Shingles offer protection to the roof against external elements. They are an affordable alternative to other roofing options. At times, they get damaged and need to be replaced - either a few of them or a complete replacement. This requires an understanding of their weight when installing new ones or disposing of the old shingles.
The weight of a square of shingles depends on several factors - the material and composition. It also depends on the type of shingles used. So, to give you a clear idea, in this blog, we have mentioned all that you need to know about the weight of "one square of shingles."
What is a Square of Shingles?
The amount of roofing material required to cover 100 square feet of the roofing area is known as a "roof square" or "one square of roof shingle." The term "roofing square" is used to calculate the amount of material required for a roofing project. For example - a "1500 square foot roof" is roughly "15 square," and a "2,000 square feet roof" is "20 square."
To account for waste, roofers mostly round up the closest hundred. For example - a roof that is 1,650 square feet would be "17 square." However, a roof that is "1,800 square feet" will be estimated at around "18 squares" only.
To get the square foot of each plane, roofers mostly determine the number of roofing squares by measuring each plane of the roof (length and breadth). Then, the two numbers are multiplied to get the exact answer. Each roof is different. Hence, they have different planes. For example - the gable style has two planes - one at the front of the house and the other one at the back. After the contractor has measured each plane, they combine them to get an estimate of the total number of squares.
How Much Does a Square of Shingle Weigh?
The weight of the square of the shingle depends on the type of shingle. The weight is measured in pounds per square. The weight of the shingles is considered an important factor in a roofing project, as it may impact the structure of your home and the installation process.
Here are a few types of shingles with their weights -
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Asphalt Shingles - Asphalt shingles are affordable and weigh between 200 and 450 pounds per square (100 square feet).
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Wooden Shingles - They are also known as "cedar snakes" and can weigh between 300 and 600 pounds per square.
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Slate Shingles - They are premium shingles that weigh somewhere between 100 and 200 pounds per square.
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Metal Shingles - They are lightweight and durable and weigh between 100 and 200 pounds per square.
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Tile Shingles - They are usually made of clay or concrete, and they can weigh anywhere between 700 and 1,200 pounds per square.
What is the Importance of the Weight of Roofing Shingles?
Structural Integrity
The home's ability to sustain the weight of the shingles determines its structural integrity. Heavy roof shingles may cause the structure to sag, crack, and even collapse if the structure is not able to hold heavy weight. On the other hand, the lighter shingles don't put pressure on the structure but may not be able to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Local Building Codes
Local building codes state the minimum requirements for the weight of a roof. These codes help ensure your family's safety which may be compromised with inappropriate shingles. It is advisable to check the local building codes to ensure that your roof meets the minimum weight requirements.
Installation and Maintenance
Heavier shingles, such as asphalt and tiles, may need added equipment and more labour to install. This makes the installation process quite costly. Lighter shingles, such as wood and slate, are easier to install and maintain, requiring less labour.
Durability and Lifespan
The lifespan and durability of the shingle can be determined by its weight. The weight of the shingles can also have an impact on their long-term performance and resistance to weathering, wear, and tear, reducing your roof's longevity.
How to Calculate Shingles Weight?
Calculating the weight of shingles is easy. To do so, you'll need to understand how many bundles will cover the roof. This can be done by dividing the roof area by 33. For example, if the roof area is 2,000 square feet, you can divide it by 33. So, you will need 60.60 bundles for the roof.
Now, you can multiply the bundle by the average weight of the bundle type. Let's say - the average of 3-tab shingles is 45-60 pounds. Here, the total weight of the shingles would be 2,727 pounds. Here's a numerical explanation of how to calculate shingles weight -
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Area of the roof = 2,000 square feet
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Bundle required = 2,000/33
Therefore, the bundles required would be 60.60
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Total weight of the shingle = 45*60.60
Therefore, the weight of the shingle is 2,727
Factors Affecting the Weight of the Shingle
The weight of the shingle is affected by several factors, and here are some of them -
Material Composition
As discussed before, the material shingle is made to determine its weight. Asphalt shingles weigh around 200 to 500 pounds per square (100 square feet). At the same time, metal shingles can weigh anywhere between 100 and 200 pounds per square. The heavier the material, the more it will weigh.
Size and Thickness of the Shingle
The weight of the shingle is also determined by its dimensions. The thickness of the shingle is as important as its size. Architectural shingles are thicker, so they weigh more. A bundle of them frequently weighs more than 80 pounds. On the other hand, a 3-tab shingle is thinner, and a bundle will probably weigh between 50 and 60 pounds.
Bundle Packaging Details
Shingle bundles should be made manageable in terms of size and weight. Architectural shingles are bulkier and usually weigh 60 to 80 pounds per bundle. Whereas a normal bundle of 3-tab shingles is 45 to 60 pounds. Shingles for large-scale projects are packed onto pallets, which hold about 33 bundles of architectural shingles or 42 bundles of 3-tab shingles.
Handling of Shingle Bundles
Shingle bundles are heavy. Hence, it needs proper handling and shipping equipment and techniques. It is important to ensure the lifting vehicle can manage the load. It is also important to adhere to the manufacturer's instructions to avoid injury.
Shipping Considerations
When shipping the shingle, it is important to consider proper packaging. This is because it affects fuel consumption and shipping expenses. It helps deliver the shingles safely and economically.
How Much Does a Bundle of Shingles Cost?
The price of a bundle of shingles depends on the type and brand, but on average, asphalt shingles cost between $20 and $35 per bundle. This makes them one of the most affordable roofing materials. Architectural shingles are a bit expensive, usually ranging from $30 and $50 per bundle. Premium options, such as wood, slate, or metal shingles, are pricier than architectural shingles.
Conclusion
Knowing the weight of roofing shingles can help with better planning for installation. It gives a clear estimate of the load capacity for a dumpster. Also, it ensures your roof structure can handle the material - making it last longer. The weight also affects transportation. Hence, it is advisable to consult a professional roofer in your area to make a smart choice for your home.
