When it’s time to replace or repair your roof, the decision-making process can be stressful. Factors like budget and urgency often take center stage. If you’re seeking a quick, budget-friendly, and easy-to-install roofing option, you may have come across roll roofing.
While roll roofing has been around for decades, it’s not as commonly used as other materials like asphalt shingles. That’s because it has specific use cases and limitations. If applied to the wrong type of roof or building, roll roofing can lead to premature leaks and costly repairs. However, when used for the right project, it can save both time and money.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what roll roofing is, how it works, and the best conditions for using it. We’ll also discuss when it makes sense as a short-term solution and when you might want to consider a more durable option.
What Exactly Is Roll Roofing?
Roll roofing (also known as mineral-surfaced roll roofing or MSR) is a roofing material that comes in large rolls rather than individual shingles. Typically, each roll is 36 inches wide and covers approximately 100 square feet.
The top layer is coated with mineral granules to enhance weather resistance, while the base is made of asphalt-impregnated fiberglass. While it resembles asphalt shingles, roll roofing is lighter, less durable, and more prone to wear over time.
Roll roofing is commonly used in the following applications:
Detached garages
Sheds and garden structures
Barns and workshops
Storage units
Low-slope, non-residential buildings
Because of its more basic appearance and shorter lifespan, roll roofing is not recommended for the main roof of a home.
How Is Roll Roofing Installed?
One of the main selling points of roll roofing is its ease of installation. Unlike asphalt shingles, which must be laid individually in overlapping rows, roll roofing is applied in long, continuous strips. Here’s the typical installation process:
Surface Preparation – The roof deck is cleaned, dried, and any existing damage is repaired.
Underlayment – A layer of roofing felt or similar material may be applied to protect the roof deck from moisture.
Measuring and Cutting – The roofing rolls are cut to the appropriate length to fit the roof sections.
Laying the Rolls – The rolls are unrolled horizontally from the bottom to the top of the roof.
Securing the Material – The rolls are either nailed down or adhered with roofing cement.
Sealing the Seams – The overlaps between the rolls are sealed with adhesive or roofing tar to ensure water doesn’t infiltrate.
Thanks to the large coverage area of each roll, installation can be completed much faster than individual shingles. Many homeowners with basic DIY skills can install roll roofing themselves, although professional installation can help ensure durability and minimize future issues.
When Does Roll Roofing Make Sense?
Roll roofing is not suitable for every roofing project. It works best in certain situations, such as:
1. Low-Slope Roofs
Roll roofing is most effective on low-slope roofs (typically a 1:12 pitch or lower). It’s not ideal for steep roofs, where quick water runoff is essential, so it’s best for flat or gently sloping surfaces.
2. Temporary Roofing
If you need a quick fix while saving up for a more permanent replacement, roll roofing can provide a short-term solution without breaking the bank.
3. Outbuildings
For structures like sheds, barns, or workshops, where curb appeal isn’t a priority, roll roofing is a practical and cost-effective choice.
4. Budget-Friendly Solutions
When you need an affordable roofing material and are willing to accept shorter-term durability, roll roofing is a budget-conscious option that can help you avoid the high upfront costs of more durable materials.
However, if your home has a steep roof, aesthetic concerns, or requires a roof with a longer lifespan, roll roofing may not be the right choice.
What Does Roll Roofing Cost?
One of the major advantages of roll roofing is its affordability. It’s one of the most inexpensive roofing materials, both in terms of material cost and installation.
Material Costs – Roll roofing is typically less than half the cost of asphalt shingles per square foot.
Labor Costs – If you install it yourself, you can save significantly on labor.
Initial Savings – While it’s great for immediate savings, roll roofing may require more frequent replacements, which can add up over time.
That said, it’s important to factor in long-term costs. Roll roofing typically lasts around 5 to 8 years in mild climates. However, in hot and humid areas like Florida, it may only last 3 to 5 years before needing replacement. Over time, multiple replacements can end up costing more than installing a more durable roofing material initially.
Roll Roofing in Humid and Hot Climates
Florida’s climate presents unique challenges for all types of roofing, and roll roofing is no exception. Intense heat, humidity, and frequent rain can degrade roll roofing faster. Here are some common issues that may arise:
UV Damage – The sun’s rays can dry out and crack the material.
Thermal Expansion – The expansion and contraction caused by temperature fluctuations can cause splits and tears.
Water Penetration – Humidity and rainfall make proper sealing essential to prevent leaks.
In Florida, roll roofing is best suited as a temporary solution for non-living spaces rather than a permanent roof for a home.
Maintaining Roll Roofing
To extend the lifespan of roll roofing and protect your investment, regular maintenance is key. Here are a few tips:
Inspect Regularly – Check your roof at least twice a year for signs of wear, such as cracks, blisters, or loose seams. Be especially vigilant after storms.
Clear Debris – Remove leaves, branches, and dirt from the roof to prevent water from pooling.
Reseal Seams – If the edges or overlaps begin to lift, apply roofing cement to reseal them.
Minimize Foot Traffic – Walking on roll roofing can cause damage. If you need to access the roof, be cautious.
Address Small Problems Quickly – A minor tear can quickly escalate into a bigger issue, so make repairs promptly.
Why Professional Inspections Matter
Even though roll roofing is relatively simple to install, it’s always a good idea to have a professional roof inspection before beginning the project. An expert can:
Assess whether your roof’s pitch and structure are compatible with roll roofing.
Identify any existing damage that could worsen under the new roofing material.
Advise on the best installation methods for your specific climate.
Provide a realistic estimate of how long roll roofing will last on your roof.
In areas prone to storms or extreme weather, professional installation and inspection are crucial to avoid future problems.
Final Thoughts: Is Roll Roofing Right for You?
Roll roofing can be a great option for low-slope roofs, temporary repairs, or outbuildings where cost and ease of installation are the top priorities. It’s a cost-effective solution for those on a tight budget, but it’s not a long-term option for homes that need durability and a more aesthetically pleasing roof.
Before committing, consider your short-term savings against the long-term replacement costs. And to ensure you make the best choice for your home, consider getting a professional roof inspection to ensure that roll roofing is the right fit for your needs.
For expert guidance and professional roof inspections, contact Guardian Angel Inspections today. We’ll help you make the right decision and protect your home with confidence.
