How Much Does Roof Underlayment Replacement Cost in Baltimore, MD? [2026 Data]

With the city’s higher cost of living, prices for a roof underlayment replacement in Baltimore trend higher than the average nationwide. The average Baltimore roof underlayment replacement cost ranges between $1,777 and $4,389, with most homeowners paying around $3,449, depending on factors like roof size, material choice, and local labor rates. Here’s what to expect from your roof underlayment replacement budget in Baltimore, MD.

Roof Underlayment Replacement Cost Factors 

Here are the main factors to consider when budgeting for roof underlayment replacement in Baltimore, Maryland.

Roof Size

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 $1.70 per square foot, with prices ranging from $0.65 to $2.85 per square foot 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.

Type of Roof

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 $1,777. Tile roof underlayment replacement costs closer to $4,389 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 Pitch

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.

Materials

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 waterproof, unlike felt or synthetic 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.

Prep

In preparation for underlayment installation, your roofer will need to remove your old roof and old underlayment, and you’ll pay between $1,045 and $5,225 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 $2.10 and $5.20 per square foot for materials and labor.

Permits

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.

Roofing Pro Costs

Labor charges will make up the majority of your roof underlayment cost. Baltimore roofing contractors charge an average of $1,460 to $3,970 for the labor to replace a roof underlayment. Although labor makes up the majority of the total cost, it’s a necessary investment to avoid personal injury and ensure everything is installed correctly. Improper installation can result in leaks, moisture damage, and costly repairs, as well as voided manufacturer warranties, so it’s always worth it to hire a pro. 

License and Insurance

In Baltimore, roofing contractors must carry a valid license from the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). Reputable contractors should also carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation to protect both you and their crew throughout the project. 

Taxes and Fees

Maryland has a 6% statewide sales tax, which applies to roofing materials used in your project. Your contractor will typically include this cost in your estimate.

Does Replacing Roof Underlayment Increase Home Value?

Replacing a roof underlayment won’t noticeably impact your Baltimore home’s value on its own, but it has a potential return on investment (ROI) of 50% to 70% as part of a full roof replacement. Buyers on the Baltimore market often look for move-in ready homes and are cautious about replacing a home’s major systems, especially in neighborhoods with older homes. A new roof helps improve curb appeal and assures buyers that the home is well-maintained, helping to secure more competitive offers when the time comes to sell.

How Angi Gets Its Local Cost Data 

To help homeowners plan their next project, Angi provides readers with carefully researched cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We start with national average project costs, which we collect by analyzing competitor information, retailer material costs, and input from professional contractors. We then apply local price index data to calculate location-specific estimates that reflect what homeowners typically pay in their local area. To do that, we use data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), including its Regional Price Parities (RPPs), which measure price differences across cities. This helps us account for differences in labor, materials, and overall cost of living, so estimates in higher- or lower-cost areas better reflect real-world local pricing.

Every estimate undergoes a thorough editorial review to verify accuracy, consistency, and alignment with observed market conditions.

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