Old shingles are heavy, nail-filled and sometimes hazardous. Planning the container, the weight and the cleanup in advance makes a tear-off go smoother.
Roofing material is dense. A pile of shingles weighs far more than the same volume of household furniture or brush, so a roofing job is limited by weight before it fills the container. Asphalt shingles also come off in sheets with felt, flashing, vent boots and plenty of nails.
That is why many operators suggest a smaller container for roofing, or have specific rules for shingle loads. Ask about the weight allowance and about any fill limit, and tell them the roof size and the number of layers.
Layers matter. A roof that has been re-shingled more than once has several layers to remove, which multiplies the weight. Ask your roofer how many layers are present, because it changes the container size and the number of loads required.
Ask about the ground rules for roofing loads before delivery. Some operators require that roofing go in a dedicated container, limit the height of the pile, or price shingles separately because of the way disposal facilities charge for them. A short question up front keeps the day of the tear-off free of surprises.
Finally, consider the weather. Rain adds weight to shingles and felt, and wind can blow loose debris across the yard and street. A tarp on the container and a quick check of the forecast before scheduling the tear-off are simple and inexpensive ways to avoid problems.
Smaller roofs may fit in a smaller container, while large or multi-layer roofs may need a bigger one or more than one. Because the weight allowance is what limits the job, choose based on tonnage as well as space. Your roofer or the operator can usually estimate this from the roof area, pitch and layers.
General sizing logic is in what size dumpster do I need, and the construction and remodel debris page covers other renovation materials.
Timing is critical for a tear-off. The container should be delivered before the crew arrives, with a plan for pickup soon after the job is done. A full container of shingles sitting for days in the rain gets heavier and can be harder to haul.
Roofers usually want the container as close to the house as possible so debris can be tossed or chuted in. That means a driveway spot near the eaves, with the surface protected and nothing fragile underneath. Plan the spot with your roofer before delivery.
Cover plants and move cars, patio furniture and toys. Boards under the container are worth the effort for such a heavy load, as covered in how to protect your driveway from a dumpster.
Protect what is below. Roofers often lean tarps against the house to catch falling material and sweep the area when they finish. Ask whether the crew will handle this, and check the garden beds, windows and air conditioning units for protection.
Older roofing materials sometimes contain asbestos, and the age of your roof matters. Industry sources note that asphalt shingles made before 1989 often contained asbestos, and only testing by a qualified professional can confirm what is present. Asbestos-containing material has special handling and disposal requirements that vary by state and locality.
If your roof is old, ask the roofer or a qualified professional about testing before work starts, and do not place suspected asbestos in a general container. Also, homes built before 1978 may have lead paint on trim and flashing. Federal rules require lead-safe work practices from paid contractors in pre-1978 homes, so hire a contractor who follows them.
The point of asking early is that it affects cost and schedule. A positive result can change the container, the crew and the disposal route, and finding out after the shingles are already off the roof can bring the project to a standstill.
If your roof is newer and you know the date it was installed, keep the paperwork. Records from the original installation, such as an invoice or a warranty document, can help show what was used and when.
Asphalt shingles are sometimes ground up and recycled into paving material, but only where a facility accepts them and only if they do not contain asbestos. Metal flashing and clean metal roofing can often be recycled as scrap. Wood from decking or fascia may be reusable or recyclable if it is clean and untreated.
Leftover bundles of new shingles in good condition can sometimes be donated. Availability depends on where you live, so search for local recyclers and ask the operator whether a clean roofing-only load can be handled separately. A starting point is recycle and donate before you dump.
For a large or complex job, ask your roofer about their disposal method. Some roofers include haul-away in the bid and arrange their own containers, while others expect you to rent one. Clarify the arrangement in writing so no one is surprised by the cost.
Tear-offs scatter nails across lawns, driveways and gutters. Ask the roofer whether they use a magnetic sweeper, and walk the property with one yourself afterward. Check driveways and the street where the container sat, because nails in a tire are a costly surprise.
Finish by confirming the load was within the allowance and that nothing stuck up above the walls. The loading rules are in how to load a dumpster.
After the job is done, take photos of the container and the surrounding area, check the yard for debris and keep your paperwork. If something is missing or damaged, contact the roofer and the operator promptly.
Shingles, underlayment and wet material are dense, so weight usually limits the job before the container is full.
Sometimes. Where recycling is available, clean asphalt shingles without asbestos may be accepted. Ask local facilities and your operator.
If your roof is older, ask a qualified professional about testing before demolition, since only testing can confirm.
Either can. Agree on who orders it and who handles placement and permits before the job.
Tell us what you are getting rid of and we will reply with the right option and next steps.