Roofing Dumpster Weight Guide
How much do shingles weigh, how many squares fit, and how to avoid overage.
Shingle Weight Reference
| Roofing Material | Weight / square (100 sq ft) | Squares in 2 tons |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab asphalt | 230–250 lbs | ~16–18 |
| Architectural asphalt | 400–430 lbs | ~8–10 |
| Wood shake | ~300 lbs | ~12–14 |
| Concrete tile | ~900 lbs | ~4 |
| Clay tile | 600–1,200 lbs | ~3–6 |
| Slate | 800–1,500 lbs | ~2–4 |
| Metal panels | ~60–150 lbs | ~26–66 |
Tear-Off Weight by Home Size
| Home size | Squares | 3-tab weight | Architectural weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,200 sq ft | ~15 | ~3,500 lbs ✅ | ~6,000 lbs ❌ |
| 1,800 sq ft | ~22 | ~5,100 lbs ❌ | ~8,800 lbs ❌ |
| 2,500 sq ft | ~28 | ~6,500 lbs ❌ | ~11,200 lbs ❌ |
| 3,200 sq ft | ~35 | ~8,100 lbs ❌ | ~14,000 lbs ❌ |
✅ fits within 2-ton allowance · ⚠ small overage expected · ❌ plan for overage at $0.06/lb. Includes ~10% for underlayment and nails.
How to Avoid Overage on a Roofing Job
- Tell us the square count and shingle type when you book — we'll flag jobs that need a second pull.
- Don't add a second cleanout to the roofing dumpster. Mixing in lumber or appliances eats your weight buffer.
- For two-layer tear-offs, plan on the 5-day rental and a second swap — cheaper than overage on one giant load.
Roofing Dumpster FAQs
How much does a square of asphalt shingles weigh?
One roofing 'square' (100 sq ft of coverage) of 3-tab asphalt shingles weighs about 230–250 lbs. Architectural / dimensional shingles weigh more — about 400–430 lbs per square. A typical roof tear-off adds underlayment, nails, and decking dust totaling roughly 10–15% on top of shingle weight.
Will a typical residential roof tear-off fit in a 16-yard dumpster?
Volume-wise, yes — most 1,500–2,500 sq ft homes (15–25 squares) fit in a single 16-yard. The 2-ton (4,000 lb) included allowance covers about 16–18 squares of 3-tab or 8–10 squares of architectural; anything beyond runs $0.06/lb overage. Call us for tear-offs above 15 squares so we can quote the expected overage up front.
How much does a 16-yard dumpster hold in roofing shingles?
By included weight: about 16–18 squares of 3-tab or 8–10 squares of architectural fit within the 2-ton (4,000 lb) allowance. The dumpster has plenty of volume for a whole tear-off; anything above the allowance is billed at $0.06/lb.
Can I put a second shingle layer in the same dumpster?
Yes — two layers double the weight. A 25-square tear-off with two layers is roughly 11,500 lbs of 3-tab shingles — well over the 2-ton allowance. Plan for overage at $0.06/lb or a second pull.
What else from a roofing job goes in the dumpster?
Old shingles, felt/synthetic underlayment, drip edge, ice-and-water shield, flashing, nails, and rotted decking. Don't put in pressurized roof-coating canisters or solvent-based sealants (hazmat).
Do you deliver to roofing job sites in Hendricks County?
Yes — same-day or next-day delivery across Hendricks, Morgan, Boone, and Putnam counties. We can coordinate placement with your crew so the truck has clear access for the swap.
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