Calculate the Weight of Your Shingles
Shingles are deceptively heavy. As a result, it can be tricky to decide how much roofing material you can throw in a dumpster before you hit your weight limit. Before you start, use our calculator to get an accurate weight for the roofing material you’re tossing.
Common Types of Shingles:
• Three-Tab Asphalt: Come in one size that consists of three separate 12-inch tabs.
• Architectural Asphalt: Available in various sizes and shapes, often with a stacked appearance.
• Slate: Offered in a few colors and sizes, but always has a stone-like appearance.
Our calculator will recommend the most common roll off dumpster size for your debris. Sizes and availability may vary by location. Call our team at 844-282-4253 to see what sizes are available near you and to place an order.
How Much Do Shingles Weigh?
To calculate shingle weight, you’ll need to understand bundles and squares. A square of shingles is a roofing term for 100 square feet of material. It typically takes 3 bundles of shingles to cover a square of roof. While you’ll hear both terms, bundle is more commonly used when purchasing shingles, while square is associated with a completed roof or shingle removal.
Keep in Mind: The exact weight per bundle or square of shingles depends on the manufacturer. Also, remember that older shingles will weigh less as they are worn down by the elements over time.
Type | Average Weight Per Square | Average Weight Per Bundle |
|---|---|---|
Three-Tab Asphalt | 230-250 pounds | 50-80 pounds |
Architectural Asphalt | 400-430 pounds | 65-80 pounds |
Slate | 800-1,000 pounds | Over 300 pounds |
How Many Squares of Shingles Fit in a Dumpster?
Depending on the size of the dumpster and the type of shingles you’re tossing, you can fit anywhere from 4 to 20 squares of shingles in the container. If you need help deciding on a roofing dumpster size, our team is just a call away to answer your questions.
Dumpster Size | Asphalt Three-Tab | Architectural Asphalt | Slate |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Up to 15 squares | Up to 10 squares | 4-6 squares |
 | Up to 15 squares | Up to 10 squares | 4-6 squares |
 | Up to 20 squares | Up to 15 squares | 6-7 squares |
For large roof tear-offs, you can schedule ongoing roll off service or rent more than one dumpster to help keep you from overloading the container beyond road safety limits, which could result in overage fees.
Shingle Weight FAQs
How much does a bundle of shingles weigh?
A bundle of three-tab asphalt or architectural asphalt shingles typically weighs between 50-80 pounds, while slate shingles weigh over 300 pounds a bundle. The exact weight of a bundle depends on the shingle type and manufacturer.
How much does a square of shingles weigh?
The average weight of a square of three-tab asphalt shingles is 230-250 pounds, while architectural asphalt shingles typically weigh 400-430 pounds per square. A square of slate shingles weighs 800-1,000 pounds on average.
Can shingles go in a dumpster?
Yes, renting a dumpster is a convenient way to dispose of your old roofing materials. The bin size you rent will depend on the type and amount of shingles you're tossing. Use our shingle weight calculator to determine the approximate weight of your debris so our team can help you rent the right container size for your project.
How do you get rid of old shingles?
The type and quantity of shingles you are getting rid of can impact your disposal options. If you plan to take your shingles to a dump yourself, you will need access to a pickup truck with a cover for safe transportation. If you are looking to recycle old asphalt shingles, research recycling facilities nearby. The easiest way to dispose of old shingles is to rent a dumpster. Our team can help you pick a size that fits your project and guarantees safe and easy shingle removal.
How many squares of shingles will a 20 yard dumpster hold?
A 20 yard roll off dumpster can hold approximately 15-20 squares of asphalt shingles, and 6-7 squares of slate shingles. For large projects, consider renting more than one dumpster or scheduling ongoing swap-out service in order to avoid going over the bin's weight limit.
More Shingle Disposal Resources
Use these helpful resources to guide your shingle choices and to learn more about roofing projects.
Residential Tips:
Contractor Resources: