One crucial decision for a roofing project is calculating the quantity of materials required. From the topmost among them comes shingles, and knowing the number of shingles contained in a bundle will serve you in preparing relevant budgets for planning. With the right counts, you can plan appropriately without risking unnecessary delays and costs. Different shingles have different sizes and areas covered, and hence cannot be as simple as it sounds.
Roofing materials are always bundled for easy transportation and installation. Depending on the type of shingles, whether standard 3-tab shingles or Architectural Shingles, a certain number of shingles may be packaged into a single bundle. Knowing such differences will get you the most accurate estimates and limit waste.
STEP INTO THIS GUIDE AND GET TO KNOW HOW MANY SHINGLES ARE IN A BUNDLE AND WHY CHOOSING THE ACCURATE ONE IS SUPER IMPORTANT!
What Exactly Is a Shingle Bundle?
A bundle of shingles is a unit of packaged roofing shingles for a coverage, normally amounting to about 33 square feet of roof surface. Shingles come in different quantities per bundle depending on their type and style. For example, Architectural Shingles, thicker and layered reinforced types, have fewer pieces of shingles per bundle than common 3-tab shingles.
Here’s a quick reference to show the typical counts:
- Standard=29(shingles in a bundle)
- Asphalt 3-Tab=26
- Architectural=21
Despite the variation in count, each shingle bundle is crafted to be a manageable weight for one person to carry.
Roofing Squares and How They Work?
Roofing contractors don’t just count bundles; they also talk about roofing squares!
However,
1 roofing square = 100 square feet
You must know that every bundle contains 33 square feet. So, you need around three bundles for a roofing square.
To evaluate your roof square just divide the total square footage by 100. Well, an estimating company can help calculate the exact numbers and factors in design complexities.
Shingles Needed per Square Foot
Using the style, at least one or two shingles for one square foot; calculating the number of bundles you require would be easier than counting the number of individual pieces of shingles. You need to divide the roof area by 33 to get the number of bundles, and don’t forget to add another 10% to 20% for waste and cuts, instead of counting the number of pieces on the shingle.
Shingle Estimation by Roof Size
Here’s an example to help you estimate how many bundles you’ll need:
- For a 2000 Roof Size (sq ft), the number of bundles needed is 60, and shingles is almost 900–1,740
- For a 2500 Roof Size (sq ft), the number of bundles needed is 75, and shingles is almost 1,125–2,175
- For a 3500 Roof Size (sq ft), the number of bundles needed is 106, and shingles is almost 1,350–2,610
For precise numbers, it’s always best to consult a reliable estimating company.
Why Does Roof Pitch Matter?
Keep in mind: the roof slope is directly related to your shingles requirement.
Steeper roofs have more surface area, even if the base dimensions stay the same. Roof pitch is measured as the rise over the run (e.g., 6/12). Each pitch has a multiplier used to adjust your square footage calculations.
Common pitch multipliers:
Roof Pitch |
Multiplier |
3/12 |
1.031 |
6/12 |
1.118 |
9/12 |
1.25 |
12/12 |
1.414 |
Apply the multiplier to your roof’s footprint to get the true surface area.
Always Order a Few Extra Bundles!
Professional roofers recommend purchasing additional shingle bundles beyond your calculated need. Complex roof shapes, repairs, or weather damage make these extras a wise investment.
In addition, if you have chosen special colors or limited edition Architectural Shingles, storing some bundles for future needs is a wise idea. Store spare shingles flat and out of direct sunlight to avoid drying and becoming brittle.
DIY or Hire a Roofing Pro?
Roofing is one of the house projects some homeowners can do, but confident, experienced homeowners can easily shingle their own roof. Roofing projects are normally strenuous and have to be done with care since it’s quite dangerous. And more often than not, one does not have the right tools and training, so hiring a contractor to do the job is safer and more economical in the long run. Costly repairs can arise from improper installation, which can lead to worse cases.
Final Thoughts!
The number of shingles in a bundle is knowledge needed for more than simply trivia. It will aid in budgeting, planning, and successfully executing a roofing project. If using either Architectural Shingles or standard asphalt types, pay the price of a little math regarding the materials, since it may be worthwhile not to be hit by any surprises afterward. Need help calculating for your specific roof? Reach out to an estimating company for professional guidance and accurate measurements.