Rubber roof membranes are often used on flat or low-slope buildings including mobile homes, or on unusually shaped roofs, such as on a dome. Most residential rubber roofs are made of single-ply EPDM synthetic rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer); the National Roofing Contractors Association provides an overview.
Typical costs:
EPDM roofing membranes cost about 50 cents-$1.50 a square foot (depending on thickness and color); with adhesive/tape, tools and other supplies it can run around $650-$1,800 for do-it-yourself installation on a 30x30-foot flat roof on a single family home. MobileHomesStuffStore.com sells do-it-yourself EPDM kits for $1,100-$2,300 for 10x50-foot to 16x50-foot mobile homes; adding insulation under the EPDM bumps the mobile home kit costs to $1,400-$2,600.
Having an EPDM rubber roof professionally installed runs around $2.50-$4.50 a square foot or $2,250-$4,000 for a 30x30-foot flat roof on a single family home, depending on thickness, color, local labor rates and whether the old roof has to be removed. However, installation over a small area can cost a lot more per square foot because of the crucial need for careful flashing and other labor-intensive detail work required for proper EPDM installation. The owner of an 11x30-foot roof on a Baltimore row home was quoted $2,600, or about $7.80 per square foot.
What should be included:
EPDM roofing membranes range from 7.5-50 feet wide, and come in black or white on black. Black EPDM is highly resistant to UV and ozone rays, and absorbs heat. White-on-black EPDM is more energy efficient and is recommended in warm climates, but costs about 30 percent more than black EPDM. The EPDM Roofing Association answers frequently asked questions about EPDM rubber roofs.
Depending on conditions and the manufacturer's recommendations, EPDM rubber roof membranes can be fastened mechanically, adhered (glued or taped) or laid loose (and covered with stone ballast).
Professional installation is generally recommended, by installers trained on the specific brand/product. A rubber roofing distributor lists adhesive installation instructions and an Arizona roofing company shares videos demonstrating professional techniques for gluing and mechanically attaching an EPDM rubber membrane roof.
Shopping for a rubber roof:
Major manufacturers include Carlisle-Syntec and Firestone. Be sure to check on warranties before choosing a brand, because many manufacturers do not offer a warranty on materials for residential roofs. This means your only warranty will be from the installation contractor, covering the workmanship of the installation and related issues. Installation contractor referrals are available from the National Roofing Contractors Association. Proper installation is critical for a rubber membrane roof, and nearly every manufacturer has a training and certification program for installers; check that your installer is certified for your specific brand of rubber roof. Ask if the company is properly bonded, licensed and insured, and check for any complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
Did outstanding job on my roof -i would recommend this contractor for any roof job. it realy cut my cost on energy during this winter when he recomenndid. the roof looks nice. i was sceptical at first because of the price , but it was worth it.201-602-6518 call him you wont regret it .trust me.
Contractor they sent said he needed $500 for supplies and then said I had to pay the entire estimate on top of that! (He pocketed the $500 - couldn't get my money back). On top of that, the supposedly durable rubber roof came apart 8 years later! I don't know whether to go that route again or have it shingled.