The roof is a central structural element of your home. A successful roofing or re-roofing project requires a significant investment of money and time. Therefore, you cannot afford to make mistakes during the installation process.
So, it is highly recommended to hire a professional roofing contractor. It is tough to select the appropriate type of roofing for your property these days. And after selecting the correct type of roof, you need to calculate the total number of shingles required.
Roof shingles have attained massive popularity in recent years, thanks to their versatile features. Calculating the total number of shingles required for the roofing project may be challenging. That’s why using a calculator for shingles is the best option to stick to the budget.
Overview of Shingles in a Roof
Shingles are flat and rectangular pieces of asphalt and other roofing material. Roofers apply shingles from the base of the roof. If you want to make your roof lightweight and durable, investing in asphalt shingle roofing is suitable.
The main function of shingles is to shield the roof from external elements like water and snow. Roofers install shingles in courses from the bottom to the top. The type of shingle you select affects the roof pitch and the construction procedure. Every roof shingle material poses various heat transfer properties. So, it is crucial to choose the right shingle based on your location’s weather.
The Total Number of Shingles You Need for Your Roofing Project
If you are replacing or repairing the roof, it is essential to learn how many shingles you’ll need to accomplish the job. Typically, no two shingles measure the same. Here are some key aspects to know about shingles.
- A package of shingles is referred to as a bundle
- A bundle typically comprises fifteen to twenty-nine shingles
- Irrespective of the shingle type, the bundle can cover approximately 34 square feet of roof
- A contractor also uses roof underlayment and nails while installing shingles
- You should calculate the material that’s cut off and overlapped
Bundles typically weigh the same irrespective of the total number of shingles. One of the best ways to know the total number of shingles is by using a shingle calculator.
With a calculator for shingles, you can estimate how many bundles of shingles are required. It’s common for professional roofers to refer to a calculator to estimate the number of shingles needed for the project.
Things to Consider Before Procuring Shingles
Roofing shingles are typically sold in packs of m2. Therefore, it is crucial to determine the total area of the roof. You should also know about the overall dimensions of the ridge of your roof. Here are the aspects to consider before procuring shingles for your roofing project.
- Measuring the Roof’s Area
Measuring the total area of the roof is typically a straightforward process. Professional roofers measure the full length through its long edge. They also measure the size of the roof’s slope. Skilled and experienced roofers deploy the latest tools to measure your roof’s area.
- Ridge Measurement is Crucial
For ridge measurement, you will find professional contractors referring to technical drawings. The ridge measurement can help you deduce the total number of shingles required for the project.
The best way to estimate the total number of shingles required is by using a specialized calculator. The calculator is suitable for individuals who build their own roofs. It is also ideal for professional roof contractors.
The Working Mechanism of the Calculator for Shingles
Usually, a calculator for shingles comes with the following two parts.
- It has an input section where you need to add all the measurements for the calculation
- The calculator will display the exact estimation of the number of shingles required for a project
To use this calculator, you should enter the length and width of the roof. It is also essential for you to enter the roof pitch and roof type to get accurate estimations.
For any roofing project, it is best to appoint a professional and experienced contractor. The primary purpose of the calculator for shingles is to help you estimate the cost. Contractors also use this tool to offer upfront and transparent pricing to their customers. So, consider these aspects while using a calculator shingles the next time.
