Break out the champagne and party poppers because it’s everyone’s favorite time! Roof replacement time! ????

Okay, we’re kidding. But, hey, if you’re tempted to reach for a glass of bubbly when you get the news that your roof is on its last legs, we won’t judge you.

Let’s face it: roof replacements are stressful. And it’s not the inconvenience, or the loud noises, or the scheduling (although none of those are great). The real stressor is the cost of investing in a new roof. If this sounds familiar, we already know what you are thinking:

• “How am I going to afford this?”
• “Do I have to replace my roof?”
• “How much will this actually cost me?”



We’ve been there. And luckily for you, as a professional roofing company, we’ve seen many other homeowners ask the same questions. Today, we’ll be helping you alleviate some of that stress by helping you understand your roof replacement cost and get an idea of what you will actually be paying.

BENEFITS OF A ROOF REPLACEMENT

It’s easy to think of all of the negatives that come with a roof replacement. But, the truth is that there are also a myriad of benefits that you have to look forward to, including:

• ☮️ Peace of Mind – If you’ve been living with a leaky roof for some time, you are used to the low-grade stress that comes along every time the clouds roll in. The most obvious benefit of replacing your roof is that it will help give you peace of mind.
• ???? Resale Value – While it is true that roof replacement costs can be daunting, it is also true that it will pay off in the long run. A new roof will help increase the resale value of your home in the future.
• ⚡ Energy Efficiency – While most of us don’t think about it on a day-to-day basis, our roof is a vital part of maintaining our home’s internal temperature. A new roof can help properly insulate your home and keep your heating and cooling bills low.
• ????️ Protection – First and foremost, your roof is designed to protect your home from the elements. A new roof can provide you with better protection and make sure that you are prepared for whatever weather comes your way.

SIGNS IT’S TIME TO REPLACE YOUR ROOF

Residential roofing refers to the type of roofing material and projects you would see in residential homes around your neighborhood. These roofs typically have a distinct slope to them and often use asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, or composite shingles.

That being said, residential flat roofs are not unheard of. You might see these in more modern architecture or for extra structures like garages. If you live in a big city like Chicago, though, you may see more residential properties sporting flat roofs than usual!

• The size of your roof
• The area you live in
• The roofing materials that you choose
• The state of your existing roof deck

COMMERCIAL ROOFING ????

You are most likely to find EPDM roofing systems or other types of flat roofs on commercial buildings. The term ‘flat roof’ is a bit of a misnomer, though. Flat roofs actually do have a slight slope to them! This allows them to properly drain water and avoid water damage.

Commercial roofing systems have many benefits, including:

4 TYPES OF FLAT ROOFING MATERIALS

While our post today focuses on EPDM roofing material, you’ll likely come across many different terms while researching flat roofing material. Here are some of the most common types of flat roofing that you will hear about.

1) EPDM ROOFING

We couldn’t start this list without shouting out an EPDM roof! An EPDM rubber roof (also known as ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is a type of single-ply flat roofing material that is versatile and durable. It is a newer form of flat roofing material that was only developed in the past fifty years and addresses some of the problems faced with older flat roofing systems.

An EPDM roofing membrane can be purchased in a wide range of colors and can last for years!

2) BUILT-UP ROOF

While EPDM may be one of the newer materials, built-up roofing (BUR), is one of the oldest forms of flat roofing materials. BUR roofs are created by layering tar and gravel onto your roof in order to create a moisture barrier. Not only is it less effective at protecting your property from severe weather damage than some other methods, but it is also one of the more expensive forms of flat roofing and only lasts around 15 years.

That being said, you will find that it does a very good job of keeping water out and is very easy to maintain.

3) TPO ROOFING

TPO is another type of roofing membrane that has grown in popularity. However, it isn’t chosen as often as an EPDM roof simply because it is more expensive. That being said, it can be a good choice if you live in a cold region, as it resists shrinking when the temperatures drop.

4) SPRAY FOAM ROOFING

A spray-on roof isn’t the prettiest option, but it is pretty effective at keeping out water. If you’re just looking to get the job done and not have to worry about it, spray roofing may be right for you!

✅ PROS

• Cost Effectiveness – Price is one of the most important considerations for property owners. Luckily, EPDM roofing is one of the most affordable options on our list! In addition to low upfront costs, an EPDM roof lasts for decades, helping you get the most bang for your buck!
• Aesthetics – Many people don’t like flat roofing materials because, well….they aren’t exactly beautiful. However, EPDM roofs can be purchased in a variety of colors to help them blend in with the overall look of your building.
• Energy Efficiency – Because an EPDM roof can be purchased in white rubber instead of the standard black, it can more effectively insulate your building by defecting UV rays. This allows you to save on your cooling bills in the long run.

❌ CONS

• Installation – Installing EPDM roofing requires a specific installation method. This means that you will need to hire a professional roof replacement specialist. Be sure to factor labor costs into your budget before purchasing your roof.
• Ages Poorly – Just like us, EPDM roofs become weaker with age. The EPDM roofing membrane is prone to shrinking as it ages, meaning that your roof is more vulnerable to punctures and holes.

HOW MUCH DOES EPDM ROOFING COST?

The big question! How much can you expect to pay for an EPDM roof?

The EPDM roofing product itself typically costs between $3-$10 per square foot. This means that for the average commercial roof, you can expect to pay anywhere between $6,000-$18,000 for a full roof replacement.

HOW LONG DOES EPDM RUBBER ROOFING LAST?

If the idea of shelling out thousands of dollars to replace your entire roof has you shaking in your boots, don’t worry! For all of that money, you are getting decades of use! The durable EPDM membrane can last 30 years, with many reporting up to 50 years of use, with good maintenance!

MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR EPDM ROOFING SYSTEMS

Want your roof to last for a long time? You need to take good care of it!

Because of their limited slope, a flat roofing system requires a bit more maintenance than a residential roof would. If you want to keep your roof in tip-top shape for years to come, then you need to follow these simple maintenance instructions.

CAN YOU DIY YOUR ROOF REPLACEMENT?

Many cost-conscious homeowners try to pinch pennies by attempting to do their own roof replacements. And while we won’t say that it CAN’T be done – it certainly has been done in the past – we also can’t recommend it.

As we’ve mentioned previously, your roof is a vital part of protecting your home. DIY installation could lead to problems down the road that could have been avoided with professional help. Additionally, any job that requires you to climb up on your roof comes with some inherent danger.

If you feel at all uncertain, we recommend relying on a professional roofer.

GET THE ROOFING HELP YOU NEED!

Not sure where to start? Anchor Point Roofing has you covered. Whether you are looking for a full or partial roof replacement, our knowledgeable team is here to answer all of your questions. Contact us today to receive a free quote for your roofing project!