Roofing projects often involve more than just laying standard shingles. When you have hips and ridges on your roof, you’ll need hip and ridge shingles to cover these areas effectively.
Calculating the right amount of hip and ridge shingles is crucial to avoid shortages or excessive waste. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to calculate hip and ridge shingles for your roofing project.
Introduction
Hip and ridge shingles are specially designed to cover the angled ridges and hips of your roof, providing an attractive and protective finish. Properly estimating the quantity of these shingles ensures that your roofing project goes smoothly.
Step 1: Measure the Roof’s Hips and Ridges
Before you can calculate the number of hip and ridge shingles you need, you must measure the length of the hips and ridges on your roof. To do this, follow these steps:
- Use a measuring tape: Measure the length of each hip and ridge, starting from one end to the other. Add up these measurements to get the total linear footage.
Step 2: Check the Shingle Bundle Coverage
The coverage of hip and ridge shingle bundles can vary between manufacturers and shingle types. It’s essential to refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for the specific hip and ridge shingles you plan to use. Look for the linear feet of coverage per bundle. This information should be readily available on the packaging or product details.
Step 3: Calculate the Quantity Needed
Once you have the total linear footage of your hips and ridges and the linear feet of coverage per bundle, you can calculate the quantity of hip and ridge shingle bundles required. Use the following formula:
Quantity needed = (Total linear footage ÷ Linear feet of coverage per bundle) + 10% for waste
The 10% addition accounts for any cutting or potential errors during installation. It’s always better to have a little extra on hand than to run short.
Example:
Let’s say you’re working on a roof with a total linear footage of hips and ridges measuring 80 feet. The hip and ridge shingle bundles you plan to use have a linear feet of coverage per bundle of 20 feet. Using the formula:
Quantity needed = (80 linear feet ÷ 20 linear feet per bundle) + 10% = (4 bundles) + 10% = 4.4 bundles
In this example, you would need to purchase approximately 4.4 bundles of hip and ridge shingles. Since you can’t buy a fraction of a bundle, round up to 5 bundles to ensure you have enough.
Verdict
Calculating hip and ridge shingles for your roofing project is a straightforward process that ensures you have the right materials to complete the job.
By measuring your roof’s hips and ridges, checking the bundle coverage, and using a simple formula, you can accurately estimate the quantity needed.
Remember to include a small margin for waste to avoid any last-minute shortages during installation. Proper planning and calculation are key to a successful roofing project.
