What Roll Roofing Is Used For: Uses, Benefits, and Common Applications

Roll roofing is an economical, lightweight roofing material widely used for low-slope and accessory roofs across the U.S. This article explains what roll roofing is used for, where it performs best, and how to choose and maintain it.

Type	Common Uses	Typical Lifespan
Asphalt Roll (3-Tab)	Sheds, garages, porches, temporary roof repairs	5–10 years
SBS Modified Roll	Low-slope residential roofs, retrofits, durable accessory roofs	10–20 years
Granulated Roll	Outdoor structures, walkways, RV roofs	7–15 years

What Roll Roofing Is And How It Differs From Shingles

Roll roofing is a continuous sheet of roofing material delivered in rolls, typically made from organic or fiberglass-felt saturated with asphalt and often surfaced with mineral granules or modified polymers. Unlike individual asphalt shingles, roll roofing installs in large continuous strips, which can speed up application on simple or low-slope surfaces.

Roll roofing is thinner and less expensive than conventional shingles, making it suitable for budget-conscious projects or secondary structures where long-term durability is less critical. It is designed primarily for roofs with minimal pitch or for areas where rapid coverage is important.

Primary Uses For Roll Roofing

Accessory Buildings And Outbuildings

One of the most common uses of roll roofing is covering accessory structures such as sheds, garden buildings, and barns. Its low cost and ease of installation make it a practical choice for non-habitable structures where aesthetics and long lifespans are secondary.

Garages, Carports, And Porches

Roll roofing is frequently applied to detached garages, carports, and porch roofs that have a low slope. These applications benefit from roll roofing’s ability to provide quick waterproofing without complex flashing or heavy framing.

Low-Slope Residential Roofs And Retrofits

In some residential contexts, roll roofing is used on low-slope sections or as a temporary retrofit over an existing roof. SBS-modified roll roofing offers added flexibility and weather resistance suitable for modest residential flat roofs.

Temporary Repairs And Emergency Coverings

Contractors and homeowners often use roll roofing for emergency repairs after storm damage or to temporarily cover leaks until a long-term solution is implemented. Its rapid unrolling and adhesion allow quick temporary waterproofing for exposed roof decks.

Walkways, Deck Underlayment, And RV Roofs

Roll roofing also serves as a protective membrane for rooftop walkways, balconies, or under wooden decks where foot traffic is limited. It’s commonly used on RV roofs and similar mobile applications because of its lightweight properties and adaptability.

Types Of Roll Roofing And When To Use Each

Asphalt-Saturated Felt (3-Tab Roll)

This traditional roll roofing consists of felt saturated with asphalt; it’s typically the most affordable option. It fits short-term projects like sheds and temporary coverings but has a shorter service life and less UV resistance.

Granulated Surfaced Roll

Granulated roll roofing includes mineral granules on the weather surface to improve UV protection and fire resistance. It is suited for applications that require better appearance and moderate longevity compared to plain felt rolls.

SBS-Modified (Rubberized) Roll Roofing

SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) modified roll roofing offers enhanced flexibility, cold-weather performance, and durability. It is a better option for residential low-slope roofs and roofs exposed to fluctuating temperatures.

APP-Modified Membranes

APP (atactic polypropylene) modified rolls provide improved UV stability and heat resistance and are often used on low-slope commercial roofs. These rolls are typically installed with heat welding or torch methods for a more durable seam.

Installation Methods And Best Practices

Roll roofing can be installed using nails, roofing cement, or heat methods depending on the product. Proper substrate preparation, overlap details, and flashing at transitions are essential to avoid leaks and premature failure.

For nailed installations, manufacturers typically recommend a starter strip, staggered end laps, and fastener spacing that secures the roll without creating excessive punctures. For heat-applied systems, proper training and safety are crucial to prevent fire hazards.

Advantages Of Roll Roofing

• Cost-Effective: Lower material and labor costs make it attractive for budget projects.
• Quick Installation: Large coverage area per roll reduces install time for simple roofs.
• Lightweight: Minimal additional framing is usually required, which benefits older structures.
• Flexible Application: Suitable for complex shapes when paired with cold-applied adhesives.

Limitations And When To Avoid Roll Roofing

Roll roofing is not a replacement for high-performance roofing systems on primary residences with steep slopes or complex architecture. It has a shorter expected lifespan and generally poorer aesthetics compared to architectural shingles, metal, or premium membrane roofs.

Areas with heavy foot traffic, severe weather exposure, or long-term resale considerations often warrant higher-end materials. For roofs with a history of ponding water or poor drainage, more robust low-slope solutions like TPO, EPDM, or modified bitumen may be preferable.

Cost Considerations And Lifespan

Material costs for roll roofing are low, but overall project life-cycle costs should include expected lifespan, maintenance, and likely replacement intervals. Simple asphalt roll roofing may last 5–10 years while SBS-modified rolls can reach 10–20 years under good installation and maintenance.

Labor costs are typically lower due to fast installation, reducing up-front expenses. However, frequent replacements can make long-term costs higher than investing in a more durable roofing system initially.

Maintenance Tips To Extend Service Life

Regular inspections, debris removal, and prompt patching of punctures dramatically extend roll roofing lifespan. Applying seam sealant at overlaps and ensuring flashings around penetrations remain intact prevents common failure modes.

In colder climates, monitoring for cracking and re-sealing seams before winter reduces water intrusion risks. In hot climates, reflective coatings can decrease UV damage and improve energy performance.

Code, Warranty, And Environmental Considerations

Local building codes may restrict roll roofing on primary dwellings or require specific fire ratings. It is important to verify local regulations and insurance requirements before installing roll roofing on residential properties.

Warranty terms vary widely; some low-cost rolls have limited warranties while modified systems offer longer coverage. From an environmental perspective, roll roofing is not the most sustainable option, but some manufacturers offer recyclable or asphalt-reduced products and cool-roof coatings that reflect sunlight.

Choosing A Contractor Or DIY Considerations

Roll roofing can be a DIY-friendly material for small structures, but proper flashing and seam detailing are essential. For residential applications or complex roofs, hiring a qualified roofing contractor ensures code compliance and correct installation techniques.

When vetting contractors, confirm experience with roll roofing, request references, and verify insurance. Contractors should provide written specifications, warranty details, and clear scope for flashing and drainage solutions.

When Roll Roofing Is The Right Choice

Roll roofing is appropriate when budget, speed, and simplicity are the primary drivers: accessory buildings, temporary covers, low-slope residential retrofits, and repairs. It balances upfront affordability with practical performance for non-primary structures or short- to mid-term needs.

For homeowners or property managers seeking a reliable, low-cost roofing option for outbuildings or emergency fixes, roll roofing remains a widely used and pragmatic solution.

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