Renting a roll-off dumpster is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to handle waste left behind after a roof replacement project. But not all dumpsters are the same, and without proper planning, you could pay extra for your rental.

Below, this dumpster rental company in Mount Prospect, Illinois is going to explain how to estimate the weight of your shingles and keep your roof disposal costs under control.

How to estimate shingle weight accurately

If this is your first time replacing a roof, you might not realize how heavy shingles can be. They look small and flat, but when there are enough shingles to cover your entire roof, the weight adds up fast. This is why you should estimate the total weight of the materials before renting a dumpster — doing this will help you pick the right dumpster size and avoid any overage fees.

Start by looking at the weight of new shingles. The weight of your old shingles will likely be slightly less because they lose granules and get lighter over time. But it is always better to overestimate than underestimate the weight of your waste.

If you want to calculate the weight of your shingles, multiply the weight of a single shingle bundle by the total number of bundles on your roof, and remember to account for the number of layers. For example, if you know each bundle of shingles weighs 70 pounds and your roof has 30 bundles, that is 2,100 pounds for a single layer. If your roof has two layers, double that number to 4,200 pounds. 

Your dumpster rental company in Mount Prospect, Illinois should be able to guide you here and help you clearly understand how weight affects your dumpster rental.

Your roof size affects your dumpster rental needs.

The size of your roof is very important when you are trying to figure out how much waste you will have to dispose of. A larger roof naturally means more shingles and more shingles mean more weight. To figure out your roof size, measure the length and width of each section (or “plane”) of the roof. Multiply the length and width of each plane, then add them together to get the total square footage of your roof.

Any decent dumpster rental company in Mount Prospect, Illinois will use your measurements to recommend the perfect dumpster size for your project.

Account for multiple shingle layers on your roof.

If your roof has multiple layers (very common in older homes), the total weight of the waste will be much higher than you might expect. For example, a single-layer roof can weigh around one ton, but if you are tearing off two or even three layers of shingles, that weight can easily double or triple. So, before you start your roofing project, take a close look at how many layers of shingles your roof has.

Once you know the number of layers, adjust your weight estimate accordingly. Multiply the weight of a single layer by the total number of layers, and you will have a much clearer idea of how much waste you’ll have to dispose of.

It is always better to be overly cautious. If you assume your roof only has one layer, but it has two or three, that could result in an overflowing dumpster, and overloading comes with extra fees. Avoid the hassle by planning for every layer from the start. An experienced dumpster rental company in Mount Prospect, Illinois will factor in multiple layers when recommending a dumpster size for your project.

Looking for a Dumpster Rental Company in Mount Prospect, Illinois?

Are you planning a roof replacement and looking for an efficient way to handle all the waste? If so, and if you’re looking for the top-rated dumpster rental company in Mount Prospect, Illinois, look no further than Economy Disposal Service. Contact us today at (800) 263-6060 to discuss your project.