Question 1

How many squares is my roof?

Accepted Answer

A roofing "square" is 100 sq ft. To calculate: measure length × width of each roof section, multiply by the pitch factor, then divide total by 100.

Question 2

How many shingle bundles do I need?

Accepted Answer

Most asphalt shingles come 3 bundles per square (100 sq ft). Add 10-15% for waste, hip/ridge caps, and starter strips.

Question 3

What is the cheapest roofing material?

Accepted Answer

3-tab asphalt shingles are cheapest at ~$90/square for materials. Architectural shingles at ~$130/square offer much better wind resistance and longevity.

Question 4

How long does a roof last?

Accepted Answer

3-tab asphalt: 20 years. Architectural shingle: 30 years. Metal: 40-50 years. Slate: 75-100 years. Climate and maintenance affect actual lifespan.

Question 5

How much does labor cost for a new roof?

Accepted Answer

Professional roofing labor averages $75-150 per square (100 sq ft). Steep pitches, complex shapes, and tear-off add cost.

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