Do you need to replace your asphalt shingle roof soon? If so, one of the first questions you might have is: How many bundles of shingles will I need? This is a great question, and it’s important to understand the basics before starting any roofing project.
Roofing can seem confusing, especially with all the industry terms like “bundles” and “squares.” But once these terms are explained clearly, it’s not as hard to understand as it might seem. In this guide, you’ll learn what a roofing square is, how many shingles are needed to cover one, and how to estimate the total amount necessary for your roof replacement.
What Is a Roofing Square?
In roofing, a square is a standard unit that helps contractors estimate materials more easily. It represents 100 square feet of roof area. So, if your total roof surface is 2,000 square feet, your roof has 20 squares. Click here to learn more about how this measurement system simplifies planning and purchasing. This system makes it easier for roofers to estimate the materials, labour, and time required for a project. Instead of working with thousands of square feet, they use squares to make calculations more manageable.
Remember that your home’s square footage isn’t the same as your roof’s square footage. For example, if your home is 2,000 square feet on one level, the roof might be larger due to the slope or design. So, measuring the actual roof is necessary to get an accurate estimate.
See also: Home Security 101: Protecting What Matters Most
How Many Bundles Are Needed for a Single Roofing Square?
Shingles are packaged in bundles, and the number of bundles needed to cover one square depends on the type and brand of shingle you choose.
Most standard asphalt shingles require three bundles to cover 100 square feet of roof. This is true for both 3-tab shingles and architectural shingles, which are the most commonly used types in the U.S.
However, it’s not always exactly three. Some high-end or thicker architectural shingles may require four bundles per square. That’s because some of these shingles are larger or made with more material, which means fewer shingles per bundle.
Regarding luxury shingles, the number of bundles needed for one square can vary even more. For example, one type of luxury shingle might need three bundles to cover a square, while another type may need five. This varies based on the shingles’ size, thickness, and weight.
For complete accuracy on how many bundles you need per square, always refer to the packaging or product details provided by the manufacturer. That will tell you exactly how many bundles are required for one square of that specific shingle.
How Many Shingles Are in a Bundle?
Once you know how many bundles go into a roofing square, you might wonder how many shingles are in each.
Again, this depends on the type of shingle. For standard architectural shingles, a single bundle usually contains between 20 and 22 shingles. So if it takes three bundles to cover one roofing square, about 60 to 66 shingles are needed to cover 100 square feet of roof.
While the bundle count for 3-tab shingles is generally similar, they are usually thinner and lighter than architectural shingles.
For luxury shingles, the number of shingles per bundle is quite different. Some bundles might contain as few as 10 or 12 shingles because these types are much larger or thicker than standard ones. As a result, even though you get fewer shingles per bundle, they still cover a similar area because each shingle is bigger or more durable.
It’s clear why the number of shingles per bundle can vary — it all depends on the type, size, and weight of the shingles. Always check the details provided on the packaging or the manufacturer’s website.
How Many Bundles Will You Need for a Roof Replacement?
For example, if your total roof area is 2,000 square feet, that works out to 20 roofing squares, since every square covers 100 square feet.
If you’re using standard architectural shingles that require three bundles per square, you would need:
For 20 squares, with 3 bundles per square, you would need 60.
That’s a good basic estimate, but remember, it’s always best to add a few extra bundles to your order. Roofers often order about 10% extra for mistakes, cutting, and waste during installation. So for a 20-square roof, you might need about 66 bundles instead of just 60.
Also, if you choose luxury shingles or a high-end architectural shingle that needs four or five bundles per square, the total number of bundles will be higher. For example, if a luxury shingle requires five bundles per square, then you would need:
20 squares x 5 bundles per square = 100 bundles total
This is why knowing the exact type of shingle you’ll use is important when estimating how many bundles to buy.
Shingles Aren’t the Only Thing You Need
Shingles are just one part of a complete roofing system. When replacing your roof, it’s important to know that many other materials are needed to make them strong, waterproof, and long-lasting.
- Underlayment: A protective layer installed under the shingles that helps prevent water leaks.
- Starter strips: These go along the roof edges and help begin the rows of shingles properly
- Ridge caps: Special shingles used on the peaks or ridges of the roof.
- Roof vents: Allow airflow and help prevent moisture buildup inside the attic.
- Flashing: Metal pieces installed around chimneys, vents, and other roof openings to stop leaks.
- Nails and sealants: Essential materials to hold everything in place and protect from wind and rain.
If even one of these components is missing or done incorrectly, it can lead to problems like leaks, mould, or structural damage. That’s why it’s important to work with a trusted roofing contractor who includes all these parts in your roof replacement project — not just the shingles.
