Roofing Glossary
Roofing Square
A roofing square is the industry's unit of roof area — 100 square feet. When a contractor says your roof is 22 squares, they mean roughly 2,200 square feet of roof surface. Shingles are sold by the square (typically three bundles per square for architectural shingles).
Contractors also add a waste factor — usually 10 to 15 percent extra — for cuts around valleys, hips, dormers, and ridges. Complex roofs with lots of features need more waste allowance than simple gable roofs.
Understanding squares helps you sanity-check quotes: if two contractors measure very different square counts for the same house, ask how each measured.
Why It Matters
The square is the basis of roofing pricing. Knowing the term lets you follow along when a contractor explains material quantities — and spot when a quote's math does not add up.
Questions about your own roof? Request a free estimate or call Nucci Brothers Roofing at (301) 458-1003.
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