present, you can simply fix by covering it using a latex sealant.

#2 Weather-Resistant

Compared with asphalt roofing, your new rubber roof will hold up much better during severe weather. In addition, your rubber shingles or rolls are much less likely to crack. Not only that, but they are completely waterproof.

Especially if your roof is flat or has a low pitch, you will want to consider a rubber shingle installation. When roofs are flatter, water is not easily able to run off as is the case with steeper roofs. This makes flat roofs more susceptible to water damage. Consider a rubber roof to withstand extreme weather and resist water damage.

#3 Durability

Not only are rubber roofs weather-resistant, but they are also highly durable, being resistant to thermal shock. Assuming your roof is installed correctly, you shouldn’t have to worry about your roofing cracking or becoming brittle due to extreme temperatures.

Rubber roofs are great for withstanding hail, strong winds, and even have high resistance to ultraviolet radiation and cyclic fatigue.

Process of Rubber Roof Installation

When compared with asphalt or slate roof installations, rubber roofs are much easier to install.

Using a seamless roll is typically the most cost effective and energy efficient rubber roofing option. Because there are no seams, you shouldn’t experience any leaking or cracking during your roof’s lifetime. As with asphalt shingles, rubber shingles are also nailed down, however they are quite a bit lighter than asphalt.

• Our roofing contractors first strip down your existing roofing down to the plywood base.
• We then measure and trim the roofing to the shape of roof and cut space out for chimneys, vents, etc.
• Next, we sweep off any debris, apply adhesive, and place the roll across the roof. If shingles are also being installed, we nail these down next, just like with asphalt shingles.

Sometimes we install new rubber roofing on top of old shingles to help to conserve on time and labor costs. Doing this also helps to reflect the sun’s heat away from the roof, keeping your home cooler during warmer months.

3 Rubber Roof Types

EPDM

EPDM, (ethylene propylene diene monomer), gets its name from the monomers, or chemicals, that are mixed in. EPDM roofing is very lightweight and is commonly used for low-sloped or flat roofs on commercial buildings. For residential, it can also be used on car ports and patio roofs. Because EPDM roofing has few seams, leaks are rare.

TPO

TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is comprised of a single layer of synthetics and reinforcing scrim that is the perfect solution for covering flat and semi-flat roofs alike. Its white color is good for reflecting sunlight and reducing heat absorption. TPO is typically a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber.

PVC

PVC (polyvinyl chloride), is quite strong and stable and highly resistant to chemicals and fire. It is commonly used on flat and semi-flat commercial buildings. PVC is designed using a lower percentage of oil and petroleum when compared with EPDM and TPO. Additionally, PVC is eco-friendly and recyclable.

Read more about the pros and cons of rubber roofing here.

Contact ACS Roofing

At ACS Roofing, our certified roofers have extensive experience with rubber roofing installations. We have been serving the Fox Valley community in Appleton, Oshkosh, Menasha, Kaukauna, and Kimberly since 2003, providing asphalt, steel, and rubber installations alike. Give us a call at (920) 216-2243 for your FREE ESTIMATE.

We are the experts in roof replacement, installation, custom garages, and more. Contact us for rubber roofing services at 920-216-2243.