News & Advice

To determine how many bundles of shingles you need for a 1500-square-foot house, you’ll need to consider the slope or pitch of the roof and the type of shingles you plan to use. Here’s how you can calculate it:

• Measure Roof Area – Measure the length and width of each section of your roof in feet. For example, if your house has a simple rectangular roof, you may have two sections: one for each side of the ridge.
• Calculate Roof Area – Calculate the area of each roof section by multiplying its length by its width. Add the areas of all sections together to get the total roof area in square feet.
• Account for Roof Pitch – Roof pitch refers to the roof’s steepness. The steeper the roof, the more shingles you will need. The pitch is typically represented as a ratio (e.g., 4:12, 6:12, etc.) or as a percentage. To account for the pitch, you can use a multiplier. For example, for a 4:12 pitch, you might use a multiplier of 1.05; for a 6:12 pitch, you might use a multiplier of 1.10.
• Determine Shingle Coverage – Each bundle of shingles covers a specific area, which is often mentioned on the shingle packaging. For example, a pile of shingles may cover approximately 33.33 square feet.
• Calculate Shingles Needed – Divide the total roof area (after applying the pitch multiplier) by the coverage area of one bundle of shingles to determine the number of piles needed.

It’s essential to consider the manufacturer’s recommended installation instructions and any additional shingles needed for overhangs, starter strips, ridges, and waste. Always purchase a few extra bundles to account for any debris and for future repairs.