Installing a new roof but don't know how many asphalt shingles you need to buy? This guide will help you find out.
If you have decided to install asphalt shingle roofing, you are making a smart move. This type of roofing is durable, long-lasting and beautiful, even in a hot climate. Once you have decided to go with asphalt shingles, it is good to know how to estimate the quantity of shingles that you will need for your roofing project. This will be beneficial in understanding your contractor's roofing estimate and working out the total roofing cost for your budget.
Asphalt shingles
The most important figure you will need to know when you are determining shingle quantity is your roof's overall square footage. This holds true whether you are buying organic shingles or fiberglass shingles, or whether you choose 3-tab shingles or laminated architectural shingles. Regardless of the type or style of shingles, you can usually figure out the quantity needed for the roof by calculating the roof's square footage.
You may hear your roofer discussing bundles of shingles or he may refer to a square of shingles. Essentially, a standard-sized square of shingles covers 100 square feet of roof. Inside each square, you will usually find three bundles. Each bundle typically is made up of 29 shingles. Each shingle usually measures 12 inches by 36 inches.
For a typical rectangular-shaped roof, you will simply multiply the length of the roof by the width of the roof on each side, and then add up both sides to come to the roof's square footage. To determine how many squares of shingles you need, divide the result by 100. For more complicated roof types or non-traditionally shaped roofs, it is advisable to call out a professional for help with determining the quantity of shingles needed.
Once you have determined how many square feet of roof you have, you need to add on additional shingles as wastage. You will also need added shingles for ride caps and for your starter shingle row.
Keep in mind that laminated architectural shingles usually generate a lot less waste than 3-tab shingles. This is because the roofer has no cutout pattern to contend with. Still, since it is a tricky calculation when figuring out the exact number of square feet that you need and how much will be salvaged, it is better to order extra than to be short and risk not being able to find the same color lot when you buy more. The worst thing that can happen is that you end up with an unneeded bundle or two of shingles. In most instances, you can easily return those to the home improvement store for a refund.
Even in a hot climate, asphalt roofing can be a good choice. QualitySmith can help you find roofers in your area who can help you decide whether it is a good idea to install asphalt shingle roofing on your home, or if some other type of roofing is a better option.
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