How much do architectural shingles weigh per square foot?
How to figure it from the bundle
- Find the bundle weight on the wrapper or product listing.
- Multiply by bundles per square, usually three for architectural shingles.
- Divide by 100 for pounds per square foot.
At about 70 pounds a bundle, 3 bundles is about 210 pounds per square, or 2.1 pounds per square foot. Premium thick laminates and designer shingles that use four or more bundles per square can run noticeably heavier. Check the exact product, since weights vary by line and plant.
Does the house care?
A standard Georgia house framed to code carries one layer of architectural shingles with plenty of margin. Weight becomes a question when:
- A second layer is being considered over the old roof.
- Switching from metal or light 3-tab to a heavy designer shingle.
- Framing already shows sag, cracked rafters or altered trusses.
Weight on replacement day
Weight adds up quickly. A 25 square roof of a 210 pound per square shingle is about 5,250 pounds of new material, and the tear-off of the old roof adds a similar load to the dumpster. That is why suppliers often deliver bundles straight onto the roof with a conveyor and spread them across the ridge.
Handling and safety
A 70 pound bundle carried up a ladder is real work, and stacking too many bundles in one spot can stress decking. Good crews spread loads along the ridge. Read what to expect on roof replacement day and roofing over existing shingles.