A Simple Roofing Guide for South Jersey Homeowners
If you’re planning a roof repair or replacement on your South Jersey home, you may have encountered unfamiliar roofing terms while researching contractors or reviewing an estimate. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is:
What is a bundle of shingles, and how many shingles are in a bundle?
It’s a smart question. Understanding shingles per bundle and how roofing materials are measured helps homeowners feel confident they’re getting an accurate, cost-effective estimate—especially when replacing your roof.
At Mighty Dog Roofing of South Jersey, we believe roofing information should be clear and approachable. This roofing guide explains how shingle bundles work, why counts vary, and how professionals calculate materials for residential roofing projects.
Roofing Measurements Explained (Without the Jargon)
Roofing uses its own measurement system that’s different from most home improvement projects. Instead of counting individual shingles, roofers work with:
- Bundles of shingles
- Squares
Once you understand these two terms, the rest of the process becomes much easier to follow.
What Is a Bundle of Shingles?
A bundle of shingles is a factory-wrapped package of asphalt shingles. Manufacturers group shingles into bundles so they can be safely handled and efficiently installed.
Bundles are designed to:
- Be carried easily by roofing crews
- Be spread evenly across a sloped roof
- Allow for accurate estimation and ordering
Roofers never calculate roofing projects by individual shingles. Everything is measured in bundles per square.
What Is a “Square” in Roofing?
In roofing terms:
One square = 100 square feet of roof surface
The shape of your roof doesn’t matter. Whether you have a simple design or a roof with dormers and valleys, the total surface area is measured in number of squares.
For example:
- A 2,000 square foot roof = 20 squares
- A 2,500 square foot roof = 25 squares
All roofing materials, labor, and pricing are based on this measurement.
How Many Bundles Make One Square?
This depends on the type of shingle being installed.
For most common roofing material used on South Jersey homes:
- 3 bundles per square for standard shingles
However, depending on the type and thickness of the shingles, that number can change.
How Many Shingles Are in a Bundle?
Now we can answer the question directly. The number of shingles in a bundle depends on the type of roofing material being used.
Architectural (30-Year) Asphalt Shingles
Architectural shingles are the most popular choice for residential roofs across South Jersey. They balance durability, curb appeal, and cost effectiveness.
With standard architectural shingles, you can expect:
- About 20–22 shingles in a bundle
- Roughly 33 square feet of coverage per bundle
- 3 bundles per square
These shingles are typically rated for 30 years, depending on product and installation.
Premium or Luxury Shingles
Thicker premium shingles—sometimes referred to as luxury shingles—contain more material and provide added dimensional appearance.
For these shingles:
- About 14–16 shingles per bundle
- Roughly 25 square feet of coverage per bundle
- 4 bundles per square
Fewer shingles per bundle doesn’t mean less coverage overall—it means each shingle is larger and heavier.
Why the Number of Shingles in a Bundle Varies
Manufacturers determine bundle counts based on practical and safety considerations, including:
- Shingle thickness and layering
- Weight limits for installers
- Design and profile of the shingle
Thicker shingles = fewer shingles per bundle
Thinner shingles = more shingles per bundle
This variation is intentional and factored into every professional estimate.
Why Homeowners Ask This Question (And Why It’s Smart)
Homeowners researching what is a bundle of shingles are usually trying to:
- Understand their roofing estimate
- Confirm material quantities seem reasonable
- Avoid confusion when repairing or replacing a roof
That’s a smart approach—especially for complex roofs or homes exposed to high winds.
Here’s the key takeaway:
Professional estimates are based on squares, not individual shingle counts.
How Roofers Calculate Material Quantities
A professional roofing contractor calculates:
- Total square foot area and number of squares
- Waste factor (cuts, valleys, and roof shape)
- Ridge caps, starter shingles, and ventilation
- Roofing materials required for the full roofing system
This ensures accurate estimation for both roof repair or replacement projects.
What This Means for Your Roofing Project
If two estimates list different bundle counts, it doesn’t automatically mean one is wrong. Differences can result from:
- Type of roofing material selected
- Roof complexity and slope
- Waste allowances
- Manufacturer specifications
What matters most is that the estimate accounts for the entire roofing system and protects your home long-term.
A Helpful Reminder for South Jersey Homeowners
Roofing research can feel overwhelming, especially when unfamiliar terms start stacking up. At Mighty Dog Roofing of South Jersey, our role is to make the process easier to understand.
Whether you’re planning small repairs or replacing your roof, we’re always happy to explain:
- Roofing materials and options
- Why shingles in a bundle vary
- How pricing and quantities are calculated
Clear information leads to better decisions—and better outcomes for South Jersey homes.
If you have questions or want a professional inspection, our team is here to help you protect your home, improve energy efficiency, and maintain curb appeal.