Guide to Shingle Coverage: Bundles and Square Footage
Determining the right amount of roofing shingles for your project can be confusing. Understanding the coverage and bundles can help you better estimate the materials needed. This guide will break down the basics of shingle coverage and how to calculate the bundles required for your roof project.
What Is a Bundle of Shingles?
A bundle of shingles is a basic unit of measurement used in roofing. It typically covers a specific amount of square footage, and this amount can vary depending on the type of shingle. Here’s everything you need to know:
Typical Coverage: 35-40 Square Feet per Bundle
In general, a bundle of standard shingles will cover about 35 to 40 square feet. This is a useful estimate when planning your project, but it’s important to remember that different types of shingles can have slight variations. For example, premium or longer-lasting shingles might cover a bit less square footage per bundle due to their thickness and weight.
Typical Shingle Types and Bundles per Square
Here’s a breakdown of the common types of roofing shingles and their bundle coverage:
Standard 3-tab shingles: These typically cover 33.3 square feet per bundle and 100 square feet per square (3 bundles). Densified or premium shingles: These shingles, which offer longer-lasting protection, might cover closer to 25 square feet per bundle, requiring 4 bundles to make up one square.Note that these numbers provide a general guide and can vary based on the manufacturer and specific product.
Understanding Bundles and Squares
In roofing, a bundle is not just a unit of measure but also a unit of sale. A square is a common term used in the industry to represent 100 square feet of roof area. Here’s how it works:
Standard Bundles and Squares
For standard 3-tab shingles, 3 bundles typically make up one square (100 square feet). This is why they are often sold in units called “squares”:
3 bundles per square: For standard 3-tab shingles, 3 bundles cover approximately 100 square feet, or one square. 81 shingles per square: In a square of 100 square feet, there are approximately 81 shingles (since there are 27 shingles per bundle).This simple calculation helps homeowners and contractors estimate the amount of shingles needed for a specific project. However, it’s crucial to factor in overlaps and waste to ensure you have enough material.
Complex Variables in Shingle Coverage
While the general coverage guidelines are useful, there can be variations depending on the specific brand and type of shingle. Here are some factors that can affect shingle coverage:
Actual Number of Bundles per Square:
Shingle manufacturers often provide detailed specifications on their packaging. It’s important to check these details to get an accurate estimate:
33.3 Square Feet per Bundle: Most standard shingles cover around 33.3 square feet per bundle, which means 3 bundles per square. 25 Square Feet per Bundle: Some denser or premium shingles might cover less, such as around 25 square feet per bundle, requiring 4 bundles per square.Additionally, overlapping shingles to ensure complete coverage and prevent water damage can affect the overall count. Proper installation techniques can maximize the coverage.
Calculating the Number of Bundles Needed
Calculating the number of bundles required for your project involves several steps:
Step 1: Determine the Total Roof Area
Measure the total square footage of your roof. You can do this by dividing the roof surface into smaller, measurable sections and summing these areas.
Step 2: Calculate the Number of Squares
Once you have the total square footage, divide by 100 to get the number of squares needed. For example, if your roof is 3000 square feet, you would need 30 squares of shingles.
Step 3: Calculate the Number of Bundles
Based on the type of shingles you choose, multiply the number of squares by the number of bundles per square. For standard 3-tab shingles, this would be:
30 squares * 3 bundles/square 90 bundles.Remember to add extra bundles for waste, typically around 10% to 20% to account for cutting, trimming, and other inevitable losses.
Conclusion
Understanding the basics of shingle coverage and bundles is crucial for any roofing project. Whether you’re dealing with standard 3-tab shingles or premium options, knowing the coverage and how to calculate the number of bundles needed can save you time, money, and ensure your new roof installation goes smoothly.