The commercial roofing industry has been constantly plagued by price hikes, material shortages, and inflation. Companies have been struggling endlessly to keep up with the market and customer needs. However, the struggle to make commercial roofing services affordable seems to be a never-ending battle. Weighing the average cost of a new commercial roof can be tricky at best because there are many factors to take into account, and costs keep varying. The truth is that the average cost of a new commercial roof installation or commercial roof replacement will usually fall somewhere between $5.25 and $9.50 per square foot. These are just averages, though, and your particular project could cost more or less depending on a variety of factors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the things that can impact commercial roofing costs.

Material Costs

The pricing of the materials is one of the most crucial aspects that determine how much a new commercial roof will cost. The material you choose will have an immediate impact on the commercial roof cost per square foot. Material expenditures can fluctuate based on the quality of the materials, the supplier, and current market trends.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most common commercial roofing materials and their average costs in Tennessee:

Asphalt Shingles: $5.00 – $8.50 per square foot

Metal Roofing: $10.00 – $15.00 per square foot

Clay or Concrete Tile: $10.00 – $20.00 per square foot

Modified Bitumen: $6.50 – $11.00 per square foot

Single-Ply Membrane (EPDM, TPO, PVC): $5.25 – $9.50 per square foot

The difference in the prices is parallelly related to the quality of the materials. Better quality materials will usually cost more, but they will also last longer and perform better.

It’s important to consult with a professional roofing material supplier or contractor to get an accurate estimate of material costs for your specific project. They will be able to help you choose the best roofing materials for your needs and budget.

Size of the Roof

Commercial building roof sizes can vary considerably, from 500 square feet to 100,000 square feet or more. The larger your roof, the more commercial roofing cost your project will incur. It’s important to note that commercial roofing is typically priced by square foot. This means that you’ll need to know the exact dimensions of your roof before you can accurately estimate the cost.

Once you have your roof’s dimensions, you can multiply them by the estimated price per square foot to get a more accurate idea of what your project will cost. It’s also worth noting that larger roofs will usually have a lower price per square foot than smaller roofs. This is because it’s generally more efficient to install a large roof in one go than it is to install several smaller roofs. This means that you could potentially save on the cost to replace commercial roof by combining several smaller projects into one larger project.

The Location of the Building

Is your building located in a rural area or an urban metropolis? If it’s in a city, is it close to the downtown core or on the outskirts? If it’s on a busy street or in a crowded downtown area, it may be more difficult (and therefore more expensive) for roofing contractors to gain access to the site. This is because they’ll need to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and passersby. In contrast, if your building is in a more remote location or is surrounded by vacant lots, it will probably be easier (and less expensive) for roofers to access.

Height of the Building

For anyone who has ever watched a construction crew installing a new roof, it is quickly apparent that taller buildings require more manpower and equipment. Not only do workers have to contend with dizzying heights, but they also need to use specialized equipment, such as cranes, to lift materials into place. As a result, it is not surprising that taller buildings are generally more expensive to the roof than shorter ones. In addition to the increased costs of labor and equipment, taller buildings also require more materials, which further adds to the overall cost.

On the other hand, smaller buildings can often be roofed more quickly and with less manpower, which can lead to significant savings.

The Pitch of the Roof

The pitch of a roof is its angle in relation to the ground. It is typically expressed as a ratio, such as 4:12 (meaning that the roof rises 4″ for every 12 inches it extends horizontally). Roofs with a higher pitch are more difficult to install or repair and require more materials, thus increasing commercial roofing cost. As a result, they are typically more expensive.

The roofers will also need to consider the expert skills required to install a roof with a high pitch. This is because there is a greater risk of injury when working at heights. As a result, you may need to hire more experienced (and therefore more expensive) roofers to work on low-slope or steep-slope roofing projects.

Building Code Requirements

Depending on where your building is located, there may be specific code requirements that need to be met. For example, buildings in coastal areas may need to be built to withstand high winds, while buildings in earthquake-prone areas may need to be designed to resist seismic activity. These extra requirements can add to the overall cost of your project.

The Expertise of the Roofing Contractor

When it comes to commercial roofing, experience matters. An experienced contractor will be able to complete your project more quickly and with fewer mistakes. This can save you money in the long run, as it minimizes the need for repairs and other corrective work. In addition, experienced contractors often have established relationships with suppliers and other resources, so you can get all the roofing materials and services you need under one roof.

If you’re looking for a commercial roofing contractor, be sure to check out our guide on how to choose a roofing contractor.

As you can see, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to pricing a new roof. The best way to get an accurate roofing estimate is to consult with a roofing professional who can assess your unique needs and provide you with a tailored quote.

If you need a new commercial roof, our experienced and reputable roofing contractors can provide you with a free quote.

To get started, simply fill out our contact form or give us a call at  (800) 884-3211