How many bundles of shingles are typically required per square?

The correct answer is three or four bundles of shingles typically required per square. A "square" in roofing terminology refers to an area of 100 square feet. Shingle coverage can vary depending on the type and brand, but generally, one bundle of three-tab shingles covers about 33 square feet. Therefore, to cover a full square, you would need approximately three bundles, given that a standard shingle bundle covers about one-third of a square.

In practice, additional bundles are sometimes required to account for waste during installation, such as cutting shingles to fit the roof's pitch, valleys, or edges. This brings the total to about three bundles, with four bundles being a safer estimate to ensure there are sufficient materials to cover unexpected waste or mistakes during installation.

Understanding these coverage calculations is crucial for anyone involved in roofing work, as it impacts both the costs and the efficiency of the project.