Quick Answer: As of September 2023, the average cost for a commercial roof is around $6 – $12 per square foot. There are lots of variables that affect cost, such as:
- size of roof
- desired warranty length
- amount of tear-off required
- desired R-value
- And many, many more
A new commercial roof is not a small purchase; whether you just purchased a new building or your aged roof is leaking, it is daunting to think about jumping into such a big investment. One of the most researched terms when it comes to a commercial roof is the cost.
At West Roofing Systems, we have been helping customers for 40+ years in choosing the right roof solution for their building and their budget. We want everyone to feel empowered when they start getting quotes from their contractors.
In this article, we break down what aspects of a roofing project will affect your cost, along with some general costs you can expect.
Commercial Roofing Systems
Each type of roof uses varied materials and takes different processes for installation. In this section, we cover some roof system-specific costs you will encounter when looking at new roof systems.
Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing
A spray polyurethane foam roof costs around $6-$12 per square foot.
Here’s a video of a spray foam roofing project from start to finish:
Single-Ply Membrane
A single-ply membrane roofing system costs around $6 – $12 per square foot.
Single-Ply Membranes offer many choices from insulation, membrane, and attachment styles. Here are the costs of the more popular single-ply membrane roofing systems:
What Can Affect My Roof Quote?
Commercial roofing is not a one-size-fits-all all approach. Many factors can affect your quote, from the weather to the size and the location of your building. Let’s review what a contractor will take into account when calculating a commercial roof quote.
The Size of Your Roof
When a contractor is pricing a new roofing system, the economies of scale start around 20,000 sq feet; which means after 20,000 sq. feet, you can start saving money per square foot of roof.
Other size factors that can impact your cost also include:
- The logistics of moving equipment up to and across a large roof
- Debris removal costs
- Material transport costs – this cost can take up 2-3% of the total project costs
Condition of Existing Roof
The condition of your existing roof will be a crucial factor in the cost of your new commercial roof. There are three options when dealing with your current roof:
- Clean and Prepare Existing Roof
- Recovery Board Fastened on Top Of The Existing Roof
- Stripping and Removal of Roof
Access to Roof
Not all commercial roofs are flat; not all roofs can be walked on. Additional costs can occur when your contractor has limited access to the facility roof.
The height and distances of the roof can be multipliers for the cost of your roof installation. Sloped roofs often require the contractors to use a man lift or rappelling gear for roof installation. Contractors may need to rent conveyance equipment, such as a crane or passenger hoist to move the crew and equipment.
Type of Warranty
When you install a new commercial roofing system, you will have a few warranty options. The three most common types of warranties include:
- Contractor’s Warranty
- Manufacturer’s Product Warranty
- Manufacturer’s Full System Warranty
Maintenance
In addition to installing a new roof system, it’s important to think about long-term maintenance. Whether you sign a roof maintenance contract or regularly restore your roof system, those costs should also be top of mind. In the long run, you can save a lot of money by simply keeping up with the maintenance of your roofing system.
Preventative Maintenance
It is recommended that your commercial facility roof is inspected twice a year:
- Fall Inspection – Clear leaves from drains, prepare for winter
- Spring Inspection – Look for damage from the winter weather
A visual inspection, including general maintenance, is a rather inexpensive way to maintain the integrity of your SPF roof. Any roofing contractor can perform inspections on your roof, but you should hire a certified roofing contractor to complete repairs.
Silicone Restoration Coating
Silicone Restoration Coating is an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to re-roofing. The average cost range for a silicone restoration coating is $4.00 – $7.00 per square foot.
Your contractor will make sure that the existing surface is clean and dry, and apply a new layer of silicone coating to the roof. This will restore the top layer of your roof and repair any punctures or other issues your roof is experiencing.
Conclusion
Here at West Roofing Systems, we’ve installed over a 60,000,000 sq. feet of roofing domestically and internationally, and during that time, we have noticed that it can be tough to answer, “How much does a commercial cost?”
When you include the size, access to the facility, warranty, maintenance, and more, the prices change very dramatically based on your roofing contractor, location, and building. Keep in mind that when you are looking to invest in a new roofing system, it’s a good idea to get a couple of quotes from different contractors.
If you have any further questions about what your commercial roofing system will cost, please fill out our online form.
*Cost ranges are general estimates, each roofing system is unique and costs can vary. Please seek a professional quote for more specific and reliable costs.
