Between storm season and our coastal sun, Lowcountry roofs work hard, and tear-offs are one of the most common reasons people rent a roll-off dumpster. Old shingles are heavy, though, and a roof that fits easily by volume can still blow past a dumpster’s weight allowance. Here’s how roofers and homeowners can size the container right the first time.
Start with squares
Roofers measure in squares. One square equals 100 square feet of roof surface. A 2,500 sq ft roof is 25 squares. Steep pitches, dormers and valleys add surface area, so use the roof measurement, not the home’s floor plan.
How much do shingles weigh?
Approximate weight of one square of tear-off debris:
| Shingle type | Approx. weight per square |
|---|---|
| 3-tab asphalt | 200–250 lbs |
| Architectural (dimensional) asphalt | 250–400 lbs |
| Add for a second layer | Double it |
| Add for wet shingles, underlayment, decking | +10–20% |
Example: a 25-square roof with one layer of architectural shingles at about 350 lbs per square is roughly 8,750 lbs, or about 4.4 tons, before any rotten decking comes off.
Which dumpster size for your roof?
| Roof size (one layer) | Suggested dumpster |
|---|---|
| Up to ~15 squares | 15 yard |
| ~15–30 squares | 20 yard |
| ~30–45 squares, or two layers on a mid-size roof | 30 yard, or two 20 yard pulls |
| Large or multi-layer commercial roofs | Multiple pulls; call us to plan |
Tips for a smooth tear-off
- Place the dumpster close to the eave where the crew will be tossing debris, with clearance from power lines.
- Protect the driveway and landscaping. Ask about boards under the rails, and tarp nearby beds and lawn to catch nails.
- Keep it to roofing debris. Mixing in household junk eats up your weight allowance.
- Load evenly and keep it level with the top of the container so it can be hauled safely.
- Plan around weather. Wet shingles weigh more, and an open container fills with rain. Schedule delivery close to tear-off day.
Roofing contractors: ask about volume pricing
If you’re tearing off roofs every week, a contractor account with builder and volume pricing keeps costs predictable and scheduling simple. We offer same-day and next-day delivery when containers are available, so your crew isn’t waiting on a dumpster.
Order your roofing dumpster
Call (843) 247-9482 with your square count and shingle type and we’ll recommend the right size, or book a roll-off dumpster online. Serving Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Beaufort and Jasper County.