Best Dumpster Size for Shingle Roof Replacement Projects

It is important to remember that your work is not complete once you have nailed down the last strip of your shingles onto your roof. You will now be faced with trying to figure out how to get rid of your old roofing shingles. The good news is having the right sized dumpster to get rid of your old shingles will prove to be very helpful. Here, we will help you determine which dumpster size is ideal for your shingle roof replacement project as well as some dumpster rental tips that may save you some money in the process.

Types of Roofing Shingles

Currently, the two most widely used roofing shingles are architectural-style and 3-tab asphalt shingles. Architectural-style shingles are considered the more modern of the two types and may provide your roof with a “premium” appearance. However, that premium look comes at a price, as architectural-style shingles tend to be heavier than their 3-tab counterpart. As such, it is important to not underestimate their weight, as failure to factor in the added weight may lead to exorbitant overage charges.

As for 3-tab shingles, they are the more antiquated of the two, meaning they are more conventional and are the more commonly used of the two types; primarily because they are more traditional as well as more economical. Also, 3-tab shingles are lighter than architectural shingles, so you will be less likely to exceed the weight limit of the dumpster that you rent.

How Much Does a Shingle Bundle Weigh Exactly?

Most of the time, people purchase shingles in bundles. Three bundles will equate to a single square, and one square is equivalent to one hundred square feet. In terms of weight, a bundle of shingles will be quite heavy, with the typical range being sixty to eighty pounds, depending on the type that is bought.

It is very important that you are able to determine the approximate number of shingle squares that you need to get rid of. By knowing the approximate amount, the dumpster rental company will be able to determine what size dumpster to provide you with when they deliver the dumpster to your home.

How Much Does a Square Weigh?

A square of shingles can weigh anywhere from two hundred and fifty to four hundred pounds, depending on the type of shingle in question. It is also important to realize that many roofs will have several layers of shingles, so you will need to factor that realization into the equation when ascertaining the size of dumpster that you need.

For instance, if you have a 30 square roof that happens to have 2 layers of shingles then the shingle waste that will be generated will amount to 60 squares. You should be aware of the number of layers of shingles that are situated on the roof before you make the call to the dumpster rental company. A miscalculation or underestimation of the weight of shingle refuse may necessitate a call for a second dumpster, which will add to your costs and waste time as well.

Which Size Dumpster Will I Need?

We will begin by looking at 3-tab shingles, which can weigh up to two hundred and fifty pounds per square. For instance, if you have 10 roofing squares then the weight of the shingle debris may amount to 1.25 tons. For such a scenario, the best size for your dumpster will be roughly 10 yards. In fact, 10 yards would also be the ideal size for 20 roofing squares that weigh 2.5 tons.

However, if the weight exceeds 3.75 tons — or 30 squares — then you will need 15 yards, while 5 tons of shingle debris weight — around 40 squares — will need a dumpster that is 20 yards. Moreover, once you exceed the 6.5-ton mark — approximately 50 squares — you will likely need a dumpster that is bigger than 20 yards, and anything that exceeds the 7.5-ton mark — 60 or more squares— will need a bin that is 30 yards or more.

As for architectural-style shingles, they tend to weigh roughly 40% more than 3-tab shingles. You will need a bigger dumpster to accommodate the extra weight. 10 roofing squares of architectural shingles will weigh roughly 2 tons, and will require a 10-yard dumpster. 20 squares will weigh roughly 4 tons and will require a 12-yard dumpster, while 6 tons — 30 squares — will necessitate a dumpster that is 20 yards.

Once you hit the 8-ton mark — 40 squares — you will need something bigger than 20 yards, and if you manage to hit the 10+ ton mark — 50 square minimum — then you will need a dumpster that is at least 30 yards.

How to Save on Your Dumpster Rental

How much you will end up paying will depend on the rental duration, where you are located geographically, the weight allowance, as well as the size of the container you rent. However, there are some general tips that you can follow to maximize your savings. For instance, we would suggest that you call several dumpster rental companies in the city and use the competing quotes that you receive in order to leverage a better deal for yourself.

Also, if you are in doubt in terms of capacity then we would suggest that you rent a bigger sized dumpster, as it will reduce the risk of overage charges or needing to rent a second bin in the event that you run out of space. Moreover, if you rent dumpsters on a routine basis then ask the company if they would be willing to give you a discount for being a repeat customer. Most dumpster rental companies love loyal and long-term customers, and will usually provide their most loyal customers with discounts to keep them happy and loyal.

For more information about choosing a dumpster or your roofing project, give Gorilla Bins a call at 877-700-2467 or contact us here.