Whether you’re a homeowner looking for a way to maximize your living space or a commercial client wondering what material you should use for your flat roofing installation project, we have you covered. Tru-Green Roofing is a seasoned roofing contractor with the experience and knowledge required to shed some light on the top seven types of flat roof materials, their unique advantages, drawbacks, as well as their price range. From green roofing to EPDM and everything else in between, let’s take a look at some of the best roofing materials you can choose from.
Looking into the Best Flat Roofing Materials on the Market
Alright, let’s say you need a roof installation or replacement. What type of material should you use? Whether it’s the most durable material you’re looking for or the most cost-effective, keep on reading to find out all the available options.
Sit back, relax, and read on!
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Option 1: Built-Up Roof BUR
The first one we have on the list is Built Up Roofing, which is also known as tar and gravel roofing. This is a durable material that is a popular choice for high-traffic areas. Celebrated for its weather-resistant qualities, it is a sturdy material that can cost around $4 to $12 per square foot. The downside of BUR, however, is that it is a heavy material that can emit an unpleasant odor during installation and is susceptible to leaks.
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Option 2: Modified Bitumen
This is another popular choice, averaging around $6 to $12 per square foot. The main advantage of modbit roofing is that it is highly durable, especially in colder climates; however, the color options are quite limited, so it may not suit every structure and its aesthetics.
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Option 3: EPDM Rubber
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer is yet another option for flat roofing, especially in commercial settings, that has some UV-resistant virtues. It is also flexible, so it doesn’t crack easily during installation. It is a low-maintenance material, but it cannot withstand very high temperatures and can also be punctured easily. If you’re interested in using EPDM for your flat roof in 2025, expect to pay around $3 to $15 per square foot.
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Option 4: TPO
Thermoplastic Polyolefin roofing is the perfect blend of performance and price, making it a popular choice for residential as well as commercial roofing projects. It is an energy-efficient material and quite durable, but the downside is that it can crack over time and doesn’t have a lot of color options. The average cost of TPO per square foot in 2025 is $4 to $14.
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Option 5: Metal Panels
Next comes metal roofing. A highly durable flat roofing option, for its fire-resistant nature, as well as its resistance to pest infestations, it is an eco-friendly roofing material that is often recycled. The only downside is that it has a high upfront cost and can rust at broken or cut edges. If that’s your material of choice, expect to pay about $8 to $24 per square foot.
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Option 6: Green Roofs
A fairly newer option that has been gaining traction over the past few years, green roofing is great for extending the lifespan of traditional roofing. Not only this, but it also creates a recreational space for friends and family, contributes to a lowered carbon footprint, and decreases your monthly energy costs. The cons, however, include high maintenance as well as the cost of installation, which can reside in the neighborhood of $5 to $50 per square foot.
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Option 7: Spray foams
Finally, spray foam is an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solution that provides seamless integration. It reduces energy costs, raises the value of your property, and improves interior comfort. It is an ideal option for retrofits, but it demands regular maintenance and careful installation by skilled professionals. The cost of material per square foot is around $4 $16.
Conclusion
Flat roofing is a fantastic choice for homeowners as well as commercial clients, adding value and improving indoor comfort. It is available in materials such as TPO, EPDM, as well as metals of varying types, and each offers its advantages and disadvantages. For more information, feel free to drop us a line.
FAQs
- What are some signs that my flat roof needs to be replaced?
If you notice sagging, leaks, or that the roof has reached the end of its lifespan, it is a sign to get a flat roof replacement. - Is a flat roof completely flat?
No, a flat roof has a pitch of less than 10 degrees for every 12 inches of horizontal movement for efficient drainage. - Can I DIY my flat roof installation?
It is generally a better idea to hire expert roofing contractors as they have the expertise, knowledge, and safety gear required to put up your flat roofing safely and efficiently. - Which flat roofing material is the most durable?
PVC and TPO membranes are considered among the most durable and energy-efficient materials available. - How long does a flat roof typically last?
With proper installation and maintenance, a flat roof can last anywhere from 20 to 40 years, depending on the material chosen.