90 lb roll roofing home depot refers to mineral-surface asphalt roll roofing products that cover approximately 100 square feet per roll. Here's what you need to know:
Top 90 lb Roll Roofing Options at Home Depot:
Product Price Rating Best For 3 ft. x 33.3 ft. Black Mineral Surface Roll $50.47 4.3/5 (143 reviews) Budget-friendly low-slope roofs GAF Liberty SBS Self-Adhering Cap Sheet $129.00 4.5/5 (619 reviews) No-torch installation on sheds and carports GAF Tri-Ply SBS Granular Cap Sheet $114.00 4.6/5 (43 reviews) Commercial-grade low-slope applications Tarco Fiberglass Mineral-Surfaced Cap Roll ~$50-60 4.3/5+ DIY-friendly outbuildings
If you're shopping for roll roofing at Home Depot, you'll find that the term "90 lb" is largely historical. Modern roll roofing is sold by coverage area (typically 100 square feet per roll) rather than weight. These products are made from asphalt-saturated organic felt or fiberglass mat, coated with asphalt and surfaced with mineral granules.
Roll roofing works best for low-slope roofs with a pitch of 2:12 or greater. It's ideal for sheds, workshops, garages, carports, and agricultural buildings. The installation is straightforward enough for DIY projects, but proper technique matters for longevity.
Why choose roll roofing? It's cost-effective, quick to install, and provides reliable weather protection for the right applications. Most rolls cover 100 square feet and weigh around 75-86 pounds, making them manageable for one or two people to handle.
The main limitation is lifespan. Roll roofing typically lasts 10-20 years, compared to 25-30 years for premium roofing materials. It also offers minimal insulation and limited color choices, mostly black, brown, white, or weathered wood tones.
When we talk about 90 lb roll roofing home depot selections, we are diving into a category of roofing that has been a staple for outbuildings and low-slope structures for decades. The "90 lb" designation originally referred to the weight of the material required to cover one "square" (100 square feet). While modern manufacturing has made these materials slightly lighter—often ranging from 75 to 86 lbs per roll—the name has stuck in the industry.
At its core, this material is a heavy-duty version of an asphalt shingle, just delivered in a long, continuous sheet. Most rolls you’ll find in the aisles of Home Depot are 3 feet wide and approximately 33 to 36 feet long, providing exactly 100 square feet of coverage.
The construction typically involves an organic felt or fiberglass mat that is saturated with asphalt. This core is then coated on both sides with more asphalt to ensure it is waterproof. Finally, the "weather side" (the side facing the sky) is embedded with ceramic-coated mineral granules. These granules aren't just for looks; they protect the asphalt from UV rays, which would otherwise cause the roof to bake and crack in our hot Georgia sun. If you want to dive deeper into how these layers interact with the rest of your home, check out our guide to the components of a roof.
It is easy to get confused when you see different "pound" ratings on the shelf. Here is the breakdown of how 90 lb rolls differ from the lighter stuff:
While asphalt-based rolls are common, some homeowners look into rubberized membranes like EPDM for flat roofs. However, for a simple DIY shed or carport in Metro Atlanta, the 90 lb asphalt roll remains the most accessible and cost-effective choice.
Safety is a huge priority for us at Matt’s Exteriors. When selecting 90 lb roll roofing home depot products, you should look for the UL 790 Class A fire rating. This is the highest rating available, meaning the material is effective against severe fire exposure.
Other specs to keep an eye on include:
Home Depot carries a variety of brands, ranging from their "house" generic rolls to high-end systems from GAF. We’ve found that while the budget rolls are great for a backyard wood shed, the modified bitumen options (like GAF Liberty) offer significantly better performance for residential porches or carports.
This is a favorite for DIYers in the Atlanta area. Why? Because it’s a "Peel & Stick" system. You don't need a torch (which is a major fire hazard in the hands of an amateur) or messy hot mop asphalt.
If you're dealing with a larger project or a roof that's seen better days, you might want to consider a full roof replacement rather than a patch job with roll roofing.
If you are on a strict budget, the generic Black Mineral Surface Roll is the way to go.
These are the heavy hitters. GAF Tri-Ply products are often used in commercial settings but are available for residential use.
Where should you use this stuff? We see 90 lb roll roofing home depot products used most successfully on structures with very little slope. If your roof is so flat that shingles won't work (anything less than a 2:12 pitch), roll roofing is your primary asphalt-based option.
Common uses include:
While asphalt rolls are versatile, they aren't the only game in town. Some modern builders are moving toward vinyl and TPO alternatives for their superior reflectivity and lifespan, though these often require professional installation.
As a general rule, roll roofing is restricted to roofs with a pitch of 2:12 or greater if you are using standard installation methods. If your roof is dead flat (0:12), you really should be looking at a professional EPDM or TPO membrane system. Roll roofing is also excellent as a "backup" layer under tile or slate roofs, acting as a secondary water-stopping barrier.
You can’t just buy the roll and call it a day. To do the job right, you’ll need a few extras:
For a complete look at all the ways we can help you protect your home’s exterior, browse our full list of services.
Installation is where most people go wrong. If you don't seal the seams properly, the wind will catch the edge and peel your new roof off like a banana skin. For a detailed breakdown of why you might choose this over traditional shingles, see our comparison of rolled roofing vs shingles.
A little care goes a long way. In Metro Atlanta, our heavy rains and falling pine needles can be tough on roll roofing.
In the Georgia climate, you can expect 10 to 12 years from a standard mineral surface roll. High-end modified bitumen products (like GAF Liberty) can last 15 to 20 years if they are maintained properly.
We generally advise against this. Roll roofing needs a flat, smooth surface to bond correctly. Installing it over bumpy shingles creates air pockets that lead to condensation, rot, and wind damage. It's always better to tear off the old stuff and start with a clean deck.
Yes. Shingles rely on gravity to shed water. On a flat or very low-slope roof, water can "back up" under the shingles. Roll roofing has fewer seams and those seams are chemically or thermally sealed, making it much more effective at preventing leaks on shallow pitches.
Choosing the right 90 lb roll roofing home depot product depends entirely on your project's needs and your comfort level with DIY installation. For a simple shed, the budget-friendly mineral rolls are a great choice. For a porch or carport attached to your home, we highly recommend stepping up to a self-adhering SBS system like GAF Liberty.
At Matt’s Exteriors, we’ve seen it all—from perfectly executed DIY projects to "oops" moments that required a full rescue. We’ve completed over 12,000 projects since 2007 across Metro Atlanta, from Alpharetta to Peachtree City and everywhere in between. We pride ourselves on high-quality workmanship and using only the most trusted materials.
If you’re unsure if roll roofing is the right move for your home, or if you’d rather have the pros handle the heavy lifting, we’re here to help. Schedule a Roof Replacement with us today and let our family take care of yours!
