How Much Does a Bundle of Roofing Shingles Weigh?

Home improvement & diy

How Much Do Roofing Shingles Weigh and How Many Are In a Bundle?

Maricriz Rodriguez (modified Nov 20, 2023) Aug 5, 2020

When most people plan to get a new roof, they don't realize that most roofers won't handle the disposal of their current roof. The contractor will rip off the old shingles to prep the roof for new materials, but you'll have to get rid of those shingles yourself.

You can try loading it all up into a truck and making a few trips to the dump, but renting a dumpster instead will be much easier; shingle weight will be real tough on your vehicle if you run the shingles to the landfill yourself. You'll need to estimate the weight of the old shingles so you can get a dumpster that's the right size.

Roof shingles play a crucial role in protecting a building's roof area and maintaining its structural integrity. These durable materials are typically installed over the roof sheathing, forming a protective barrier against the elements. Whether it's a simple roof design or complex roofs with multiple angles and slopes, shingles provide a reliable solution.

When a freshly stripped roof is prepared for a new installation, roof sheathing acts as the foundation for the shingles. It provides stability and a level surface for the shingles to adhere to, ensuring a secure and long-lasting roof. From traditional asphalt shingles to modern options like metal or synthetic materials, there are various choices available to suit different architectural styles and climates. Roof shingles not only enhance the aesthetics of a building but also serve as a vital defense against wind, rain, and UV rays, extending the lifespan of the roof and safeguarding the entire structure beneath.

Roof Shingles Weight Calculator

Calculate the Weight of a Bundle of Your Shingles

The best way to estimate the weight of your old shingles is by figuring out how many bundles were laid onto your roof. You can calculate the bundle amount by using your roof's square footage. Each bundle is 33 square feet; if your roof is 1200 square feet, that means you have 36 bundles of shingles. The weight of each bundle depends on the type of shingles that you have. Here's a breakdown of some common roofing materials:

Asphalt shingles typically weigh 60-80 pounds per bundle
Clay tile shingles are about 200-300 pounds per bundle
Steel roof panels range from 50-100 pounds per bundle, depending on how reinforced they are
Bundles of concrete tiles weigh about 200-300 pounds

Perhaps you don't know how many square feet your roof is. If your current roof uses an uncommon roofing material or you would like to be as specific as possible, you may need to ask the roofer who initially completed your roofing project or have your current contractor perform an estimate. Speaking to your contractor will help get an understanding of how many square feet you're looking to work with. Some shingles, such as asphalt, are often laid in layers to add additional resistance to the wind and rain, so make sure you count each layer when calculating the weight of your old tiles.

Of course, online you can find a shingle weight calculator that are super helpful!

How Many Shingles Are in a Bundle?

A bundle is typically anywhere from 15-29 shingles. The exact number of shingles will always vary. As mentioned earlier, a bundle of shingles coverage is roughly 33 square feet. If you’re stuck wondering how many bundles of shingles you’ll need, all you need to do is divide the total square footage of your roof by 33. It’s that simple! You may have noticed there are different types of shingles, which we’ll explore a bit more later on. For now, here are some rough estimates of the number of shingles each type of bundle has:

Regular Sized Shingles – 29 per bundle
Architectural Shingles – 21 per bundle
3 Tab Shingles – 26 per bundle

How Many Bundles of Shingles in a Square?

A roofing square is 100 square feet. For those asking themselves, "how many shingles do I need?", typically there are 3 bundles of shingles in a square. When you purchase enough shingles to cover a square, you'll need 3 bundles of shingles.

A bundle of shingles covers 33 square feet of roof.

Types of Shingles

When it comes to bundles of shingles, there are plenty to choose from. Depending on the style you’re aiming for you might opt for one that’s not as commonly used as others. Or perhaps you have a particular budget in mind, some may be more inexpensive than others. It’s also important to understand the differences when working on a roofing project. Take a look at the different types of shingles that you can find for your project:

Regular & 3 Tab Shingles

Starting with the most widely used and common type of shingle is the asphalt shingle. This one uses asphalt as a waterproofing material. It’s relatively inexpensive which is why it’s so often used for roofs in North America. It’s low cost makes finding a bundle per square feet the most cost effective option. There are also 3 tab shingles which are also made of the same materials.

Architectural Shingles

Also known as laminated shingles or just “architectural” shingles. The reason they’re called laminated is because there are two (or more) layers laminated together for added durability. They provide an added contour which is why they are used when creating specific architectural designs, hence the name.

Rubber Shingles

Rubber shingles are made out of a synthetic material called ethylene propylene diene monomer (or EPDM for short). Slightly more costly than asphalt shingles, they last up to 20 years and can even be installed over your asphalt shingles. The rubber shingles are known for their durability and low maintenance needs.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are thin, tapered, pieces of wood that are layered over each other in uniform to create the typical shingles pattern. They provide a rustic feel to the overall home design. While they used to be hand cut, today modern machinary create a uniform look to wood shingles.

Clay Tile

Although they are more on the pricey side, clay tiled roofs make for a beautiful design that enhances the homes look. These are perfect for hotter climates that experience exposure to salt in the air. They last quite long, are environmentally friendly and are relatively low maintenance.

Where To Buy Roofing Shingles

You may often hear contractors or reno veterans speaking of “shingles in a square”. This just means the total number of shingles that are required to fill a square which is 100 square feet. One square is usually three roofing shingles, which means your entire roof will be taking many shingles. You’ll be able to use this information to figure out how many bundles you’ll need (roughly 15-29 shingles per bundle).

You’ll be able to find them at your local home hardware store such as The Home Depot. You’ll even be able to purchase hip and ridge shingles, which are the ones that lie on top of the roofs horizontal lines between two sloping planes.

Pick a Dumpster That's the Right Size

Once you know how many square feet your roof is and the weight of its materials, you should contact a local company to secure a dumpster rental for shingle disposal. Part of what makes renting a dumpster a convenient option is that the company will deliver the bin at a scheduled day and time, place it close to the home to make disposing of the shingles easy, and pick it up when scheduled to allow the roofing crew to start work on your new roof with minimal disruptions. Designed to carry heavy loads (such as old couches), you can be sure the heavy shingles can be hauled away.

Because you've already calculated your roof's square footage, you'll use that to calculate the size of the dumpster you'll need. You won't need to put your shingles in a bundle, you can just drop them right in. Dumpsters are designed to hold specific tonnages, so you should give your dumpster provider the estimated weight to get a bin that can safely handle the weight of your shingles.

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Contact Bin There Dump That

For years, Bin There Dump That has helped homeowners and roofing contractors safely and conveniently dispose of many bundles of shingles, construction materials, and more with our reliable dumpster rental services. With locally-owned and operated locations across the country, we offer each customer friendly, reliable service and a quick rental process that lets you get your rental dumpster within 24 hours and sometimes that same day. To schedule a dumpster rental for your next project, find an operator in your area today.