Flat Roof Cost and Homeowners Guide (2024)

Factors That Go Into Flat Roof Pricing

The total cost of your flat roof depends on the type of flat roof you install, but is also impacted by several factors, including:

• Material pricing for flat roofs
• Pricing for types of flat roofs
• Cost of labor and time to complete your roofing project
• Disposal of your current roof and dump fees
• Size and complexity of your roof

Material Pricing for Flat Roofs

Flat roof materials directly influence your final cost, but more goes into your roofing estimate than just the type of roof. To get a better estimate of your flat roof cost, check out the average cost per square foot by the most common flat roof materials below.

In addition to the material you use for your roof, you will also need the other components of your flat roof system. These critical components add to your total roofing cost, but will increase your roof’s lifespan: 

• Sealant
• Ridge capping
• Gutters
• Ice and water shields
• Underlayment
• Roof flashing
• Drip edge
• Pipe boats

Pricing for Types of Flat Roofs

The material you choose for your flat roof is important to the calculation of your roof’s cost, but you also need to consider the type of flat roof you want to install. Whereas the material you choose for your roof is for both aesthetics and durability, the type of roof you install impacts your home’s insulation. 

Basic Labor Cost and Time to Complete Flat Roof Installation

Your exact labor costs and timeline will depend on your local roofing contractor, but flat roofs tend to be easier to install than pitched roofs. The cost of labor generally falls between $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot, but this can rise to as high as $15 per square foot if you have a complex roof system and extensive roof damage.

If your flat roof systems need to be ripped out before your new roof is installed or if you have penetrations that need fixing, your final cost will be higher. The roofing material you choose also impacts labor costs. For instance, single-ply membrane roofs are the quickest to install and are often less expensive.

Removing Your Current Roof and Dump Fees

If you have more than two layers of roofing material already on your roof, then you will need to have all the excess material removed before the installation of your new flat roof can begin. These roofing materials will need to first be removed — which adds to your labor costs — and then disposed of via dump truck. 

Size and Complexity of Your Roof

The more roof space you have, the higher the cost of your flat roof. The square footage of your roof is a great indicator of the total cost, but the complexity of your roof — such as the presence of skylight windows, tiered roof sections, chimneys or ventilation systems — can also impact the cost of your roof.

Homeowners will also need to install gutters on their flat roof as a proper drainage system to protect against interior water damage, rotting and pests. The best gutters for flat roofs are typically eavestrough or hanging rain gutters, but the right gutter may depend on your expectations for durability, aesthetics and efficiency.

Pros and Cons of Installing Flat Roofs

Before replacing your roof, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each type of roof. Once you’ve chosen the best roof for your home, check out our best companies for roof installation for next steps.

Advantages of Flat Roofs

• Affordable installation
• Low replacement and repair cost
• Versatile space for green roofing
• Easy maintenance
• Energy-efficient

Disadvantages of Flat Roofs

• Variable performance in colder climates
• Requires homeowner maintenance
• Some flat roofs have shorter lifespans
• Without preventative maintenance, green roofs can cause leaks

Lifetime and Durability of Flat Roofs

Both the lifespan and durability of a flat roof depend on the flat roof material used and your geographical location. Whereas some types of flat roofs, such as EPDM roofs, are more durable and can last for more than 40 years, other flat roofs have a short, 10-year life expectancy. 

EPDM and BUR flat roofs tend to be more durable and last longer than bitumen and TPO roofs, but this extra durability typically comes at a higher installation price. You can expect the following lifespans for these common types of flat roofs:

• Built-up roofing (BUR): Between 10 and 25 years
• Modified bitumen (single-ply membrane): 15 to 25 years
• Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM): 40+ years
• Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO): 15 to 20 years
• Green roof: 20 to 50+ years

Unlike sloped roofs that are built at a steeper angle, flat roofs are at a higher risk for water pooling. Homeowners need to keep an eye out for any leaks and damage, because even the smallest puncture can lead to significant damage. If you do get heavy rain, snow or fallen leaves, set a regular maintenance schedule to make sure your roof is clean and debris-free.

Flat roofs are better suited for warmer climates that don’t experience heavy snowfall, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a flat roof if you live in a colder climate. Rubber roofs and bitumen flat roofs perform better in cold environments, and TPO and single-lay are best for hotter climates.

Are Flat Roofs Environmentally Friendly?

Depending on the material used to build your roof, flat roofs can be eco-friendly. Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) — a durable rubber that is often used in the construction of flat roofs — is ideal for roofs because of its ability to withstand extreme conditions. It’s also easier to install than traditional roofing materials and has outstanding reusability.

Because flat roofs have a membrane system installed on top of rigid insulation, they are more energy-efficient than pitched roofs. This improved energy efficiency is due to the flat roof’s lack of air cavity insulation, which inherently contains gaps between the ceiling joints. Instead, flat roofs have a continuous insulation system that maintains a consistent R-value throughout.

Flat roofs have become popular in urban areas because they are perfect for green roofing: the creation of a rooftop oasis and potential outdoor living space. EPDM rubber roofing is waterproof and durable, so urban homeowners can plant grasses and sedum plants without the worry that the plants will compromise the roof’s structure. 

Financing Your New Flat Roof

Although you can pay for your roof entirely out of pocket, most homeowners finance their roofing project. There are many ways to finance your roof, so homeowners can find a loan or payment plan that works best for their situation. Some of the most common financing options for roof projects include:

• Home equity loan
• Home equity line of credit (HELOC)
• Cash-out refinance
• FHA loans
• Personal loans
• Contractor loans
• Credit card

If your current roof is damaged while still under warranty, you can contact your provider to see if the damage is covered. Government grants — such as weatherization assistance programs, single-family home repairs and house preservation programs — are also available for homeowners who need a new roof.¹

The ROI of Your Flat Roof

A new roof is not only for aesthetics and improved energy efficiency, a new flat roof can also improve the value of your home. The return on investment (ROI) of a new roof is about 60% to 70%, and can be a great selling point if you plan to sell your home.² 

Costs of Maintenance and Repairs for Flat Roofs

The cost of flat roof repair will vary depending on the extent of the damage. Simpler repairs, such as patching a leak or fixing a crack, can be as cheap as $150. But if you have larger problems like water damage, underlayment issues or electrical problems, you may be looking at thousands of dollars in roof repairs. 

One of the most common problems with flat roofs is the potential for pooling water. Even though flat roofs do have enough slope for water to drain, running water can drag debris into your gutters and block your pipes. Once this happens, water can pool on your roof and cause interior damage. 

Roof Painting Prices for Flat Roofs

If you are looking for a budget-friendly alternative to roof replacement, you can paint your flat roof instead. The cost to paint your roof ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, and can be even cheaper if you do it yourself.

Costs of Cleaning your Flat Roof

Because flat roofs are susceptible to water pooling and leakage, it’s incredibly important to keep your flat roof clean and free of any debris. Homeowners can maintain their flat roofs themselves, or can hire a professional cleaning company to do regular maintenance.

Unlike steep roofs that are more dangerous to keep clean, it’s perfectly safe for homeowners to take flat roof maintenance into their own hands. To clean a flat roof, you’ll need a scrub brush for dirt, a broom for sweeping off debris and a pressure washer for surface cleaning. Homeowners will also need to clean their gutters so that water can drain.

The cost to clean your flat roof depends on the method for cleaning, but is typically calculated by your roof’s square footage. For the average 1,700-square-foot roof, you can expect to pay between $340 and $1,200 for a single roof cleaning.

Are Flat Roofs Worth the Cost?

Flat roofs have increased in popularity due to their modern appearance and easy maintenance. Homeowners who live in warmer climates and those who reside in urban jungles can benefit from these roofs the most, whether they plant an eco-friendly green roof or simply want upgraded curb appeal.

As compared to other types of roofs, flat roofs are generally lower in cost, but they do require more upkeep. When built with durable EPDM rubber and regularly maintained, these roofs are absolutely worth the investment.