The weight of the shingles is important because it affects the dumpster size you need for debris removal. By understanding the weight of a bundle of shingles, you can avoid extra charges from the dumpster rental company for exceeding weight limits or ordering the wrong size dumpster. Most homeowners replace their roofs with architectural shingles, heavier than the older 3-tab shingles. Knowing the weight of shingles will help you figure out how much debris to expect and what size dumpster to order.
While some homeowners may also be curious about the weight of shingles for personal reasons, like transporting them or carrying them up a ladder, the primary reason people search for this information is to calculate the dumpster size. Keystone Roofing advises that to accurately estimate the total weight for your roof project, you will need to consider your roof size and the type of shingles you are using.
Quick Answer on Shingle Bundle Weight
⦁ Architectural shingles: They usually weigh between 60 and 80 pounds per bundle.
⦁ 3-tab shingles: These tend to be lighter, commonly weighing between 45 and 60 pounds per bundle.
These weights are just a starting point and will give you a good estimate. The actual weight can vary depending on the brand and type of shingles you are handling.
What is a Square of Shingles?
In roofing, a "square" refers to the material needed to cover 100 square feet of roof area. It allows roofers to calculate the amount of material needed for a project—so, for example, "10 squares" means 1,000 square feet. This measurement functions as a standard method for determining the materials required for a roof replacement. For example, a 1,500-square-foot roof requires about 15 squares of material, while a 2,000-square-foot roof would need around 20 squares. Roofers often round up to account for waste, hence a 1,650-square-foot roof would be about 17 squares.
How many bundles of shingles are required for one square?
Generally, it takes about 3 bundles of shingles to cover one roofing square. This is true for most shingles, but the exact number may vary based on the brand and the type of shingle you use. For example:
⦁ GAF Timberline HD Lifetime Architectural Shingles: These cover about 33.3 square feet per bundle, so you’ll need 3 bundles per square.
⦁ CertainTeed Landmark Moire Black Laminated Architectural Shingles: These also cover around 33.33 square feet per bundle, requiring 3 bundles per square.
⦁ CertainTeed XT25 Timber Blend 3-tab Roof Shingles: These cover a bit less, about 32.5 square feet per bundle, so you may need an extra bundle to cover a square.
It's important to note that while most shingles cover about 33 square feet per bundle, you should always check the label on the packaging to be sure.
How Many Shingles Are in a Bundle?
A bundle of shingles typically contains between 21 and 26 individual shingles, depending on the brand. Even though individual shingles are small, most adults can usually lift a full bundle without difficulty.
How Much Does a Square of Shingles Weigh?
The weight of a roofing square depends on the type of shingles you use:
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⦁ Architectural shingles: One square of architectural shingles weighs between 180 and 240 pounds.
⦁ 3-tab shingles: A square of 3-tab shingles typically weighs between 135 and 180 pounds.
To calculate the weight of a roofing square, simply multiply the weight of one bundle by the number of bundles per square. For example:
⦁ Architectural shingles: If each bundle weighs 60 to 80 pounds, then 3 bundles per square weigh between 180 and 240 pounds.
⦁ 3-tab shingles: If each bundle weighs 45 to 60 pounds, then 3 bundles per square would weigh between 135 and 180 pounds.
How Much Does a Bundle of Shingles Cost?
The price of a bundle of shingles varies by brand and location but typically ranges between $35 and $42 per bundle. For example, a bundle of GAF Timberline HD architectural shingles costs about $40. Since you need three bundles to cover a square, the average cost for one square of shingles is between $105 and $126.
With the increase in inflation, shingle prices have risen and may continue to increase.
How Much Does a Pallet of Shingles Weigh?
A pallet of shingles holds about 42 bundles, making it quite heavy. Since each bundle weighs between 60 and 80 pounds, a full pallet of shingles weighs between 2,520 and 3,360 pounds.
A single pallet of shingles usually covers a 14-square roof. If your roof exceeds 14 squares, you will need two pallets. Remember that the shipping cost for pallets can add to the total cost of your roof replacement.
How Much Debris Will My Roof Replacement Create?
If you’re handling the roof replacement by yourself and need to order a dumpster, it’s important to estimate how much debris you’ll create. You need to account for factors like the type of shingles, the number of layers, and any extra materials that might need to be replaced during the job.
Factors That Affect Shingle Bundle Weight
⦁ Slate shingles: These are much heavier than asphalt shingles, often weighing over 1,000 pounds per square. If replacing a slate roof, you'll require a significantly larger dumpster.
⦁ Wood shingles (cedar shakes): These shingles vary in weight, with some bundles weighing as much as 700 pounds each. If your roof is made of wood shingles, you’ll need to account for the heavier debris.
How many layers of shingles are there on your roof?
If your roof has multiple layers of shingles, the debris will double. For instance, if you have two shingle layers, you'll need twice as many bundles to remove.
Planning for Damaged or Rotted Decking
When tearing off shingles, you may encounter damaged plywood decking underneath. Ensure you plan for at least 100 square feet of extra wood in your dumpster, and inspect the attic to see if any additional bark needs to be replaced.
Dumpster Company Surcharges & Weight Limits
Dumpster companies often have weight limits that fall below the dumpster’s maximum capacity. Exceeding these limits could result in extra fees, so it’s essential to check with the company about any surcharges before you order your dumpster.
Author: Mollie Thomson
