Rhino Roof underlayment typically costs $70-$120 per roll, with a common 1,000-square-foot roll averaging about $90 before tax and delivery. Installed pricing depends on roof area, tear-off, roof pitch, labor rates, and whether the underlayment is bought alone or included in a full roofing job.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RhinoRoof U20 material | $70 | $90 | $120 | Per roll, typically about 1,000 sq ft |
| Material per roof sq ft | $0.07 | $0.09 | $0.12 | Before waste, tax, and delivery |
| Installed over prepared decking | $0.20 | $0.40 | $0.75 | Per sq ft; labor and fasteners included |
| 1,500-sq-ft roof area | $300 | $600 | $1,125 | Underlayment installation, excluding tear-off |
Assumptions: U.S. retail and contractor pricing; standard synthetic underlayment, sound decking, and normal access. Roll dimensions and coverage vary by product and retailer.
RhinoRoof roll prices and installed roof-area estimates
RhinoRoof U20 is commonly sold in rolls covering roughly 10 roofing squares, or 1,000 square feet. At $70-$120 per roll, the material-only rate is about $0.07-$0.12 per square foot. A roof needs additional material for overlaps, cuts, and waste, so a 1,500-square-foot roof may require two rolls, depending on layout and package coverage.
For installation over prepared sheathing, budget roughly $0.20-$0.75 per square foot for material, labor, and fasteners. A contractor may quote the underlayment as part of the full roof replacement rather than as a separate line item. A practical standalone allowance is $300-$1,125 for 1,500 square feet, before deck repairs or removal fees.
What roofers charge for rolls, labor, and fasteners
Quotes vary in what they include. Compare the product grade, coverage, labor scope, and disposal charges, not just the roll price. The ranges below represent common estimates for a standard residential roof and can shift with region and access.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | Pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RhinoRoof material | $0.07 | $0.09 | $0.12 | Per sq ft |
| Installation labor | $0.10 | $0.25 | $0.50 | Per sq ft |
| Fasteners and cap nails | $15 | $30 | $60 | Per 1,000-sq-ft job |
| Old underlayment removal | $0.10 | $0.25 | $0.50 | Per sq ft, when required |
| Delivery or small-job charge | $25 | $75 | $150 | Per order or visit |
Labor can be folded into a roofing crew’s broader installation rate, so separate line-item prices are not always available. For an isolated repair, an installer billing $50-$100 per hour may also apply a minimum service charge. Removal, access, and minimum charges can cost as much as the underlayment itself on a small repair.
How roof pitch, laps, and deck condition change the estimate
Roof size is only part of the calculation. A simple roof with broad, uninterrupted planes usually needs fewer cuts than one with dormers, valleys, chimneys, or multiple ridges. Contractors may add about 5%-10% for straightforward layouts and 10%-15% for complex shapes or substantial waste.
Steep roofs often require extra fall protection and slower handling. A pitch around 8:12 or steeper can raise labor charges by 10%-30%, depending on crew practices and access. Required overlaps also reduce usable coverage: check the manufacturer’s instructions and local code rather than assuming every square foot of roll coverage becomes installed roof coverage.
Wet, damaged, or uneven sheathing can delay installation and require repairs. Deck replacement is generally quoted separately, often by sheet or affected area; ask for the plywood or sheathing rate before work begins. Confirm whether the estimate includes the specified lap pattern, waste allowance, and any deck repair exclusions.
Ways to lower a RhinoRoof installation quote
Keeping the project within the planned scope is often the most reliable cost control. If the roof is already being replaced, ask whether underlayment labor is included in the overall price and request a material quantity and product name. Avoid paying twice for setup or delivery if the roofing crew is already on site.
Compare at least two written estimates with the same roof area, underlayment grade, overlap requirements, and tear-off scope. Buying rolls independently can appear cheaper but may leave the homeowner responsible for delivery, damaged-package returns, and quantity errors. Use the same coverage and installation assumptions when comparing bids, or the lowest total may not be the lowest like-for-like price.
How many RhinoRoof rolls a 1,500-square-foot roof needs
At nominal coverage of about 1,000 square feet per roll, a 1,500-square-foot roof calls for two rolls before adjusting for waste and layout. That represents roughly $140-$240 in material at typical retail prices. A 2,000-square-foot roof generally starts at two rolls, while cuts, valleys, and required laps may make a third roll prudent for some layouts.
Roof measurements are usually expressed in squares, with one square equal to 100 square feet of roof surface. Confirm the contractor’s measured roof area rather than using the home’s floor area, which can be very different because of overhangs and roof pitch. Use installed roof surface and actual package coverage to estimate quantities.
When synthetic RhinoRoof costs more than asphalt felt
Basic asphalt felt often costs about $15-$40 per roll, while synthetic underlayment commonly falls around $50-$150 per roll, depending on brand, strength, and coverage. RhinoRoof U20’s typical $70-$120 range places it above many felt products on material cost, though installed comparisons also depend on handling time, fastening requirements, and project specifications.
Some synthetic products are selected for tear resistance, lighter handling, or longer exposure allowances, but product features differ by grade. Follow the manufacturer’s limits for uncovered exposure and installation. Local code and the roofing-system warranty may also specify acceptable underlayment. Compare the exact product grade and approved use, not just synthetic versus felt.
Why local labor and delivery make roll prices differ
Retail pricing may be relatively similar across markets, but labor, delivery, and contractor availability vary. In high-cost coastal metros, installed underlayment work can run about 15%-30% above a national midpoint; smaller inland markets may be 5%-15% below it when access and labor are straightforward. Rural delivery distances can offset lower labor rates.
Ask whether the quoted amount includes sales tax, delivery, rooftop handling, and disposal. A one-roll order may face a delivery minimum, while a full roof order can spread those costs across more material. Request a written breakdown of material, labor, delivery, removal, and tax to see what drives the local price.
Questions to settle before approving a roofing quote
Ask the roofer to identify the RhinoRoof product, roll coverage, quantity, and installation method. Confirm whether the estimate includes underlayment on the full roof or only selected areas, and whether valleys or eaves receive additional membrane required by the roof design or local code.
For a repair, check whether the contractor will remove existing material, protect exposed decking from weather, and charge a minimum visit fee. For replacement, clarify how extra rolls and unforeseen deck repairs are priced. A clear scope prevents material substitutions and surprise charges after the old roofing is removed.