Roof Debris Calculator
Tear-off weight = roof area in squares × layers × the weight of a square: 1,200 sq ft of one layer at 200 lb a square is 2,400 lb, or 1.2 tons, to haul away.
Example: replace these measurements
Your material list
2,400 lb of estimated debris
2,400 lb of estimated debris
Debris to plan for
- 2,400 lb of estimated debris
Quantities and package details
- US short tons
- 1.2
- Loads by weight only
- Enter the hauler’s allowance
- Volume limit
- Confirm separately with the hauler
Example weight until you replace it with your material’s weight. A weight-only load count does not show whether the debris fits.
The calculation
- 1,200 ÷ 100 × 1 × 200 + 0 = 2,400 lb
Common questions
What weight should I enter for my old shingles?
The weight per square from the shingle wrapper or product data sheet, for each layer being removed. The starting 200 lb figure is only an example.
How do I choose a dumpster size for a roof tear-off?
Ask the hauler for the weight limit and the volume limit. This calculator gives the weight; a load within the weight limit can still be too bulky.
Does the roof area here include the slope?
Yes. Enter the sloped area, which the roofing calculator gives and carries over, not the footprint.
How to plan the quantity
A roofing square is 100 square feet. Multiply measured sloped area divided by 100 by layers and the weight for that material. The starting weight is an arithmetic example, not a published shingle weight.
Keep wet material, sheathing, insulation and mixed debris separate. Ask the hauler for both the weight limit and volume limit; passing one does not establish that the load fits.
Before you order
- Weight is only as reliable as the material weight you enter. No dumpster size, road legality or lifting capacity is selected.
- Use existing plans or professional measurements; no roof access is needed for this worksheet.
Before ordering, read the guide: How many bundles of shingles do I need? Squares, waste and accessories. Or choose another calculator.