If you’re planning to re-roof your 2000 square foot house, one of the most common questions you’ll have is, “How many shingles do I need?” It’s a practical question because it directly affects your budget and the success of your roofing project. In this straightforward guide, we’ll help you calculate the number of shingles required for your 2000 square foot roof without diving into complex jargon.
Understanding the Basics
Before we start the calculation, let’s cover some basics:
- Shingles are typically sold in bundles, and each bundle covers a specific area. The most common type is the 3-tab asphalt shingle.
- Roofing calculations are often done in “squares,” where one square equals 100 square feet of roofing material. This simplifies measurements for roofing projects.
Steps to Calculate Shingles
Calculating the number of shingles needed for your 2000 square foot roof is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:
1. Measure Your Roof
Begin by measuring the length and width of your roof. If your roof has multiple sections or slopes, measure each one separately and add the measurements together. Round up your measurements to the nearest foot for simplicity.
2. Calculate the Roof’s Area
Multiply the length by the width of each roof section to find its area in square feet. Then, sum up the areas of all sections to get the total square footage of your roof.
3. Convert to Squares
Since roofing materials are often sold in squares (100 square feet), divide your total roof square footage by 100. This gives you the number of squares needed.
4. Check Shingle Coverage
Different shingle brands and types may have slightly varying coverage per bundle. Most 3-tab asphalt shingles cover around 33 square feet per bundle. To determine the number of bundles needed, divide the number of squares by the shingle’s coverage per bundle.
Example Calculation:
Let’s say your 2000 square foot roof consists of two sections: Section A is 1000 square feet, and Section B is 1000 square feet.
- Total square footage: 1000 (Section A) + 1000 (Section B) = 2000 square feet.
- Convert to squares: 2000 square feet ÷ 100 = 20 squares.
- Shingle coverage per bundle: 33 square feet per bundle.
- Bundles needed: 20 squares ÷ 33 = approximately 61 bundles.
Verdict
For your 2000 square foot roof, you’ll likely need around 61 bundles of 3-tab asphalt shingles to cover the entire area. Keep in mind that it’s a good practice to purchase a little extra for waste and future repairs.
Before making your final purchase, check the specific shingle brand and type you plan to use, as coverage can vary slightly. It’s also advisable to consult with a roofing professional to ensure accuracy and to account for any unique aspects of your roof.
