Rolled Roofing: Costs, Benefits, and Expert Advice

Rolled roofing is a budget friendly and practical solution often overlooked in residential roofing, yet it remains a popular choice for specific structures like sheds, garages, and outbuildings. Whether you are planning a full roofing project or a simple re roof of a flat roof section, understanding the advantages and limitations of rolled roofing can help you choose the most suitable materials for your home or commercial property.

At Fremantle Roofing Services, we work with different types of roofing materials to meet the unique needs of Western Australian homeowners. In this article, we will explore rolled roofing in detail, including its construction, suitability, installation process, and how it compares to other roofing materials like asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and more.

What Is Rolled Roofing?

Rolled roofing, also known as asphalt roll roofing, is a mineral surfaced roofing material that comes in large rolls. Each roll typically covers around 100 square feet and is manufactured using modified bitumen, rubberised asphalt, or saturated felt. It is designed primarily for low slope or flat roofs and is known for being easy to install and cost effective.

Typically made from asphalt-integrated felt or fiberglass mats, rolled roofing provides a balance of strength and flexibility. It is easy to find at most home centres and hardware stores, making it an accessible option for many property owners.

Unlike traditional asphalt shingles that come in smaller tiles, rolled roofing is installed in long, continuous strips. This creates fewer seams, reducing the risk of leaks and improving overall waterproofing. It is often used as a temporary or quick fix solution, especially on smaller buildings, outbuildings, and garages.

Where Rolled Roofing Is Used

Rolled roofing is not ideal for every structure, but it excels in specific applications, particularly where budget, speed, or simplicity is a factor. It is commonly installed on:

• Backyard sheds
• Standalone garages
• Workshops and studios
• Low slope home extensions
• Garden storage buildings
• Rural shelters and small barns
• Temporary commercial structures

If your structure has a minimal slope and is not visible from the street, rolled roofing may be a suitable and practical solution.

Materials and Composition

Rolled roofing is typically composed of the following layers:

• Base material: This is often saturated felt or fibreglass that provides strength and flexibility.
• Asphalt or bitumen coating: These layers offer waterproofing and weather resistance.
• Mineral surfaced finish: The outer layer protects the roll from UV rays, debris, and mechanical damage.

Some modern products include self adhesive features, while others require roofing cement or hot torch application. Roll roofing is available in different thicknesses and compositions, depending on the level of enhanced durability or specific requirements of the roofing project.

Benefits of Rolled Roofing

1. Budget Friendly

Rolled roofing is among the most affordable roofing materials available. Its low upfront cost makes it an attractive option for property owners who want to cover a roof surface without overspending. The materials themselves are considerably cheaper than asphalt shingles and other traditional roofing materials, and the reduced labour costs due to the simplicity of installation further cut expenses.

2. Easy to Install

Thanks to its design, rolled roofing is relatively simple to apply. Contractors can often install it within a day using roofing nails, roofing cement, or adhesive, depending on the product type. Installation involves laying strips of roofing material horizontally across the roof, which speeds up the process. In some cases, homeowners may even attempt DIY installation on smaller sheds or structures, although professional assistance is recommended for durability and sealing effectiveness.

When installing roll roofing, securing the edges by folding them over and nailing them down with roofing nails is essential to prevent lifting. Excess material is trimmed using a utility knife or roofing shears for a clean finish.

3. Lightweight and Suitable for Low Slope Roofs

Unlike metal roofing or concrete tiles, rolled roofing is lightweight and exerts less stress on the supporting structure. This makes it ideal for lightweight construction or renovations involving older buildings with limited load capacity.

4. Waterproof Barrier

When applied correctly, rolled roofing acts as a strong waterproof barrier. Its wide coverage with fewer seams compared to shingles reduces the risk of water ingress. Some products are specifically designed to resist pooling water, which is a common issue on flat roofs.

Drawbacks and Considerations

1. Shorter Lifespan

Rolled roofing has a significantly shorter lifespan than other roofing materials. While asphalt shingles or metal roofing can last 25 to 40 years, rolled roofing generally lasts between 5 to 12 years. It is not ideal for primary residential roofing or long term applications.

2. Limited Aesthetic Appeal

Although functional, rolled roofing lacks the visual appeal of tile or metal roofing. It is best suited to buildings that are out of sight or where appearance is not a top priority. It also comes in limited colour and texture options.

3. Vulnerable to UV Rays and Weather

Over time, UV exposure and weather conditions can degrade the surface of rolled roofing, especially in areas with high sun intensity like Perth. Mineral surfaced products offer more protection, but even they require regular maintenance and occasional re sealing to remain effective. Using a reflective coat can protect rolled roofing from UV rays and extend its lifespan.

4. Lower Property Resale Value

Rolled roofing is considered a less valuable option for property resale. Homes or buildings with rolled roofing may not appeal as much to potential buyers compared to those with more durable and attractive roofing materials.

Comparing Rolled Roofing to Other Roofing Materials

Here is how rolled roofing stacks up against other roofing materials commonly used in Western Australia:

For sheds, garages, or small commercial structures, rolled roofing may be the most suitable option, especially when the roofing project needs to be completed quickly or within a limited budget.

The Installation Process

Professional rolled roofing installation follows a specific sequence to ensure long term performance:

1. Surface Preparation: The existing roof must be clean, free of debris, and dry. Any loose material or damaged areas are repaired. Rolled roofing can be installed directly on top of plywood or wood sheathing.
2. Underlayment: A layer of roofing felt or other underlayment is applied to create a buffer between the structure and the new roll.
3. Laying the Roll: The roll is carefully aligned and laid out horizontally, making sure to stagger seams and maintain a consistent overlap between sheets.
4. Securing with Roofing Nails or Adhesive: Depending on the type of material, the roofing is secured using nails, cement, or stick on adhesive. Edges are folded over and nailed down with roofing nails to prevent lifting.
5. Sealing Seams and Edges: Sealing is crucial to prevent leaks. Roofing cement is applied along the seams, flashing, and perimeter.
6. Trimming Excess: Overhanging material is trimmed with a utility knife or roofing shears for a clean finish.

Our contractors at Fremantle Roofing Services ensure each step is carried out to the highest standard, taking into account slope, structure type, and weather conditions.

Maintenance and Care

To extend the life of your rolled roofing, routine inspections are recommended. Regular inspections can help identify small issues early and prevent larger, more costly repairs later. Look for:

• Cracks or splits along seams
• Lifting edges or corners
• Accumulated debris
• Signs of water pooling or leaks
• Deterioration from UV rays

Regular maintenance and re sealing can help protect the surface and prevent premature failure. While rolled roofing does not require intensive care, it does benefit from proactive upkeep, including the application of a reflective coat to shield it from UV damage.

When to Re Roof with Rolled Roofing

If your structure’s existing roof is showing signs of wear, water ingress, or cracking, and it is not suitable for heavy materials like tile or metal, a rolled roofing replacement may be ideal. Re roofing with rolled material is quick, cost effective, and well suited to light structures or short term applications.

Environmental Considerations and Disposal

While not the most eco friendly solution, newer products in the rolled roofing category are starting to incorporate recycled content. Proper disposal of old roofing materials, including asphalt and saturated felt, should be handled according to local construction waste guidelines to minimise environmental impact.

Is Rolled Roofing Right for Your House?

Rolled roofing is not designed for the entire roof of a modern home, but it can serve a valuable purpose on attached structures like carports or extensions with flat roofs. If your house includes multiple roof surfaces or levels, rolled roofing might be used on the lower, same level flat areas where standard shingles or tiles would not be practical.

For homeowners looking for affordable, durable solutions in specific applications, rolled roofing can still be the right fit. It all comes down to use case, durability requirements, and budget.

Trust Fremantle Roofing Services with Your Next Roofing Project

At Fremantle Roofing Services, we specialise in matching the right roofing materials to your needs. Whether you are looking to cover a new garage, replace old roofing felt, or improve waterproofing on a flat extension, our team provides expert guidance, quality installation, and exceptional customer service.

Our experienced contractors will inspect your structure, recommend suitable materials, and complete the project with a focus on durability, protection, and workmanship. We service both residential and commercial properties across Perth and the greater WA region.

Request a Free Quote Today

Contact us to schedule an on site inspection. We will review your roofing needs, provide a detailed cost estimate, and walk you through different types of roll products available for your roofing project. Let Fremantle Roofing Services help you protect your investment with professional care and industry proven roof restoration materials.