Shingle weight calculator for finding the right dumpster size

That compact bundle of shingles looks tidy enough to carry under an arm, but rest assured – it takes two arms and plenty of effort. As you approach your roofing project and it’s time to remove those old shingles, you’ll need to get an approximate weight so you can rent the right-sized dumpster.

Fortunately, there is a way to determine what size dumpster you will need for your roof’s shingles so you can dispose of the old ones and get started on installing a new roof. It’s important to stay on schedule with your roofing project, and one way to do that is to get a dumpster that can handle all the weight your old shingles will generate. Therefore, knowing up front what your shingles will weigh will help you stay on track.

There are many different roofing materials on the market today, but the most common is asphalt shingles. Therefore, our shingle weight calculator is structured around the weight of this product and will help you quickly and easily determine which unit you should rent from us at A City Suburban Dumpsters. We’ll drop it off where and when you need it, and we’ll pick up the dumpster for you when it is full or you are done with it.

The benefits of using a roofing weight calculator

To get a better idea of what your roofing project will entail, you need to know the weight of the shingles coming off your current roof, as they will need to be disposed of quickly, safely and efficiently. To that end, you can now utilize our online tool designed to give you an accurate estimate of the weight of your waste.

At A City Suburban Dumpsters, our online shingle roofing dumpster calculator has been designed so it is easy to use, even for people who have never had the need to calculate asphalt shingle weight.

To help you avoid obstacles/roadblocks/stoppage in your project, you need a dumpster to clear your waste from the job site. Projects can come to a screeching halt if you rent a dumpster that is too small and it fills up too fast and must be taken away.

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How to calculate shingles weight

It’s almost impossible to accurately guess how much shingles weigh, so rather than risk taking a stab in the dark and renting the wrong dumpster, our shingle weight calculator provides an estimate that you can count on. All you have to do is fill in the fields provided and you’ll get accurate results.

The vital information required to use the calculator includes knowing the type of shingles you have on your roof (three-tab or architectural), how many layers are coming off and the square footage of your roof. After entering this information, you’ll get an estimated weight and the recommended dumpster size for your project.

If you don’t have the data required to use the online calculator, simply give us a call and we can make some estimations with the information you can provide. Also, keep in mind that our online calculator is for estimation purposes, which means it is only as accurate as the information entered.

Calculate the weight of your asphalt shingles

A shingle weight calculator takes into account different types of input to help users determine how big of a dumpster they need for the shingles they are disposing of. We’ll cover these variables here:

What type of shingles are you removing?

Two types of asphalt shingles dominate the market today – three-tab and architectural shingles. There are also heavier varieties on the market, which can go by a variety of names, but two of the most common are dimensional and luxury shingles. Knowing what type of shingles you’re having removed is crucial in obtaining more precise information for acquiring the right roofing dumpster.

Common types of asphalt shingles:

• Three-tab asphalt shingles

  
  

  Affordable and available in a wide variety of colors, three-tab asphalt shingles are plentiful on the market today and are found on many homes throughout the U.S. They are easy to install and easy to remove. Furthermore, they are lighter than other types of shingles because they are thinner.

• Architectural asphalt shingles

  
  

  A thicker and heavier, more premium roofing product is the architectural shingle. They are popular for the aesthetic they bring to a home, providing great curb appeal. Being thicker, they’re also more durable and better insulators than their less expensive counterparts.

How much do shingles weigh?

When professional roofers are asked how much shingles weigh, their first thought is to make their estimation based on calculating bundles and/or squares. With a “square” of shingles measuring 100 square feet, an experienced roofer will be able to calculate how many squares it takes to cover a roof. Furthermore, they know that it takes roughly three bundles of shingles to cover a square. While “square” and “bundle” are used frequently, you’ll hear “bundle” mentioned more often in the purchasing phase of the project rather than the tear off of the old roof.

Average weight of asphalt shingles

Asphalt roof shingle weight varies depending on the type of shingle and the manufacturer, but the rule of thumb is 50 to 80 pounds per bundle. That means a square of shingles will weigh between 150 and 240 pounds.

Since architectural shingles are thicker than three-tab shingles, you can count on them weighing more than 50 pounds per bundle. The average weight of architectural shingles will vary between 65 and 80 pounds per bundle.

It’s also important to remember that the weight of asphalt shingles as they age can weigh less than new shingles, as weathering will chip away at the protective granules, thus reducing the weight over time.

How many squares of shingles fit in a dumpster?

To know how many squares of shingles fit in a dumpster, you need to know what type of shingles you’re placing in the dumpster. You also have to factor in the size of the dumpster, as you can’t fill it over the top edge. Dumpsters also have a weight limit that you can’t surpass without being hit with extra fees.

There is also other material to account for, such as felt paper, nails and various other waste that will take up space in the dumpster. As a general rule, dumpsters will safely hold anywhere from 13 squares in the smaller units to 35 squares in the larger units. Small projects usually require a single dumpster, but larger jobs will necessitate backup dumpsters.

Recommended dumpster size for shingles removal

A dumpster can’t be filled beyond the top edge of the unit, as this can pose risks during transportation. Furthermore, staying within the weight limits is also advised for safety, but also for avoiding overage fees. Use this table to get an idea of what each dumpster will hold.

You’ll see in the table that the 10-cubic-yard dumpster will hold up to 22 squares of three-tab shingles. In the Chicago area, on roofs where three-tab shingles are installed will be covered by 22 squares, which means the smallest unit could work. However, if the same-sized roof is covered in architectural shingles, you'll need to bump up to the 20-cubic-yard dumpster and perhaps schedule a smaller backup.

Bumping up to the 15-cubic-yard dumpster, you’ll see that it can handle 25 squares and could weigh as much as 6,000 pounds, which is the weight limit on that dumpster size. If you suspect you’ll have additional materials to dispose of that could push you over the limit, it would be wise to schedule a second unit as a backup.

Finally, for some of the larger homes in Chicago where 35 squares of shingles cover the roof, it's advisable to use the largest recommended dumpster, which is 20 cubic yards. Any large home or any project involving one or more layers of architectural shingles are a good fit for the 20-cubic-yard dumpster.

How many shingle layers are on the roof?

Another vital piece of information that will inform how you plan your roofing project is the number of layers of shingles on the roof. Chicago doesn’t allow more than two layers, so it’s highly unlikely that your project will involve more than two layers.

Fortunately, it’s almost always easy to assess how many layers on your roof – just take a look from the side. If your shingles lay flush with the underlayment, there is a good chance you’ve only got one layer. However, if you see what appears to be stacked shingles in a thick layer, there are likely two layers.

The math is fairly simple on this, as two layers of shingles effectively double your dumpster needs. If you had determined that your three-tab shingles required a 10-cubic-yard dumpster, but now you realize you have two layers, you’ll need to bump up your dumpster size and/or number of dumpsters.

Frequently asked questions about roof shingles weigh

If you’ve embarked on a roofing project, you’ve probably discovered early on that it’s crucial to know what your shingles weigh so you can rent a dumpster where they will all fit. To get a better idea of what a bundle of shingles or a square of shingles weighs, we’ve provided the answers to the most commonly asked questions of homeowners in your exact position.

How much does a bundle of shingles weigh?

The three-tab or architectural shingles on one house can differ in weight from those on another house. That’s because if they’re not made by the same manufacturer, they could be constructed quite differently. The average bundle of shingles will range from 50 pounds to 80 pounds. Variations in weight are almost always based on the way they are made, as some will have more ingredients than others.

How much does a bundle of 3-tab shingles weigh?

Ranging from 50 to 80 pounds, three-tab shingles are the lightest on the market. To know exactly how much a bundle of three-tab shingles weighs in regard to your project, look for branding on the shingles and contact the company that makes them. They should be able to narrow that 50-80 pound variance for you.

How much does a bundle of architectural shingles weigh?

A bundle of architectural shingles weighs 65 to 80 pounds. The variance in weight is due to the fact that not all shingle manufacturers create their architectural shingles the same. To make sure you’ve got the weight of your shingles correct, check with the manufacturer for a more precise estimate.

How much does a square of shingles weigh?

A square of three-tab shingles weighs between 230 to 250 pounds. The thicker architectural shingles weigh 400 to 430 pounds per square. It’s critical to know the difference between these types of shingles, as this will have a significant impact on which dumpster will be a good fit for your project.

How many squares of shingles will a 20-yard dumpster hold?

You can fit roughly 13 to 35 squares of asphalt shingles in a 20-yard dumpster. A unit this size would be used on larger projects where it would be advisable to plan ahead with your dumpster company should you need to have multiple units available to swap out as the project progresses.

How many squares of shingles fit in a 30-yard dumpster?

The 30-yard dumpster is the largest of them all, but it’s not made for dense materials like shingles. Rather, these large units are meant for bulky materials that take up a lot of room, but are not excessively dense and heavy. Therefore, this dumpster would not be suitable for roofing projects, as filling it with shingles would exceed the weight limit of the unit and be a hazard during transport.

Select the premier dumpster rental company serving the Chicago area

At A City Suburban Dumpsters, we’ve got a solution for any roofing project. Regardless of how small or large the roof or how many layers are coming off, we’ve got roll-off units that will meet your needs. We’ve created online tools specifically built to help you determine the approximate weight of your shingles, as well as helpful descriptions and recommendations of and for our dumpsters.

Our calculator is easy to use, and it’s a vital tool in assisting you in getting your project started on the right foot. Before a new roof can be installed, the old shingles need to come off and be disposed of in an efficient manner. That’s what we offer at A City Suburban Dumpsters. If you’ve got questions, contact us, because we’ve assisted many clients and we’ll have all the answers you need.