How are shingles measured for roofing projects?

Shingles are measured in squares for roofing projects. A square is a unit of area that represents 100 square feet of roofing material. This measurement allows for a standard way to estimate the amount of shingles needed to cover a specific roof area, making it easier for contractors to calculate material costs and ensure they order the appropriate quantity.

Using squares simplifies the roofing process since it aligns with how shingles are packaged and sold by manufacturers. For example, most bundles contain enough shingles to cover about one-third of a square, meaning three bundles would typically be required to cover a full square. This method also helps in estimating waste factors and ensures accurate project planning.

Measuring in bundles, cubic feet, or linear feet would not provide the same level of precision related to surface area coverage, which is crucial in roofing projects where ensuring complete coverage and managing materials efficiently are key for both functionality and cost-effectiveness.