As a business owner, you know that it is your responsibility to keep your business running smoothly. That includes the commercial buildings you work from. With so much on your plate each day, it can be easy to forget to check the state of your existing roof.

A commercial roof replacement is different than a residential one. You might never have had to think about your roof system before, but if you are noticing signs of wear and tear it might be time to change that.

But how much can you expect the commercial roof cost per square foot to be? While there is no simple answer to this, we’ve broken down all the key factors for you, including:

Roofing materials
Full and partial roof replacements
Labor costs for a roofing contractor

Using these factors and the average material cost per square foot, you should be able to have a better idea as to how much it will cost to replace your commercial roof.

3 Signs You Need Commercial Roof Replacement 🪧

Not sure if your roof is on its last leg? Some signs are easier to spot than others, so it is important to regularly check your roof.

1) Leaks

The most obvious sign of roof damage are leaks inside your building. Spotting the leaks themselves can sometimes be tricky, though. Keep an eye out for brown or yellow spots on your ceiling or wall. Other signs of water damage include a musty odor, mold growth, or actual dripping.

2) Blistering

If you are noticing raised areas of your roof, you might be experiencing roof blisters. These can come from improper installation but are also caused by repeated exposure to the elements.

3) Age

If your roof is more than 25 years old, it is time to look into new commercial roofing systems. An old roof puts you at higher risk for damage, down the line.

How Much Does It Cost per Square Foot? 💸

Wondering how much it costs to replace your commercial roof per square foot? Well…it depends. Different roofing materials will come with different price points. Knowing what you want to replace your roof with will help you determine how much your new roof will cost.

In general, commercial building owners can expect to pay anywhere from $25,000-150,000 for a full roof replacement. While this is a wide price range, it can be narrowed down with more information such as square footage and roofing material.

What Are the Different Roofing Materials? ⚒️

Since commercial buildings feature a wide variety of different roofing materials, it is no surprise that the cost per square foot can range from $3-30. To give you a better idea of what to expect, we broke down the most common commercial roofing materials we work with on our jobs.

Metal Roofs

$7-$18 Per Square Foot

Metal roofs are growing in popularity. While they aren’t the most beautiful roofing material on the market, they pack a punch in terms of durability. They are weather-resistant, fire-resistant, and low maintenance.

With proper care, your commercial metal roof could last you up to sixty years! Metal roofs are not a good choice for flat roofs. However, it’s a very effective choice for sloped roofs.

Asphalt Shingles

$3 – $7 Per Square Foot

If you own a commercial building, chances are your existing roof has asphalt shingles. Out of all of the options, they are the most cost-effective material available. They are also very easy to repair, which can save you from having to purchase a new roofing system when damage occurs. Unlike metal roofing systems, though, they only last for a maximum of 25 years.

Barrel Tile

$6 – $19 Per Square Foot

No other type of commercial roofing material is quite as beautiful as barrel tile (or clay tile). A barrel tile roof can instantly give your business visual impact. Unfortunately, that beauty comes with a price. Barrel tile is an expensive choice for a commercial roof replacement. That being said, it is also hugely durable and can last up to 50 years!

Single Ply Roof

$10-15 Per Square Foot

If your business has a flat roof, you might want to consider choosing a single-ply membrane roof for your roof replacement. Commercial flat roofs are already prone to leaks and moisture build-up, so many people feel nervous about protecting them with such thin material. The truth is that single-ply membrane is very effective at protecting your property against water damage and lasts longer than other materials.

Built-Up Bituminous Roofing

$11 – $15 Per Square Foot

If you are looking to ensure that your roof is totally protected, built-up roofs may be a good option to look into. Made up of multiple layers, built-up roofing will protect your commercial flat roof from all sorts of damage, but the final cost will likely be higher due to the time it takes to install it.

Contact a Commercial Roofing Professional Today ☎️

Ready to get your commercial roof replacement? You’ll want to start by contacting a commercial roofing expert in your area. DuraShield has been servicing the Wisconsin and Illinois communities since 2003. Our unparalleled roofing experts can guide you through the entire process of your roof replacement, from explaining different types of commercial roofs to a beautiful, finished roof.

Average Commercial Roof Cost per Square Foot in 2023