Roofing costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Roof underlayment replacement averages $3,300 but your total ranges from $300 to $8,200 depending on roof size, pitch, and underlayment material.
Your roof type determines which underlayment works best, with metal roofs needing ice and water shield while asphalt roofs use felt.
Budget for roof decking repairs between $2 and $5 per square foot and building permits from $150 to $500 for your replacement project.
Hiring a local roofing professional prevents water damage from improper installation and ensures your warranty coverage remains valid.
Roof underlayment replacement costs around $3,300 on average, but your total could fall anywhere between $300 and $8,200, depending on roof size and pitch, the type of underlayment you install, and some other factors.
In this guide, we’ll explain the factors that affect the cost to replace roof underlayment to help you get a more accurate estimate for your roof replacement project.
The size of your roof will be the most significant factor when determining the total cost of roof underlayment replacement, as many roofers will charge by the square foot. Larger roofs require more underlayment material and require more time and effort to carry out the installation. Replacing roof underlayment costs an average of around $1.60 per square foot, with prices ranging from $0.60 to $2.70 in most cases.
You can get a more accurate estimate if you calculate your roof’s square footage and then multiply by these average prices.
| Roof Size (Sq. Ft.) | Roof Size in Squares | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 500 | 5 | $300–$1,350 |
| 1,000 | 10 | $600–$2,700 |
| 2,000 | 20 | $1,200–$5,400 |
| 2,500 | 25 | $1,500–$6,800 |
| 3,000 | 30 | $1,800–$8,200 |
Roof underlayment material is quite affordable, so the majority of your money will go toward labor, normally accounting for between 80% and 90% of the total. Labor will typically cost between $1,400 and $3,800 for roof underlayment replacement, with an average of around $2,800.
Roof underlayment replacement can vary by location, too, with prices sitting higher in states with a higher cost of living, as well as more expensive areas like major cities.
| State | Underlayment Cost |
|---|---|
| California | $4,800 |
| Florida | $3,400 |
| Georgia | $3,000 |
| Illinois | $3,100 |
| Michigan | $3,000 |
| New York | $4,100 |
| North Carolina | $3,300 |
| Ohio | $3,100 |
| Pennsylvania | $3,200 |
| Texas | $3,000 |
Location can also play a role in roof underlayment replacement costs because certain climates and weather conditions can dictate what type of roof underlayment is best for safety and efficiency or what’s best for the particular type of roof that’s most common in your area. For example, metal roofs are more common in areas where homes have steep roofs to shed heavy snowfall, and the best underlayment for a metal roof can be more expensive than what would be appropriate under an asphalt shingle roof.
There are some other important factors to consider if you want the most accurate estimate possible for your roof underlayment replacement project.
The type of roof you have will determine what kind of underlayment is best for your home, which will impact the total roof underlayment replacement cost. Underlayment for an asphalt roof is normally roofing felt, which is very inexpensive and will cost closer to $1,700. Tile roof underlayment replacement costs closer to $4,200 because synthetic underlayments are better for tile roofs. Use the table below to get an idea of what your roof underlayment replacement will cost.
| Roof Type | Ideal Underlayment | Replacement Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt | Roofing felt | $3,300 |
| Clay/Tile | Synthetic | $3,600 |
| Metal | Ice and water shield | $3,800 |
| Slate | Synthetic | $3,600 |
Your roof pitch will play a role in your total in a few ways. First, steeper roofs have larger surface areas that require additional materials and labor to get the job done, so a steep roof on a 1,000-square-foot home will cost you more in underlayment replacement costs than a shallow roof on a similarly sized property due to the difference in surface area.
Steep roofs are also more challenging and dangerous to work on, so roofers may bump up labor costs if they need additional safety equipment to get the job done.
Finally, roof pitch influences what roofing materials are suitable for your home, and the roofing material, in turn, affects the best type of roof underlayment. The indirect relationship between roof pitch and underlayment material can cause your price to increase or decrease based on the material cost of the underlayment you need.
There are three main types of roof underlayment, and each comes at a different price per square foot. Rubber underlayment is the most expensive but is the only true waterproof underlayment. You’ll often find it under metal roofing rather than under asphalt shingles or clay tiles. Roof felt is the most common and most affordable underlayment, and it’s considered the best roof underlayment for asphalt shingles.
| Underlayment Type | Average Material-Only Price Per Square |
|---|---|
| Felt | $5–$55 |
| Synthetic | $18–$60 |
| Rubber | $50–$75 |
In preparation for underlayment installation, your roofer will need to remove your old roof and old underlayment, and you’ll pay between $1,000 and $5,000 for the removal. Most roofers include this cost in their initial estimate, so you typically won’t have to budget separately for it.
They will install underlayment under your new roof material but over the roof decking or sheathing below. If you find damage to your roof decking when you remove your old roof, you might need to pay extra for roof decking repairs. New roof sheathing costs between $2 and $5 per square foot for materials and labor.
In most municipalities, you’ll need a building permit before you can legally replace your roof. There’s no permit specifically for roof underlayment replacement, but you will need one to install new roofing over the underlayment. The permit cost for a full roof replacement, including replacing the underlayment, is usually between $150 and $500.
If you hire a roofing company near you for roof underlayment replacement, you'll spend around $1,400 to $3,800 on labor. Even though this rate accounts for 80% to 90% of the total project cost, it’s essential to hire a professional roofer.
The process is admittedly complicated and can come with several unfortunate consequences. For instance, improper underlayment installation can lead to costly roof leaks, water damage, and voided warranties.
Roof underlayment replacement involves dangerous work at heights and precise installation, so here's why you should hire a pro:
Professionals have the safety equipment and training to work on steep or high roofs safely.
Roofers can assess your roof decking for damage and make necessary repairs before installing new underlayment.
Roofers ensure the underlayment is installed correctly to prevent leaks, which can cost thousands in water damage.
Most roofing manufacturers require professional installation to maintain warranty coverage on your roofing materials.
Pros understand local building codes and permit requirements for roof replacement projects.
Contractors can coordinate the entire roof replacement efficiently, ensuring underlayment isn't left exposed to the elements.
Roofers have specialized tools for removing old roofing materials and installing underlayment properly around vents, chimneys, and valleys.
Licensed roofing companies carry insurance to protect against accidents or installation errors that could damage your home.
Roof underlayment replacement costs an average of $3,300, but most roofers include this in their roof replacement cost estimates. Roof underlayment repair is much more affordable and is often included in a total roof patch or leak repair. These services cost between $500 and $1,000, in most cases, with only a small fraction of that going toward underlayment repair.
Unless you’re dealing with a small leak and you know the rest of your roof has a lot of useful life left in it, it’s usually better to replace the underlayment and the roofing material above for the longest-lasting solution.
Roof underlayment replacement costs can climb up to around $8,200, but there are some things you can do to help keep costs down.
Choose the right material for your home. The three types of roof underlayment come with different material costs. You can save a few hundred dollars by choosing felt over synthetic or rubber underlayment, provided it’s a suitable option for your climate.
Consider a roof overlay. If you don’t have a history of roof leaks, you can opt to install new roofing over your existing roofing, which avoids the cost of roof underlayment replacement altogether. Speak with a professional roofer to see if this is an option.
Repair over replace when possible. If you just have a small leak, you can save thousands by having a professional patch it rather than replace the entire roof. Have a roof inspection done, or ask a pro beforehand if a patch would be a good option.
Hire a professional. Hiring a professional to install new roof underlayment will cost you significantly more than if you DIYed the work, but proper installation could save you even more money over time by avoiding property damage and expensive roof leaks.
Replacing your roof underlayment won’t add much, if anything, to your home value, but replacing an old roof along with the underlayment almost always will. Most homeowners see a return on investment ROI of between 50% and 70% on roof replacement because the project improves curb appeal, secures a lengthy warranty for the roof, and provides peace of mind for buyers who may otherwise worry about having to pay to replace the roof after closing.
Discuss with your roofer which underlayment material—felt, synthetic, or rubber—is best for your roof type, climate, and budget.
Measure your roof's square footage, or ask the roofer to measure it during the consultation to get an accurate estimate.
Ask whether your roof decking or sheathing needs inspection or repairs before installing new underlayment.
Confirm whether the contractor will handle permit applications for the roof replacement project, which typically cost $150 to $500.
Discuss the timeline for removing your old roof and installing the underlayment and new roofing material to minimize weather exposure.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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D1 Roofing delivers outstanding service from beginning to end, backed by a strong warranty and expert teams. I highly recommend them for their excellence in meeting and surpassing expectations with unmatched communication. Choosing D1 Roofing was flawless decision
Division 1 Roofing LLCThis place took $25,000 for a flat roof job with a five-year warranty and never returned to fix the leaks that were caused by their work. These people are not professionals and should not be doing this type of work. They incorrectly changed the pitch of the roof, and caused more damage than...
The technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimneyI am really impressed with their timeliness and turnaround. Mitchell came out, and we decided to move forward with their pricing. Our roof was on within a week, and we could not be happier with their team! Amazing company, great prices and honest, dependable craftsmanship. I highly recommend...
Window Depot USA of Central OhioManuel Calvillo is the best option in the area for roofing and you won't be disappointed.
They damaged multiple items on my property, including a marble slab used as a table top, tried to hide it, and refused to pay or replace. Arrived day one without a ladder to access roof & delayed a day. Left a mess in back yard; didn't wear face masks; no show by owner to property to see damages
Grants Tree ServiceI've hired Gary/Cherokee Roofing for two different homes, work quality, responsiveness, and completion have been great both times. And the prices quoted were very competitive. I would definitely hire again.
Lyle did a great job removing asbestos shingles from our front porch roof. They worked together with our roofer to make sure that the new roof was able to be installed on the same day that Lyle removed the asbestos shingles.
Lyle EnvironmentalBradley Builders did a good job replacing the roof on our front porch. They color-matched the existing shingles on the rest of the house and installed a metal ridge roll since we live in a historical neighborhood. They did the job while we were out of town. When we got back, everything was...
Bradley Builders, Inc.I would absolutely recommend this business. They offer a variety of services, including: painting, roofing, and refinishing wood flooring. I hired them to refinish the original hardwood flooring in my home built in 1874. The job was quite challenging, as the floors were extremely aged and...
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