How Much Is a Roll of Roofing Felt
Roofing felt is a fundamental, budget-friendly underlayment used to shield roofs from moisture and provide a temporary barrier during installation. Prices vary by type, weight, length, and whether the product is traditional asphalt felt or a self-adhesive option. This guide consolidates current pricing trends and practical considerations to help homeowners and contractors budget accurately for a roofing project.
What Is Roofing Felt
Roofing felt, often called underlayment, is manufactured from asphalt-saturated organic or fiberglass materials. It serves as a secondary waterproofing layer beneath shingles or metal roofing, reducing wind-driven leaks and protecting the substrate during installation. Traditional rolls are non-adhesive and require rapid nailing or staples, while self-adhesive variants provide a quicker, peel-and-stick installation with better seal integrity around penetrations.
Factors That Affect Price
- Weight Class: Common weights include 15-lb felt (standard), 30-lb felt (heavyweight), and specialized heavy-duty options. Heavier weights offer greater tear resistance and longer service life, increasing cost.
- Adhesive Type: Self-adhesive (peel-and-stick) rolls cost more upfront but can reduce labor time and improve weather sealing.
- Roll Dimensions: Widths typically start at 3 feet (36 inches), with varying lengths that determine total square footage per roll.
- Material Composition: Some rolls use fiberglass reinforcement, others use organic felt. Fiberglass generally costs more but offers higher tear resistance.
- Brand and Availability: Premium brands or specialty products may command higher prices; regional stock can influence price fluctuations.
- Local Codes and Climate: Regions with harsher climates or higher wind uplift requirements may mandate higher-priced, more durable underlayments.
Typical Roll Sizes And Types
Most common roofing felt comes in 3-foot-wide rolls, with lengths ranging from about 75 to 200 feet. The primary types are:
- 15-Lb Asphalt Felt: Lightweight, traditional underlayment suitable for standard residential roofs.
- 30-Lb Asphalt Felt: Heavier, more durable option offering better tear resistance and longer service life.
- Self-Adhesive Roofing Underlayment: Peel-and-stick rolls with a releasing film, installed with nails or staples as needed and often used where higher waterproofing is desired.
Typical roll dimensions and rough square-footage per roll vary by product, but a standard 36-inch-wide roll commonly covers roughly 75–100 square feet for a longer roll, with longer lengths increasing overall coverage per roll.
Regional Price Variations
Prices can differ across the United States due to distribution, demand, and supplier competition. In general, you can expect:
- Lower to mid-range prices in rural or price-competitive markets.
- Mid-range to higher prices in metropolitan areas or regions with higher construction activity.
- Seasonal spikes in spring and early summer due to demand for roofing projects.
It’s wise to compare multiple retailers—home improvement chains, local hardware stores, and regional roofing suppliers—to gauge current market rates in a specific area.
Estimated Price Ranges By Type
The following ranges reflect typical U.S. market prices as of recent seasons. Actual prices may vary by retailer and location.
| Type | Typical Price Range Per Roll | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 15-Lb Standard Asphalt Felt | $12–$25 | Common in budget-conscious projects; adequate for small to moderate roofs. |
| 30-Lb Standard Asphalt Felt | $20–$40 | Heavier, more durable; preferred for longer-lasting underlayment. |
| Self-Adhesive Underlayment | $40–$90 | Higher upfront cost; faster installation and better moisture seal around penetrations. |
How To Calculate The Cost For A Project
To estimate roofing felt cost, determine the total square footage of the roof and the coverage per roll for the chosen product. A “square” in roofing terms equals 100 square feet. Steps:
- Measure the total roof area in square feet and convert to squares (divide by 100).
- Identify the roll coverage: for example, a 36-inch-wide roll that is 100 feet long covers about 300 square feet; confirm the exact coverage on the product label.
- Divide the total square footage by the coverage per roll to get the number of rolls required.
- Multiply by the price per roll to estimate material cost. Don’t forget to add tax and potential delivery or pickup fees.
Example: A 1,200-square-foot roof with standard 15-lb felt covering 300 square feet per roll would require about 4 rolls. At $20 per roll, material cost is roughly $80, excluding tax and delivery.
Buying Considerations And Where To Buy
- Retailers: Major home improvement stores, roofing supply shops, and local hardware stores typically stock common felt products. Self-adhesive options may be less widely available in smaller outlets.
- Online: Online marketplaces can offer competitive pricing, but account for shipping costs and potential lead times.
- Bulk Purchases: For larger projects, buying in bulk from a roofing supplier can reduce per-roll costs.
- Warranty and Codes: Check that the product meets local code requirements for underlayment and wind uplift ratings.
When selecting roofing felt, balance upfront cost with installation efficiency and long-term protection. Self-adhesive underlayments may reduce labor time and improve seal integrity in challenging conditions, potentially offsetting higher material costs.
Tips To Save On Roofing Felt
- Plan Ahead: Buy extra rolls to cover waste and future repairs, typically 5–10% more than calculated needs.
- Shop Promotions: Look for seasonal sales or contractor pricing at major retailers.
- Compare Cut-Rate Brands: Some no-name or store-brand products offer acceptable performance at lower prices; verify suitability for your climate.
- Combine With Other Materials: When possible, bundle felt purchases with shingles or underlayment from the same supplier to secure discounts.
Key Takeaway: The cost of a roll of roofing felt depends on weight, adhesive properties, and roll size. For most residential projects, budgeting for 15-lb or 30-lb asphalt felt, alongside a self-adhesive option for specific sections, provides a practical range that balances cost, ease of installation, and durability.