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2026 project cost

Replace Roof Underlayment Cost

By Muhammad Tayyab Updated Published

$1,374 to $2,024 for 1,000 sq ft, or about $1.37–$2.02 per sq ft. That covers 5 material line items and about 8 labor hours.

Estimate your replace roof underlayment project

Adjust the roof area and state to re-price the job.

sq ft

Estimated total

$1,374 – $2,024

materials + labor

Materials—
Labor—
Per sq ft—

What the materials cost

What you are paying for
Cost composition for replace roof underlayment Materials $1,306, 65 percent. Labor $718, 35 percent
  • Materials 65% · $1,306
  • Labor 35% · $718

Quantities for 1,000 sq ft, including a 12% waste allowance.

Material Qty Cost
2-in x 10-ft Black Galvanized steel Drip Edge 112.01 EA $573 – $809
Synthetic Roof Underlayment 1120 SF $202 – $392
2-in Smooth Shank Electro-galvanized Roofing Nails 3817 -Per Box 1.13 BOX $45 – $64
Roofing Sealant 2.25 TUBE $18 – $34
Single Bead Butyl Tape Sealant 50-Feet Roof Seam Tape 1.13 EA $6 – $8

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How long it takes

  1. 1

    Remove Old Roofing Materials 4-6 hours

    Carefully strip away shingles and existing underlayment from the roof in your area, disposing of debris according to local guidelines. Inspect decking for damage.

  2. 2

    Inspect and Repair Roof Deck 2-3 hours

    Examine the exposed roof deck for rot or damage. Replace or repair any compromised sections to ensure a solid base for new underlayment in your area.

  3. 3

    Install New Underlayment 4-6 hours

    Roll out and secure new underlayment across the roof surface, overlapping seams and fastening according to manufacturer instructions for your area weather conditions.

  4. 4

    Reinstall Roofing Materials 6-8 hours

    Install new shingles or roofing material over the underlayment, ensuring proper alignment and secure attachment to meet your area building codes.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace roof underlayment?

$1,374 to $2,024 for 1,000 sq ft. That splits into $844 to $1,306 in materials and $530 to $718 in labor across 8 hours, with no permit fee included. The covering has to come off and go back on, so this is rarely worth doing on its own.

Do I need a permit to replace roof underlayment in your area?

No. At $1,374 to $2,024 this sits on the maintenance side of the line in most of your area. It becomes permitted work once the covering or the decking underneath gets replaced.

What drives the cost of replacing a roof underlayment the most?

Materials run about 65% of the total and labor 35%. The two heaviest lines are black galvanized steel drip edge and synthetic roof underlayment, the first reaching $809 on its own. Labor lands around $718 at a billed crew rate, which is the part that moves most by state.

Is replacing roof underlayment covered by a home warranty or insurance?

Usually not. Policies cover sudden damage, not wear, and routine work like this reads as maintenance to an adjuster. The exception is when a covered event caused it, in which case the $1,374 to $2,024 range here is worth weighing against your deductible.

What is roof underlayment and why is it important?

Roof underlayment is a protective layer installed between the roof deck and the shingles. It acts as a barrier against moisture, providing an extra layer of protection for your home in your area.

How long does it take to replace roof underlayment in your area?

The longest stretch is reinstall roofing materials at 6-8 hours, with remove old roofing materials adding 4-6 hours. Across all 4 stages that is replacing a roof underlayment start to finish.

Can I replace roof underlayment myself or should I hire a professional?

While it is possible to replace roof underlayment yourself, hiring a professional in your area is recommended. Professionals have the expertise to ensure the job is done correctly and in compliance with local building codes.

Why order more material than the measured area?

A 12% waste allowance is built in. On this job that is the difference between 1000 and 1120 sf of synthetic roof underlayment.

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