How many dump trailer loads is a roof tear-off?
A 7x14 dump trailer with 2-ft sides holds about 18 squares of single-layer asphalt shingle tear-off, or about 5,200 lb. A typical 30-square roof is two loads. A two-layer roof is roughly twice the weight and volume, so plan on about 9 squares per load. A 6x12 holds about 11 squares of a single layer.
Key takeaways
- Single layer: about 18 squares per 7x14 load, 11 per 6x12.
- Two layers: about 9 squares per 7x14 load.
- Shingles weigh about 731 lb per cubic yard, so a full 7x14 is about 2.6 tons.
- Every county landfill near Columbia weighs trailer loads and charges by the ton.
How do you figure loads from roof squares?
A roofing square is 100 square feet of roof. Tear-off from one square of single-layer architectural or 3-tab shingles, plus felt and nails, loosely fills about 0.4 cubic yards. Shingle debris weighs about 731 lb per cubic yard (EPA volume-to-weight conversion factors).
Our 7x14 dump trailer holds 7.17 cubic yards level with its 2-ft sides. 7.17 ÷ 0.4 ≈ 18 squares, and 7.17 × 731 ≈ 5,200 lb. That's well under the trailer's payload, so on a single-layer roof volume runs out before weight does.
How many loads for my roof?
| Roof size | Single layer, 7x14 | Two layers, 7x14 | Single layer, 6x12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 9 squares | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 10–18 squares | 1 | 2 | 1–2 |
| 19–27 squares | 2 | 3 | 2–3 |
| 28–36 squares | 2 | 4 | 3–4 |
| 37–54 squares | 3 | 5–6 | 4–5 |
Estimates. Wet shingles, slate, cedar and heavy laminated shingles weigh more; plywood decking adds volume fast.
Rent the 7x14 14K Dump
$165/day · $279 weekend · $595 week. Total with tax shown before you book.
See prices and bookWhat about a two-layer roof?
Two layers means twice the debris per square. Volume is the limit again: about 9 squares fill a 7x14. Weight climbs to the same 5,200 lb per full load, which is still inside the trailer's rating. If you're also pulling up rotten decking, budget an extra load.
What does dumping cost?
Rented trailers are weighed and charged by the ton at every county landfill around us, and none opens Sunday.
- Howard County, Alpha Ridge: $106/ton, a $40 yearly permit for trailer loads, plus 2.45% on cards.
- Anne Arundel, Millersville: $100/ton for rental or double-axle trailer loads.
- Baltimore County, Eastern Sanitary: shingles limited to 2 cubic yards at $200/ton, so a roof load won't work there. Use a private site such as Baltimore Recycling Center ($93/ton, 1-ton minimum).
Example: a 30-square, single-layer roof in Howard County is two loads, about 4.4 tons in all. Tonnage is about $465, plus the $40 permit and card fee, plus the trailer. See the county guides for current fees.
How do I protect the trailer's tires on a roofing job?
Nail punctures are the most common roofing claim. Park the trailer on a tarp-free, swept area, run a magnetic sweeper around the trailer before you leave, and don't drive over the drip line. A nail puncture on one of our trailers is normal wear and tear, so we don't bill you for it, but a flat still costs you time.
Questions
How much does a square of shingles weigh after tear-off?
About 230–400 lb depending on shingle type and whether felt and decking come with it. At 0.4 cubic yards per square and 731 lb per cubic yard, a typical square is close to 300 lb.
Can I put shingles in the 6x12?
Yes. It holds about 11 squares of single-layer tear-off. It's easier to tow, but bigger roofs mean more trips.
Do I need a tarp?
Yes. Maryland requires loads to be covered or secured, and loose shingle grit blows off at highway speed.
Sources
- EPA, Volume-to-Weight Conversion Factors for solid waste (2016)
- Howard County Alpha Ridge Landfill
- Anne Arundel County landfill fees