How To Do Roll Roofing

November 30, 2025

2 min read

To do roll roofing, you need to prepare your roof deck, unroll the material, secure it with nails or adhesive, and seal all seams with cement or tar. Roll roofing is one of the cheapest ways to cover a flat or low-slope roof. It works best on garage roofs, sheds, and storage buildings. Many homeowners choose roll roofing because it costs less than shingles and installs faster. According to RubyHome, roof installation costs range from $4 to $40 per square foot, making roll roofing an affordable option for budget-conscious repairs.

What Is Roll Roofing?

Roll roofing is a thin, flexible material made from layers of fiberglass or felt coated with asphalt. It comes in long rolls that you unroll across your roof. Each roll covers about 100 square feet. The material looks like tar paper but is thicker and more durable.

Roll roofing is perfect for flat roofs or roofs with very low slopes. According to industry data, flat roofing systems using rubber, PVC, and similar materials cost $5.50 to $7.50 per square foot installed. This makes roll roofing cheaper than most other roof types. It typically lasts 20 to 30 years if maintained well.

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How to Install Roll Roofing: Step by Step

First, clean your roof deck completely. Remove all dirt, debris, and old roofing material. The surface must be smooth and dry before you start.

Next, unroll the material across your roof lengthwise. Start at the bottom edge and work your way up. Overlap each row by 2 to 3 inches. Use roofing nails spaced 6 inches apart along the edges and center of each strip. Nail every 6 to 12 inches along seams.

Then seal all seams with roofing cement or tar. Apply a 1-inch-wide strip of cement along each overlap. Press the overlap down firmly into the cement. Let it cure for 24 hours before exposing it to weather.

Tools and Materials You Need

You will need roofing nails, a hammer, roofing cement, a brush or caulk gun, and a utility knife. You also need the roll roofing material itself, gloves, and safety gear.

Material	Cost per Square Foot
Roll Roofing (Labor + Material)	$5.50, $7.50
Roofing Nails (per pound)	$3, $5
Roofing Cement (per gallon)	$20, $35

When Should You Call a Professional?

If your roof has a steep slope, call a roofer. Steep roofs are dangerous and difficult to work on. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for roofers is $24.05, making professional installation worth the cost if you lack experience.

Call a pro if your roof deck is damaged or rotting. If you see water stains or soft spots, you need repairs below the surface first. According to IBISWorld, the U.S. roofing contractor market reached $81.3 billion in 2025, reflecting the high demand for professional roof work. Professional roofers know how to handle these issues safely and correctly.

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If you need help with your roof, reach out to a trusted roofing solutions for clear pricing and reliable service.