A roll of rolled roofing costs between $150 and $600 per roll, depending on the type and quality you choose. Most homeowners pay around $200 to $400 per roll for standard asphalt rolled roofing. Rolled roofing is one of the cheapest roof options available. Each roll covers about 100 square feet, so a typical 1,600 square foot roof would need 16 rolls. Rolled roofing works well for flat or low-slope roofs on sheds, garages, and small buildings. It is easy to install and needs less skill than other roofing types.
What Is Rolled Roofing?
Rolled roofing is a single layer of material made from asphalt and felt or fiberglass. It comes in big rolls you unroll across your roof. The material sticks down with nails or glue.
Rolled roofing lasts about 10 to 15 years. According to industry data, asphalt roofing systems typically last 20 to 30 years, but rolled roofing is thinner and breaks down faster. It works best on roofs with a low pitch.
Related articles:
- How Much Does a New Roof Cost for 2000 Square Feet
- How Much Does It Cost to Start a Roofing Company
- How Much Is a Roll of Rolled Roofing
- How Much Should It Cost to Put a New Roof on
- How Much Does Roofing Cost
- How Much Should a New Roof Cost in 2025
- How Much Does It Cost to Roof a 1000 Ft House
- How Much Does Roll Roofing Cost
- How Much Does Roofing Cost Per Square Foot
How Much Will I Spend Total?
Total cost depends on your roof size. A small 500 square foot roof costs $750 to $2,000. A larger 2,000 square foot roof costs $3,000 to $8,000.
According to RubyHome (2025), roof installation costs range from $4 to $40 per square foot. Rolled roofing falls on the low end of that range. You also need to add labor costs if you hire someone. Labor can add $500 to $2,000 more.
Rolled Roofing Vs. Shingles
Rolled roofing costs much less than asphalt shingles. According to RubyHome, basic asphalt shingles cost $4.25 to $4.95 per square foot. Rolled roofing runs $2 to $5 per square foot for materials alone. This makes rolled roofing the cheapest choice.
| Roofing Type | Cost Per Sq. Ft. | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Rolled Roofing | $2.00, $5.00 | 10, 15 years |
| Basic Asphalt Shingles | $4.25, $4.95 | 20 years |
| Metal Roofing | $5.50, $17.05 | 40, 80 years |
Is Rolled Roofing Right for You?
Rolled roofing is best for small buildings with flat roofs. It is not a good choice for steep roofs or homes you plan to keep for many years.
According to RubyHome (2025), asphalt shingles dominate about 80% of U.S. roofing projects. Rolled roofing is a specialty product used mostly for temporary or budget solutions. If you want your roof to last longer, pick shingles or metal instead. But if you need to save money right now, rolled roofing works.
Related articles:
- How Much Does It Cost to Start a Roofing Business
- How Much Does It Cost to Re-roof a 2000 Sq Ft House
- How Much Does It Cost to Put a Roof on a 2000 Sq Ft House
- How Much Roofing Cost
- How Much Does Rolled Roofing Cost
- How Much Should Replacing a Roof Cost
- How Much Is Roll Roofing
- How Much Does It Cost to Replace Roofing
Talk with a local roofing company to review your options and get a detailed estimate for your project.