Peel and stick roofing is a self-adhesive membrane that bonds to a clean surface when you pull off its release liner, no torch, hot asphalt, or fasteners required. It works well on low-slope sheds, RVs, mobile homes, dormers, and as flashing, and it fails fast on steep or primary house roofs it was never designed for. Single-layer products like MFM Peel & Seal run about $1.40 to $1.70 per square foot in material, while a rated two-ply self-adhering system like GAF Liberty costs more but behaves like a real roof.
The confusion buyers hit is that “peel and stick” covers two different things: a finished roofing surface and a peel-and-stick underlayment that goes under shingles. This guide covers the finished-surface products, names real prices, and separates the jobs it handles from the ones that void the point.
What is peel and stick roofing?
Peel and stick roofing is a rolled, self-adhering membrane made of rubberized asphalt or SBS modified bitumen with a release liner on the back. You peel the liner, press the sheet onto a primed or clean substrate, and the adhesive forms the bond. There is no open flame and no separate adhesive to spread, which is why it is the go-to self-adhesive option for do-it-yourself low-slope work.
Most rolls carry a top surface of either smooth aluminum foil, a granulated cap, or plain film. The aluminum-faced sheets (MFM Peel & Seal is the common one) reflect heat and resist UV. Granulated sheets (MFM Peel & Roof) mimic a finished cap sheet. A standard roll is 36 inches wide by about 33.5 feet long and covers roughly 100 square feet, though narrow 6-inch to 12-inch widths exist specifically for flashing and seam work.
Peel and stick roofing products and 2026 prices
Peel and stick roofing prices run from about $0.90 to $1.70 per square foot in material for single-layer rolls, and $110 to $160 per roll for the two-ply GAF Liberty system components. A single 36-inch by 33.5-foot roll covers about 100 square feet. The table below lists the named products buyers actually see at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, and roofing suppliers, with typical roll pricing.
| Product | Type / surface | Roll size | Coverage | Typical price | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MFM Peel & Seal | Rubberized asphalt, aluminum foil face | 36 in x 33.5 ft | ~100 sq ft | $140 to $170 per roll | Flashing, sheds, RVs, seam repair |
| MFM Peel & Roof | Rubberized asphalt, granulated cap | 36 in x 33.5 ft | ~100 sq ft | $140 to $160 per roll | Small low-slope finished surface |
| Menards EasyStick Plus | Self-adhering granulated rolled roofing | 36 in x 36 ft | ~100 sq ft | $90 to $110 per roll | Budget shed and outbuilding roofs |
| GAF Liberty SA Base | SBS self-adhering base sheet | ~39 in wide | ~200 sq ft (2-ply exposure varies) | $110 to $135 per roll | First ply of a rated low-slope system |
| GAF Liberty SA Cap | SBS self-adhering granulated cap | ~39 in wide | ~one square per roll | $135 to $165 per roll | Finished ply of a rated low-slope system |
Material is only part of the number. A do-it-yourself shed roof might cost $1 to $2 per square foot in rolls plus primer. A professionally installed two-ply self-adhering low-slope roof usually lands around $2.50 to $5 per square foot installed, which puts it in the same range as EPDM and modified bitumen. Prices move with the asphalt market, so check current supply-house numbers before you budget.
Where peel and stick roofing actually works
Peel and stick roofing works on small, low-slope, low-stakes surfaces and as detail flashing, and it does not work as the primary roof on a sloped house. The adhesive needs a clean, dry, warm substrate and a slope low enough that water sheets off without pooling behind seams. Match the product to the job and it performs; ask it to be a full house roof and it will not.
Good applications
- Sheds and outbuildings. A low-slope shed or garden building is the textbook fit, cheap to cover and easy to reach.
- RVs, campers, and trailers. The aluminum-faced membrane bonds to existing metal or fiberglass and reflects heat.
- Mobile and manufactured homes. Common for recovering flat or low-slope mobile home roofs.
- Flashing and detail work. Narrow rolls seal around vents, chimneys, skylights, ducts, and wall junctions.
- Seam and leak repair. A fast patch over a failed seam or a puncture on an existing low-slope roof.
- Emergency and temporary cover. Quick weatherproofing on a construction site or after storm damage.
Where it fails
- Primary sloped house roofs. It is not a substitute for shingles or a rated system, and using it there usually voids the point of a real roof.
- Cold or damp installs. MFM specifies the surface and material be at least 50°F for the adhesive to grab. Bond it cold or wet and it lifts.
- Dirty or dusty substrates. Adhesive fails on anything it cannot key into. Priming or thorough cleaning is not optional.
- Ponding water. Single-layer self-adhesive membrane over standing water finds the seams and leaks.
- Long-term exposed roofs on a budget expecting shingle life. Realistic exposed service is well short of a 30-year shingle.
How long does peel and stick roofing last?
A single-layer peel and stick membrane like MFM Peel & Seal typically lasts 5 to 15 years fully exposed, which is why manufacturers position it for flashing, repairs, and small low-slope surfaces rather than main roofs. A properly installed two-ply self-adhering SBS system such as GAF Liberty behaves like a genuine low-slope roof and can run 15 to 20 years or more, closer to EPDM and modified bitumen.
Lifespan swings on three things: product grade, install quality, and exposure. A granulated cap outlasts a plain film sheet, a warm clean install outlasts a cold rushed one, and a shaded shed roof outlasts a baking RV roof. Vendor claims of 15 to 30 years usually assume a covered or ideal application. For how each roofing material actually ages against its marketing, see our roofing material lifespan report.
Peel and stick roofing vs the alternatives
Against torch-down, rolled roofing, and EPDM, peel and stick trades lifespan and durability for safety and ease of install. It is the only option on this list a homeowner can put down with a utility knife and a roller. For a real, long-term flat or low-slope roof, EPDM or a two-ply modified bitumen system outlasts a single-layer self-adhesive sheet.
| Option | Install method | DIY friendly | Typical exposed lifespan | Material cost per sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peel and stick (single layer) | Self-adhesive, no heat | Yes | 5 to 15 years | $0.90 to $1.70 |
| Self-adhering SBS (2-ply) | Self-adhesive, layered | Moderate | 15 to 20+ years | $1.50 to $2.50 |
| Torch-down modified bitumen | Open-flame torch | No | 15 to 20 years | $1.50 to $3 |
| Nail-down rolled roofing | Nails and lap cement | Yes | 5 to 10 years | $0.50 to $1.50 |
| EPDM rubber membrane | Glued or ballasted | Moderate | 20 to 30 years | $1 to $2 |
If your slope is under 4:12 and you want a lasting surface, weigh these against each other in our guide to low-slope roof materials. If you are comparing rolled products specifically, the broader category is covered in what rolled roofing is and where it works.
How to install peel and stick roofing
Installing peel and stick roofing comes down to a clean warm substrate, careful liner removal, and firm rolling to seat the adhesive. The steps below apply to a single-layer product on a small low-slope surface such as a shed. Always follow the specific manufacturer instructions on the roll, since primer requirements and overlap widths vary by product.
- Check the temperature. Confirm the air, surface, and roll are at or above the manufacturer minimum, commonly 50°F, so the adhesive bonds.
- Clean and dry the deck. Sweep off all dust and debris, remove old loose material, and let any moisture dry completely.
- Prime if required. Many products call for an asphalt primer on porous or dusty decks to guarantee adhesion. Let it flash off.
- Dry-fit the first course. Roll out the sheet along the lowest edge and trim to length before you peel anything.
- Peel and press. Pull the release liner back a foot at a time, set the membrane, and press as you go to avoid trapping air.
- Roll it firmly. Work a hand roller across the whole sheet to seat the adhesive and force out bubbles.
- Overlap each course. Lap the next course over the one below by the specified amount (often 2 to 3 inches) so water runs down, never into, a seam.
- Detail the edges and penetrations. Wrap edges, seal around vents and walls with matching flashing, and roll every seam again.
Peel and stick roofing vs peel and stick underlayment
Peel and stick roofing is a finished, exposed surface, while peel and stick underlayment is a hidden layer that goes under shingles or metal for waterproofing. They share the self-adhesive backing and the “peel and stick” name, but they are not interchangeable. Using underlayment as a finished roof leaves an unprotected surface that degrades in UV, and using a foil-faced roofing sheet under shingles is the wrong material in the wrong place.
If your actual need is the ice-and-water layer beneath a shingle or metal roof, read our dedicated guide to peel-and-stick roof underlayment instead. For the full picture of how these products fit into a roof assembly, start at our learn about roofing hub.
Frequently asked questions
How long does peel and stick roofing last?
A single-layer peel and stick membrane typically lasts 5 to 15 years when fully exposed, depending on product grade and install quality. A properly installed two-ply self-adhering SBS system such as GAF Liberty can reach 15 to 20 years or more. Granulated caps and warm, clean installs last longer than plain film sheets applied in poor conditions.
Is peel and stick roofing any good?
Peel and stick roofing is good for what it is designed for: sheds, RVs, mobile homes, flashing, and repairs on low-slope surfaces. It is inexpensive, needs no torch, and installs fast. It is a poor choice as the main roof on a sloped house, where shingles or a rated system last far longer and perform better.
Can you use peel and stick roofing on a house?
You can use it on low-slope sections of a house, such as a porch, dormer, or flat addition, and for flashing details. It is not appropriate as the primary roof on a standard sloped house. For a lasting flat or low-slope house roof, a two-ply self-adhering system, EPDM, or modified bitumen is the better call.
How much does peel and stick roofing cost?
Single-layer rolls run about $90 to $170 each and cover roughly 100 square feet, which is $0.90 to $1.70 per square foot in material. A professionally installed two-ply self-adhering low-slope roof usually costs $2.50 to $5 per square foot installed. Prices track the asphalt market, so confirm current supply-house numbers before budgeting.
What temperature do you need to install peel and stick roofing?
Most manufacturers require the air, surface, and roll to be at least 50°F for the adhesive to bond properly. MFM specifies this minimum for its Peel & Seal line. Installing colder or onto a damp or dusty deck is the most common reason the membrane lifts, blisters, or fails to seal at the seams.
Can you put peel and stick roofing over shingles?
It is not recommended over existing shingles. The granular, uneven shingle surface prevents full adhesive contact, so the membrane bonds only at high spots and traps air and moisture beneath. Peel and stick roofing needs a smooth, clean, dry substrate. Remove shingles and prepare the deck first, or choose a system rated for recover.
Reviewed by The Roofing Brief Team. Last reviewed July 2026.