Shingles are a common roofing cover, especially in the United States and Europe. If you plan to do some roof replacement or roofing work with shingles, you must count how many bundles you need to cover your roof.
The main measurement you need to determine the amount of shingles is the roof’s area, specifically the square footage. This is typically measured in roofing squares, each equaling 100 square feet.
While per roofing square equals 100 sqft roof width, how many bundles of shingles in a square?
Read also: What is a Square of Shingles and Square Footage on the Roofing Area?
With over 15 years of experience in roofing installation and maintenance, I have overseen numerous projects ranging from small residential roofs to large commercial structures. This experience, combined with in-depth research and real-life examples, provides a comprehensive understanding of roofing materials and their requirements.
How Many Bundles of Shingles in a Square
As mentioned earlier, the measuring unit of roofing is called square; it is equal to 100 square feet of your roof or around 9.29 meters square. The most commonly used type of shingle, especially for an asphalt roof project, is the strip shingle, also known as a three-tab shingle, typically packed with three bundles per square.
So, that should answer your question on how many bundles of shingles are in a square: there are three bundles per square.
How Many Shingles in a Bundle
Since you cannot fall short on shingles to cover your roof, you need to know the exact number of shingles you need. But the problem is that you may be too lazy to know how many shingles each bundle needs. Well, you are not the only one.
It takes a different number to determine how many shingles are in a bundle. The number depends on which bundle you are choosing.
Now the question is different: how many shingles in a bundle?
Per a common three-tab shingle bundle, you will have 29 shingles with standard size (12 in. x 36 in.). You will get 87 shingles if you buy a square of three-tab, standard-sized shingles. It may be a little confusing, so kindly take your time to comprehend it as a whole.
Let’s delve more into it. After knowing the number of bundles in a square and how many shingles come in a bundle, you may wonder, ‘How do I calculate how many shingles I need?’
To count your need for shingles, as usual, you will need to know the width of your roof. You can easily add the width if the roof consists of several planes.
But how do you count a complex roof? Indeed, it is not as easy as a rectangular gable roof. But whatever type of roof it is, the thumb rule is to add each plane’s width.
Below is how to count how many shingles you need in a complex roof.
- You can start by making a simple sketch of your roof. Then, break the sketch into several distinct planes, consisting of rectangles and triangles.
- Using this, then count the width of each plane.
- After that, sum those numbers to count the total width.
- Make sure to convert the measurement into square feet.
- Suppose you find that the summarized number of widths has decimals in it; round it up to the nearest hundreds. For instance, if you get 3,365.85 sqft, you can round it to 3,400 sqft.
- Then, divide the number by 100 (as 100 sqft = 1 roofing square)
- That is the exact number of shingles you need. To ensure accuracy and avoid running short on shingles, particularly for eaves and ridges, add 10% to your total. For complex calculations or installations, consulting a professional roof contractor is advisable.
While a shingle calculator can be a helpful tool, manually calculating the number of bundles is often more accurate, especially for complex roofs where standard calculators may not provide precise results.
How Many Architecture Shingles Come in a Bundle?
Once you find bundles of shingles in a square, you may wonder, is it the same as all kinds of shingles? Let’s take an example from architectural shingles.
Read also: Are Architectural Shingles Worth Extra Cost.
Well, you may find many different answers regarding this topic. Some manufacturers sell 4 bundles for a square while others only sell three. The number of shingles per bundle is also different – some come with 22, the other comes with 26.
Read also: How to Install Architectural Shingles over 3 Tab Shingles
Since manufacturers sell different numbers per bundle for architectural shingles, it is always important to count your roof’s width beforehand. Also, knowing how many bundles of shingles are in a square is important.
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles, also known as dimensional or laminate shingles, offer enhanced durability and aesthetics. They often require three to four bundles per square. A case study noted that for a 1,200-square-foot home, approximately 36 bundles are needed when using architectural shingles.
“For a typical 1,200 square foot roof, about 36 bundles of architectural shingles are required, considering the standard three-bundles-per-square estimate.”
When planning your roofing project, understanding the roof size and the specific requirements for your chosen shingles is crucial. Different shingles may require different quantities per square, so it’s important to do thorough research or consult with professionals at your local store.
Weight Considerations
The weight of shingle bundles is another crucial factor. Three-tab shingles typically weigh between 60-80 pounds per bundle, while architectural shingles can weigh between 70-100 pounds. Understanding this helps in planning the logistics of material delivery and handling.
Shingle Bundle Weights
| Shingle Type | Weight per Bundle |
|---|---|
| Three-Tab Shingles | 60-80 pounds |
| Architectural Shingles | 70-100 pounds |
“When ordering shingles, it’s essential to consider the weight. Standard bundles can weigh between 60-80 pounds, while architectural shingles can weigh up to 100 pounds per bundle.”
Research and Case Studies
In-depth research and case studies further illustrate the variability in shingle requirements. For instance, factors such as roof pitch, waste percentage, and the complexity of roof design can affect the total number of bundles needed. One detailed study showed that a steeper roof with multiple facets and valleys required significantly more material due to increased waste and coverage needs.
Additional Tips
- Always order a few extra bundles to account for waste and unforeseen issues.
- Consult with your roofing material supplier for specific recommendations based on your roof’s design and conditions.
- Regularly inspect and maintain your roof to extend the lifespan of the shingles and prevent costly repairs.
Remember, correctly estimating the number of shingles is crucial for a successful project, leading to a smoother execution and better results.
