How heavy are shingles per square?

Typical asphalt shingles weigh 200–300 lbs per square per layer; laminated shingles can trend heavier.

Do I need multiple dumpsters for a tear-off?

If your total tonnage approaches dumpster limits, add a second to avoid overweight penalties and delays.

Should OH&P be included on a tear-off estimate?

Yes. Professional estimates usually include overhead and profit. 10–20% combined is common.

How do I handle rain during a tear-off?

Keep tarps ready, stage materials, and protect decking from water with rapid coverage and drainage planning.

🧹 Roof Tear-Off Cost Calculator

Estimate labor, disposal, and overhead from pitch, layers, stories, and access

Use this free tool to build a line-item tear-off estimate. It models crew hours, regional labor, debris tonnage, dumpster rental, supplies, contingency, and OH&P.

📏 Length (ft) Ridge to eave (horizontal footprint). Optional if entering area/squares.

📏 Width (ft) Gable to gable (horizontal footprint).

➡️ Overhang (in) Total eaves & rakes. 12 in ≈ +1 ft both length & width.

🏠 Sections Number of roof sections (e.g., gable = 2).

🔢 Or: Total Area (sq ft) Optional override if you already have area.

⛰️ Pitch Use Custom for precise factor (e.g., 6:12 ≈ 1.12).

🧱 Layers Number of shingle layers to remove.

🏢 Stories More stories → more handling time.

🚧 Access Tight access increases handling & carry distance.

🌎 Region Regional multiplier for labor & disposal.

🧮 Or: Squares (if known) If set, we’ll use this (after pitch/waste) instead of length×width.

👷 Crew Size Total workers on tear-off.

💸 Labor Rate (per hr / worker) Loaded rate per person (wages + burden).

⏱️ Base Hours per Sq / Layer Productivity baseline before multipliers.

🧱 Debris lbs / Sq / Layer Typical asphalt tear-off ≈ 200–300 lbs.

🏭 Dump Fee ($/ton) Check local transfer station rates.

🗑️ Dumpster Rental ($) Flat rental or delivery/haul fee.

🧰 Supplies per Sq ($) Poly, magnets, fasteners, PPE, protection.

🚚 Delivery / Staging ($) Optional flat logistics charge.

🪓 Waste % Higher for hips/valleys or fragile shingles.

🧯 Contingency % Small buffer for unknowns.

🏢 OH&P % Combined overhead & profit.

Result will appear here

🔧 Recommended Roofing Tools & Supplies

Disclosure: This section contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases — helping us keep SmartRoofingCalculator free to use.

📌 Contextual guidance will appear here after calculation.

💡 Tip: Multi-layer tear-offs add both labor hours and tons—confirm layers everywhere.

✅ Best Practices for Tear-Off

Layout tarps and plywood for window/AC/plant protection before starting.
Use 20–30 yd dumpsters; overweight fees add up fast with multi-layers.
Stage shingles out of drop zones; keep walkways clear for crew safety.
Schedule a full magnetic sweep daily, not just at the end.
Photograph substrate conditions; note rot, deck spacing, and ventilation.
Check forecast; keep rapid-coverage tarps ready for pop-up showers.

📊 When Costs Swing Up or Down

Up: Steep slope, multiple layers, 2–3 stories, tight access, long carry.
Down: Simple gables, single layer, easy driveway access, ground chute.
Variable: Regional dump fees and labor rates, seasonal demand.

❓ FAQ — Roof Tear-Off Costs, Tonnage & Timing

How many hours per square for tear-off?
Baseline 0.8–1.0 crew-hours per square per layer, adjusted by pitch, stories, and access.

How heavy are shingles?
Often 200–300 lbs per square per layer; laminated shingles trend heavier.

Do I need multiple dumpsters?
If layers × squares push tonnage near your dumpster limit, add a second to avoid overweight penalties.

Should I include OH&P?
Yes—professional estimates include overhead & profit. 10–20% combined is common.

What about rain days?
Cover quickly with breathable tarps. Schedule buffer days and protect the deck from water.