Commercial Roof Replacement Cost in Savannah, GA
Commercial roofing is priced by the square foot, and the spread is wide. This guide gives rough, national-guide ranges to help Savannah and Chatham County property owners budget. They are not local quotes. Your building's size, roof system, condition, wind exposure and access will move the numbers. For a real price, call (912) 513-1486 and we will connect you with an independent local commercial roofing contractor who can inspect the roof and put a proposal in writing.
Commercial roof replacement cost by system
National-guide installed cost including typical tear-off of one layer, insulation and flashing. Larger roofs tend to land at the lower end per square foot; small, complex roofs at the higher end.
| Roof system | Typical cost per sq ft (national guide) | 10,000 sq ft roof | 50,000 sq ft roof |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPDM membrane | $5 to $11 | $50,000 to $110,000 | $250,000 to $550,000 |
| TPO membrane | $6 to $12 | $60,000 to $120,000 | $300,000 to $600,000 |
| PVC membrane | $7 to $14 | $70,000 to $140,000 | $350,000 to $700,000 |
| Modified bitumen | $6 to $12 | $60,000 to $120,000 | $300,000 to $600,000 |
| Built-up (tar and gravel) | $7 to $13 | $70,000 to $130,000 | $350,000 to $650,000 |
| Standing seam metal | $10 to $20+ | $100,000 to $200,000+ | $500,000 to $1,000,000+ |
Restoration, repair and inspection costs
Not every roof needs a tear-off. These national-guide ranges cover the options that often come up first.
| Service | Typical cost (national guide) |
|---|---|
| Leak investigation and service call | $200 to $600 |
| Small patch, seam or flashing repair | $400 to $3,000 |
| Silicone coating on a single-ply or mod bit roof | $3 to $7 per sq ft |
| Acrylic coating on a metal roof | $2 to $5 per sq ft |
| Metal roof fastener replacement and seam sealing | $1 to $3 per sq ft |
| Infrared moisture survey | Often a few hundred to a few thousand dollars |
| Storm damage inspection with written report | Free to $1,500 |
What drives the price of a commercial roof
Roof size and shape
Big, simple rectangles are the cheapest per square foot. Multiple levels, odd shapes, parapets and lots of corners add labor.
Tear-off and layers
Removing one old layer is typical. Two or three layers, gravel ballast or asbestos-containing materials add cost. A recover over a sound, dry roof saves tear-off, but codes generally limit the number of layers.
Wet insulation and deck repair
The most common surprise. Wet insulation must be replaced, and rusted steel deck or rotted wood deck must be repaired. In a humid coastal climate, deck corrosion is common on older buildings. Ask for a moisture survey before final pricing so the bid is realistic.
Wind design and attachment
Roofs near the coast generally need stronger attachment than roofs inland. Extra fasteners at the perimeter and corners, fully adhered systems and heavier edge metal and coping all add cost, but they are what keeps the roof on during a tropical storm. Ask what wind uplift rating the proposed system carries.
Insulation and energy code
A full replacement may need to meet current energy code for insulation, which can mean more insulation than the old roof had. That costs more upfront but can lower cooling bills in a long Savannah summer.
Tapered insulation and drainage
Heavy rain demands good drainage. Fixing ponding with tapered insulation, crickets or added drains is worth doing on a new roof, but it adds cost.
Penetrations and rooftop equipment
Each HVAC curb, exhaust fan, skylight, pipe and drain needs flashing. Restaurants, hotels, medical buildings and schools often have many. If units must be lifted or disconnected, coordinate with your mechanical contractor.
Access and logistics
Height, crane lifts, narrow downtown streets and lanes, busy retail parking lots and working warehouses all affect cost.
Materials for salt air
Corrosion-resistant fasteners, aluminum or premium-finish metal and stainless accessories cost more than standard parts but may last much longer near the water.
Warranty
Longer manufacturer system warranties usually require specific materials, an approved installer and an inspection, which raises the price.
Savannah-specific budget factors
- Hurricane season. After a major storm, demand spikes and schedules fill. Planning a replacement with the season in mind can make scheduling easier.
- Rain delays. Summer afternoon thunderstorms can shorten work days, which can stretch a schedule.
- Historic review. Buildings in a downtown historic district may need review for roof changes visible from the street. Check with the City of Savannah's historic preservation staff early, since required materials or details can affect cost.
- Permits. Savannah, Chatham County and the surrounding cities usually require reroofing permits. Fees are usually a small part of the total; ask whether they are included.
- Licensing. Georgia requires a state contractor license for many commercial jobs. Ask for the license number with every bid and verify it with the Secretary of State.
Example budgets by building type
To put the ranges in context: a 6,000 square foot church fellowship hall with a flat roof might see a single-ply replacement roughly in the $40,000 to $80,000 range. A 25,000 square foot strip center could land roughly between $150,000 and $300,000, depending on tenants' rooftop units and tear-off. A 100,000 square foot warehouse can run well past half a million dollars for a full replacement, which is why coatings and recovers are worth evaluating on big roofs. These are illustrations based on the national ranges above, not local quotes.
How to compare bids
- Make sure every bid covers the same system, membrane thickness, insulation R-value, attachment method, wind rating and warranty.
- Ask how wet insulation and deck repair are priced (per square foot or per sheet) so surprises are predictable.
- Ask what is excluded: HVAC disconnects, electrical, gutters, permits, disposal.
- Compare cost per year of expected life, not just the total.
- Check the license, insurance certificates and the manufacturer approval for the warranty offered.
Insurance and storm damage
If your roof was damaged by wind or a tropical storm, coverage depends on your policy, including any separate wind or named-storm deductible. A contractor can inspect and document damage; talk with your insurance agent or carrier about whether and how to file a claim. See our hurricane and storm damage inspection page.
Financing and budgeting
Large replacements are often planned a year or more ahead in capital budgets, HOA reserve studies or church building funds. A written condition report and a phased plan can help. Some owners restore with a coating now and plan replacement later. Ask the contractor for a multi-year roof plan with options, and talk with your accountant about how roofing costs are treated for your organization.
Ready for a real number? Call (912) 513-1486.
Call and we will connect you with an independent local provider.
CALL NOW: (912) 513-1486