Rubber roof vs. architectural shingle
Nathar
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
We’re in the midst of a shed dormer addition on our house. The plans called for a rubber roof on the new dormer, as the thought was that the pitch wasn’t steep enough for something else.
Now that they’ve framed out the dormer, we were told the pitch is almost 4″ per foot, and they are recommending using an architectural shingle instead because it would be a better roofing material.
Is this the case? Are shingles definitely better than rubber roofing?
Should I expect a cost overrun now? Is the material + labor cost for a shingle roof much different than a rubber roof?
Replies
30 year architectural shingles are going for about $50/sq. now. What's the rubber going for. Can't imagine installation price is much different. At 4/12 for pitch I would think about ice and water guard over the whole roof if you're going to shingle it. Just to be safe. That might push the price to more for the shingles but much better looking than rolled roofing.
Chuck
when you have low slope,i love a rubber roof,if you need it. but if your at a 4/12 you will be able to get by with shingles. shingles last longer 30yr versus 15 on rubber,shingles won't get damage from someone walking on them.plus they will look better and you can get them colored vs. black.
as far as cost goes,the cheapest i have ever had a rubber roof put on is 200. a sq.i would expect that figure in the 300 now. with shingles 30 yr i can get them put down for 135 a sq. so they shuld be cheaper,if you use ice sheild instead of felt it would probably add 50. a sq to the cost.
i'd use the shingles and be tickled to death.larry
if a man speaks in the forest,and there's not a woman to hear him,is he still wrong?
As earlier mentioned, 30 year shingles are going for around $50 per square. Rubber roofing is usually way more expensive. If roof is a 4/12, then no need for rubber. I would run ice guard at the eave area (bottom) and extend it up approx 3 feet to protect against possible ice damns in winter, but ice guard not needed all the way on a 4/12 roof.
I have used ice guard on an entire roof before shingling, but roof was slightly under a 3/12...this is a big difference from a 4/12. Manufactured roof trusses using a 4/12 pitch is pretty common fare when used on garages and various outbuildings......standard shingles installed on top of felt paper is the norm in those situations...always with good results too.
Go with the shingles, 30 year felt paper, and ice guard at the eaves...you'll be fine...and it will look nicer too than a rubber roof. And as mentioned...the shingles should most definately hold up better too.
Davo
Davo
Go with the shingles. As other have noted, they'll outlast the EPDM for less money and with a 4/12 roof, it'll be somewhat visible from the ground. EPDM is functional, but not very attractive. The shingles will look better.
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