What Are Shingle Squares?

Shingle Squares

• Determine the size of the individual shingles, whatever type you are using. Because roofing shingles are overlapped, the effective size of an individual shingle is 1/2 the total area of each individual shingle. Once you know the total effective square footage of each individual shingle, multiply this number by the number of shingles in each bundle; this is the effective area per bundle. Then, use this number to calculate the number of bundles per square by dividing 100 by the effective area per bundle.

Roof Size

• You must measure the size of the roof area you are repairing. Often it will be easiest to break up the roof areas to be measured into different sections, especially when dealing with roofs that involve more than one pitch. You must also factor in the amount of shingle overhang desired, as this will add to the total amount of shingles needed.

Shingle Squares Needed

• Divide the total roof area of each section by 100. This is the number of shingle squares needed to cover the section.

Err on the Side of Caution

• It is always better to have more shingles than you need, rather than needing more shingles than you have. With this in mind, always round up the figures you are using to calculate shingle squares. Factor in extras like overhang area, difficult areas that require extra shingles, and errors when installing shingles.