Flat Roof Replacement cost: Ames vs Davenport (2026)
Budget-wise, flat roof replacement in Ames ($9,850) runs 1% less than in Davenport ($9,900), a roughly $50 spread.
Ames IA
Lower costTypically around $9,850
Davenport IA
Typically around $9,900
Ames vs Davenport: full breakdown
| Factor | Ames | Davenport |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $9,850 | $9,900 |
| Estimated range | $5,050–$14,600 | $5,050–$14,700 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×0.93 | ×0.93 |
| Climate zone | Cold | Cold |
| Climate factor | ×1.03 | ×1.03 |
| Local permit | $250 | $250 |
| Labor share | $5,900 | $5,950 |
| Materials/equipment | $3,950 | $3,950 |
These are 2026 planning figures for flat roof replacement, localized to each city — not formal quotes.
Is the price difference a dealbreaker?
1% is within noise for flat roof replacement — contractor selection and timing move the price more than which of these two metros you're in.
Flat roof replacement by type: Ames vs Davenport
Below, each flat roof replacement option is priced independently for both cities, with identical local labor, climate and permit logic applied — so the comparison holds up.
| Type | Ames | Davenport |
|---|---|---|
| EPDM (rubber) | $5,050–$11,700 | $5,050–$11,800 |
| TPO | $6,000–$12,700 | $6,000–$12,750 |
| PVC | $6,950–$14,600 | $7,000–$14,700 |
| Modified bitumen | $5,050–$10,750 | $5,050–$10,850 |
| Built-up roofing (BUR) | $6,450–$13,650 | $6,500–$13,700 |
Flat roof replacement numbers here are 2026 planning ranges, adjusted per city — useful for budgeting, not a substitute for an actual quote.
Flat roof replacement by roof size: Ames vs Davenport
Flat and low-slope roofs are priced per square (100 sq ft) and run about $3–$11 per sq ft installed, depending on the membrane. The roof area is close to the footprint since there's little pitch.
| Size | Ames | Davenport |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $4,050–$8,350 | $4,100–$8,450 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $5,050–$10,750 | $5,050–$10,850 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $6,000–$13,650 | $6,000–$13,700 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $7,400–$15,550 | $7,450–$15,650 |
| 3,000+ sq ft (30 squares) | $8,850–$18,400 | $8,900–$18,550 |
Localized 2026 planning estimates — not quotes. Each city adjusts the national flat roof replacement range for local labor, climate and permits.
Cheapest time for flat roof replacement in either city
Shingles need warm, dry weather to seal, and demand peaks after summer storms. Booking in the slow late-fall/winter window for a spring install often earns you off-season pricing.
Where does a smart roofing budget go in 2026?
A roofing quote can hide a lot behind a single number — whether it's a true tear-off, the shingle grade, and what's under the surface. Here's how our editors sort through it.
The risk case
Nail down the per-sheet decking rate in writing before anyone climbs up. Soft or rotted plywood is the most common mid-job discovery, and without an agreed number the crew names the price after they've already found the damage — turning a cheap quote into an open tab.
The do-it-right case
Skipping the tear-off means burying whatever's failing underneath, and a second layer bakes the shingles from below until they curl early. Doing it properly means stripping to the deck, then paying for real underlayment, flashing and airflow — the work that sets how long the roof lasts, not just how it looks the first week.
The value case
Architectural shingles hit the sweet spot — far more durable than 3-tab for a modest premium, and far cheaper than metal or tile. For most homes they're the right default.
A roof's real cost shows up over its lifespan, not on install day. Tear-off, a documented repair rate and a mid-tier shingle grade are what keep that lifetime cost in check.
Ames vs Davenport
Is flat roof replacement cheaper in Ames or Davenport?
Ames wins on price: flat roof replacement runs about $9,850 there versus $9,900 in Davenport, a gap of roughly $50 (1%) as of 2026.
Why does flat roof replacement cost more in Davenport than Ames?
The main driver is local labor rates: Davenport's labor index is 0.93 versus 0.93 in Ames. Climate zone (cold vs cold) also shift the total.
How much is flat roof replacement in Ames, IA?
flat roof replacement in Ames runs $5,050–$14,600 as of 2026 — most jobs land near $9,850.
When is the cheapest time to buy flat roof replacement — and does it differ by city?
It doesn't vary by location — Late spring to early fall (dry, 45–85°F) is the discount window in both Ames and Davenport (roughly 5–10% off), while mid-winter and the post-storm rush tends to be the most expensive in either city.
Should I choose where to live based on flat roof replacement cost?
Rarely. The $50 difference is real but one-time, and you can often close most of it in Davenport by buying in the off-season and getting tighter, apples-to-apples bids. Ongoing factors — energy prices, climate and home condition — matter more over the life of the system.
Compare flat roof replacement in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik