A commercial roof is a crucial component of any business, protecting the building’s interior, inventory, and occupants from the harsh weather conditions outside. Over time, even the most durable roofs can suffer from wear and tear, making replacement inevitable. In Wisconsin, where harsh winters and extreme weather conditions are common, commercial roof replacements are a necessary investment.
This blog post aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the costs associated with commercial roof replacements in Wisconsin and the factors that influence these costs. Whether you are a business owner or a building manager concerned about your roof, this blog post can help you!
*Please note that price ranges listed in this article may not reflect the final cost of your project. Prices are subject to change based on various factors such as local labor rates, material quality, and more. All costs established in this article are rough estimates based on average industry rates.
Factors Affecting The Commercial Roof Replacement Cost
Replacing your roof requires much more than just changing the roofing membrane. Therefore, the cost of replacing a commercial roof in Wisconsin varies significantly depending on several factors. Understanding these factors is essential for accurate budgeting and decision-making.
Roof Size and Square Footage
One of the primary determinants of commercial roof replacement costs is the size of the roof, typically measured in square feet. Larger roofs, such as those found on shopping malls or hospitals require more materials and labor, resulting in higher costs. Commercial buildings with expansive roofs, such as warehouses or big-box stores, can expect to pay more for a roof replacement project compared to smaller commercial spaces such as retail stores.
Here are some estimates of the commercial roof replacement cost per square foot:
Small Commercial Roof Replacements
1,000 sq. ft.: $7,000+
3,000 sq. ft.: $15,000 to $21,000
5,000 sq. ft.: $25,000 – $35,000
Medium Commercial Roof Replacements
10,000 sq. ft.: $50,000 – $70,000
15,000 sq. ft.: $75,000 – $105,000
Large Commercial Roof Replacements
20,000 sq. ft.: $100,000 – $140,000
Roof Slope and Complexity:
The slope and complexity of a commercial roof can also impact replacement costs. Most of the commercial properties have flat or low-slope roofs. These are generally easier and less expensive to replace compared to steeply pitched or complex roofs with multiple levels, valleys, or intricate designs.
Complex roofs often require specialized equipment, additional safety measures, and more skilled labor, which drives up the overall cost.
Roofing Materials
The type of roofing material chosen for a commercial roof replacement project can significantly influence the cost. In fact, this makes up the major proportion of your overall cost. Like residential roofing materials, you have several options to choose from. The most popular and durable commercial roofing materials include:
Metal
Metals are widely used to make roofing panels that not only stand the test of time but also look good on your roof. The most common types of commercial metal roofs include the likes of aluminum and steel as they are lightweight, durable, and adequately priced. These metal roofs cost around $8 to $40 per square foot.
However, if you have a sizable budget you can also opt for premium options such as zinc or copper metal. However, you should expect to pay around $20 to $40 per square foot for a copper roof.
Single-Ply Membranes (TPO, EPDM)
Single-ply roofing membranes like TPO and EPDM are the most popular commercial roofing options out there. If you’re wondering how these roofing systems are installed, they feature a single layer of roofing material that is rolled out onto the roof and overlapped. It’s then firmly attached to the roofing surface through hot or cold application.
TPO and EPDM are your most common choices. Both are highly popular and highly durable. However, TPO roofs, being relatively newer on the market, are a bit more expensive. TPO roofs cost around $5 to $14 per square foot. On the other hand, EPDM can cost anywhere from $4 to $11 per square foot. It can also be more expensive to install TPO.
Built-Up Roofing Systems (BUR)
Built-up roofs are a type of roofing membrane that involves 4, or even 5 layers of material with the top layer consisting of gravel and stone. BUR systems cost around $4 to $15 per square foot and are typically more expensive due to the multiple layers and complex installation.
Modified Bitumen
Also known as mod bit roofing, this system is made up of 3 layers. Modified bitumen roofs cost around $4 to $8.50 per square foot. This is one of the most affordable systems around and offers great water and puncture resistance.
Labor Costs
Apart from the material cost, the labor costs account for a substantial portion of commercial roof replacement expenses. These costs can vary based on the complexity of the project, the contractor’s experience and reputation, and the local labor rates. If your commercial roof is complex or requires specialized skills then you can expect to pay higher installation costs.
Additional Costs
The factors that we have covered above, are the pillars of your commercial roof replacement cost. However, beyond materials and labor, there are additional costs to consider when replacing a commercial roof in Wisconsin. These can make up 10% to 20% of the total roof replacement cost. These costs should not be overlooked, as they can add up quickly and affect the overall budget.
These may include:
- Permits and inspections required by local authorities
- Disposal fees for removing the old roofing materials
- Cost of applying a new roof coating
- Temporary protection or weather-proofing measures during the replacement process
- Potential structural repairs
- Warranties and maintenance agreements
Average Cost Range For A Commercial Roof Replacement in Wisconsin
While the exact cost of a commercial roof replacement in Wisconsin can vary significantly based on the factors mentioned above, a general price range can provide a rough estimate of what to expect. According to industry experts and local contractors, the average cost for a commercial roof replacement in Wisconsin can range from $4 to $9 per square foot.
For example, a roof replacement for a 10,000 square foot commercial building could cost anywhere from $40,000 to $90,000. It’s important to note that this range is a ballpark estimate, and actual costs may be higher or lower depending on the specific project requirements that we covered above.
How Do You Save Money On A Roof Replacement?
Material selection: Consider the long-term benefits and life cycle of different roofing materials. While some materials may be more expensive upfront, this might be due to the fact that they provide better durability, energy efficiency, and longer lifespans, potentially saving you money in the long run.
Preventive maintenance: Regular roof inspections and preventive maintenance can extend the life of your existing roof, delaying the need for a complete replacement or future repairs while saving you money over time.
Competitive bidding: Obtain multiple quotes from licensed and reputable roofing contractors to ensure you’re getting a fair and competitive price.
Get A Quality Roof Replacement With Prestige Roofing LLC
Replacing a commercial roof in Wisconsin is a significant investment, but one that is essential for protecting your business and your employees. Now that you understand what you will be getting in terms of cost, it’s time to move to the next step, which is finding and hiring a reputable roofer.
Prestige Roofing is a premier commercial roofing company in Northeastern Wisconsin. Our team of roofers have years of experience replacing commercial roofs. We also offer roof repair and installation services. Contact us today at (920) 791-0414 to speak with one of our experts.