What should be added to the quantity of roofing shingles to account for waste?

To accurately account for waste when calculating the quantity of roofing shingles needed for a project, the ideal additional percentage is 10%. This figure is typically used to accommodate for common factors such as cuts, overlaps, and less-than-perfect installation practices, which can lead to some shingles being wasted. This percentage is standard in the industry for most roofing materials and is generally considered sufficient to ensure that you have enough material to complete the job without running short.

When planning for roofing projects, understanding the nature of material loss is crucial. A lower percentage, such as 5%, may not sufficiently cover the waste encountered in practice, and opting for a higher percentage, like 15% or 20%, may lead to unnecessary overspending on excessive materials. Thus, 10% serves as a balanced approach to ensure effective budgeting while minimizing waste.