Roof Underlayment Cost in 2026
$0 – $2 nationally — most projects land around $1 (installed, per sq ft).
| Low | National average | High |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $1 | $2 |
| installed, per sq ft | ||
Underlayment — the water barrier between decking and roofing — costs $0.40–$1.50 per square foot installed depending on type. It's a small share of the project but the layer that decides what happens when a shingle blows off.
What drives the price
- Type: felt paper ($0.40–$0.60/sq ft) vs synthetic ($0.50–$0.90) vs self-adhered ice-and-water membrane ($0.90–$1.50).
- Code zones: ice-barrier membrane is code-required along eaves in snow states, and in valleys nearly everywhere.
- Under metal and tile: long-life roofs justify premium synthetics — the underlayment must last as long as the roof above it.
Want a number for your home? Run the free roofing cost calculator — it adjusts for your metro's labor rates.
Frequently asked questions
Is synthetic underlayment worth it over felt?
Yes — for $150–$400 more on a typical roof you get better tear resistance, safer walking surface, and longer UV exposure tolerance during installation. Most quality roofers now use it by default.
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