Roofing

Buying surplus roofing: what to know

A roof gets ordered by the square with waste factored in, so full bundles ride back down the ladder at the end of nearly every job. Shingles are heavy, hard to return, and priced accordingly on the surplus market. Repairs and sheds are where a few bundles shine.

Check before you buy

• Match the color code on the wrapper, not the name

  manufacturers vary shingle color by plant and run. For a repair on an existing roof, bring a shingle from your roof to compare in daylight.

• Check how high the bundles were stacked and where

  shingles stored in a hot garage stacked six high can fuse. Peel two apart; they should separate clean, not tear the mat.

• Confirm bundles per square for your math

  most architectural shingles run three bundles per square. Count bundles, divide by three, and compare against your roof area plus waste.

• Take the accessories if offered

  ridge cap, starter strip, ice-and-water and drip edge are the fiddly part of a small order. A seller clearing a job usually has them.

Rather have it installed? The directory has local roofing pros you can message directly, and the cost guide shows what jobs like yours run locally.

Also browse: Siding & Exterior · Lumber · Steel & Metal