Roof Tear-Off Dumpster Guide: Size, Weight and Placement

A roof tear-off produces more weight per square foot than almost any other job on a house. Plan the dumpster wrong and the crew ends up stacking shingles on the lawn while waiting for a swap.

Start with squares and layers

Roofers measure in squares: one square is 100 square feet of roof. Two numbers drive your container choice:

• Squares on the roof. A typical single-family roof runs somewhere between 15 and 30 squares.
• Layers coming off. Two layers of shingles is double the debris and double the weight of one.

Asphalt shingles are dense. Depending on the product, a single square of shingles can weigh a few hundred pounds, so a full tear-off on a mid-size house runs into tons, not pounds.

The size that usually works

For most single-family tear-offs with one layer, a 20-yard roll-off is the standard pick. Multiple layers, a large roof or decking replacement can push you into a second load. Tell us the squares and the layers when you book and we'll size it for the weight, not just the volume.

Place it where the debris falls

The best spot is as close to the eave as the truck can reach:

• Allow a clear, reasonably flat area about 60 feet long and 10 feet wide for the truck and container.
• Keep the space free of low branches and power lines. The truck needs overhead room to set the container down and lift it back up.
• If the drip line is over a driveway, plan the container there and chute or toss straight in.

On narrow New Orleans lots where the only option is the street, check with your city or parish about a right-of-way permit before delivery day. Our permit guide lists who to call by town.

Loading tips that save a haul

• Shingles only, if you can. Keep packaging, gutters and household junk out. A clean load is easier to dispose of.
• Load flat and spread it out. Don't pile everything in one end.
• Nothing above the top rail. An overfilled container can't ride safely on the road.
• Protect the driveway. Ask about laying boards under the container if you're worried about pavers or fresh concrete.

Running several roofs a month?

Roofing crews that book regularly should ask about contractor pricing. One call, one local yard, and containers delivered on the day you pick.

Planning a job in Greater New Orleans? Call (504) 287-2348 or get a quote. We confirm the size, the placement and the price before anything is scheduled.