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Calculate roofing materials including shingles, bundles, underlayment, and nails. Enter your roof dimensions or area to get accurate material estimates.
Simple roof: 10%, Complex roof: 15-20%
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A roofing square is 100 square feet of roof area. This is the standard unit for ordering roofing materials.
The pitch multiplier converts flat footprint area to actual roof surface area based on the roof slope.
Roof Area = Footprint × Pitch Multiplier
Standard 3-tab shingles: 3 bundles per square. Architectural shingles: 4 bundles per square. Premium or heavy shingles may require 5 bundles. Always check the manufacturer specifications on the bundle for exact coverage.
Simple gable roofs: 10%. Hip roofs or complex shapes: 15%. Very complex with many valleys and dormers: 20%. First-time DIYers should add an extra 5% for cutting mistakes and learning curve.
Measure from the attic: for every 12 inches horizontal, measure the vertical rise. A 6/12 pitch rises 6 inches per foot of run. You can also use a pitch gauge or smartphone app from the ground by looking at the roof profile.
3-tab shingles: 15-20 years. Architectural shingles: 25-30 years. Premium shingles: 30-50 years. Metal roofing: 40-70+ years. Actual lifespan depends on climate, ventilation, and maintenance.
Yes, underlayment is required by building codes in most areas. It provides a secondary water barrier and protects the roof deck. Use 15 or 30 lb felt, or synthetic underlayment for better durability.
In many areas, you can install new shingles over one layer of existing shingles. However, this adds weight to your roof structure and may hide underlying damage. Check local building codes and consider a full tear-off for best results.
| Material | Cost/Sq | Lifespan | Bundles/Sq |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab Shingles | $80-120 | 15-20 years | 3 |
| Architectural | $100-180 | 25-30 years | 4 |
| Metal Panels | $150-300 | 40-70 years | N/A |
| Clay Tile | $300-500 | 50-100 years | N/A |
| Wood Shake | $250-400 | 25-30 years | 5 |