As a commercial building owner, you know how vital a functioning roof is to the integrity of your building.
Whether it’s an apartment complex, office building, or warehouse, commercial roofs are an integral component of your building. But when it comes time for a commercial roof replacement, how much do you need to budget?
Many considerations play into how much commercial roof replacements cost. Depending on those factors, commercial roof replacements can range anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000.
Even though roof replacements are a significant investment, it is vital not to neglect this aspect of your commercial building. A damaged or worn-down roof can cause even more expensive issues down the line that threaten your building’s foundation. To help gauge how much your commercial roof replacement will cost in 2022, let’s dive into the factors that contribute to the final cost.
Roof Angle
The angles of commercial roofs typically fall into two categories:
- Flat or low-slope
- Sloped or pitched
Flat roofs are common for commercial buildings. While flat roofs appear, well, flat… technically, they aren’t entirely flat. Most flat roofs have a very slight slope that pushes precipitation towards the gutter system.
Sloped roofs are roofs with a peak. This angle is more common on residential homes, but it does appear on some commercial buildings.
Regarding price, commercial flat roofs typically cost less to replace than sloped roofs. Flat roofs are more manageable and safer for contractors to navigate, considering they don’t have to balance on a steep structure.
Size and Materials
The next cost consideration is the size of your commercial roof as well as the materials you choose for your new roof. Larger roofs with more square footage will end up costing significantly more than smaller roofs. So, the roof on a small apartment building will cost less to replace than the roof of a large shopping mall.
Costs often come down to the square footage of your roof and the price per square foot of the roofing material you select. Many roofing materials get the job done and keep your foundation protected. Depending on longevity and durability, roofing materials range in price. Average price ranges of popular commercial roofing materials are as follows:
Asphalt Shingles: $3.50 to $7 per Square Foot
Asphalt shingles are popular for commercial and residential properties alike. They are an affordable material with pretty reasonable longevity. Typically, asphalt shingle roofs will last between 15 and 25 years. Other benefits of asphalt shingles include:
- Easy to repair
- Wide selection of designs
- Durable
Metal: $7 to $15 per Square Foot
Metal roofs are great for sloped roofs and fall in a mid-price range. Many people may have negative opinions of metal roofs in terms of aesthetics, but metal roofing design has come a long way in recent years.
Metal roofs can be made to look like other types of roofing materials. Many colors are also available, and the color will remain accurate for the entire duration of the roof’s life.
Varieties of metal roofs include:
- Corrugated
- Standing seam
- Flat seam
Single-Ply Membrane: $11 to $14 per Square Foot
When it comes to flat roofs, a single-ply roof is very common. When single-ply roofs first hit the market, many people were concerned that the single layer of protection would be prone to leaks. However, these roofs have stood the test of time, and they often last for 25 to 30 years. They are also easy to install and less expensive than other materials.
Built-Up Roofing: $11.50 to $15 per Square Foot
In contrast to single-ply roofing, built-up bituminous roofing is made of multiple layers of roofing materials built on top of each other. The added layers offer extra protection, but this process can be more time-consuming and therefore more expensive.
Barrel Tile: $6.50 to $18 per Square Foot
Barrel tiles are popular for sloped commercial roofing systems. Roofing tiles can be made from concrete, clay, and other materials. While the price for barrel tile can start low, most materials fall in a more expensive range.
Even though this material is one of the most expensive options, the price is worth it because it is incredibly durable. Most tile roofs last as long as 50 years.
Accessibility Factors
When you replace your current commercial roofing system, the price tag includes labor costs. The accessibility of your building will contribute to how difficult it is for contractors to install the new roof. Accessibility factors include:
- Building height
- Property access
- Occupancy
- Material storage areas
It will cost less to replace the roof on a 3-story building than a skyscraper because taller buildings will need cranes to lift the materials to the top. The ability to transport materials to the area and store them nearby also helps lower costs. If your commercial building is in a tightly-packed downtown area, accessibility can be more challenging.
Occupied buildings must also be taken into consideration. Contractors need to accommodate occupants’ safety, comfort, and health, so construction may need to take place before or after regular working hours— accruing a higher price tag.
Underlayment
Every roof has “underlayment,” or materials underneath the finished roof. The underlayment can consist of:
- Roof structure (Concrete, metal, or wood deck)
- Insulation
- Cover board
- Additional substrate materials
The condition of the underlayment will affect the cost of your commercial roof replacement. For example, if these materials have significant water damage, they will also need to be replaced, resulting in a higher cost.
Many roofers can identify the condition of the underneath materials based simply on the “feel” of the roof. However, moisture detecting equipment can also be used to accurately identify trapped moisture.
Local Climate
The weather and climate of the area your commercial building is located in will also impact your final cost. For example, if you live in an area that experiences high winds, the roof will require a stronger type of roofing fastener to keep the structure secure. Your average climate can also impact the kind of material you opt for.
Code Requirements
Each commercial building is subject to local, state, and regional codes. Roofing codes can impact things like:
- Fire resistance
- Wind loads
- Insulation
- Ventilation
- Slope dimensions
- Substrate or decking
Depending on what codes need to be met, there could be an additional cost for materials or labor.
Chosen Warranty
The final consideration for the cost of a commercial roof replacement is the warranty. When you make the significant investment of replacing your business’s roof, you want to ensure that you’re covered if anything goes wrong. Typically, you will have a few options to choose from when it comes to roofing warranties.
A lower warranty price usually accounts for a lower level of coverage. If you want to thoroughly protect your new roof from expensive damages, you may opt for a warranty with higher coverage, and therefore a higher price tag.
Consider All the Factors When Replacing Your Commercial Roof
As you can see, the cost of a commercial roof replacement varies greatly depending on the size of your property, the materials you choose, the climate, and more. If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to commercial roof replacements, don’t fret. The helpful contractors at Red Canyon Roofing can answer all of your questions and find the perfect solution for your upcoming commercial roof replacement, depending on your budget.
Our always-honest team will give you a fair estimate based on your needs. Don’t let your worn-down roof inflict damage on your building’s foundation. Contact us today for a free estimate!
