Roof Tear-Off Containers
Shingles are dense, and most suburban roofs around here have more than one layer. Both facts change the size you need — usually downward.
(708) 523-9401Tell us squares and layersSquares and layers
A roofing square is 100 square feet. Tell us how many squares and how many layers are coming off and we can size the container in one go — those are the only two numbers that matter.
| Roof | Single layer | Two layers |
|---|---|---|
| Small bungalow, up to ~15 squares | 10–15 yard | 15–20 yard |
| Average suburban house, ~20–25 squares | 15–20 yard | 20–30 yard |
| Large house or low pitch, ~30+ squares | 20–30 yard | 30 yard, often two |
| Garage or outbuilding only | 10 yard | 10–15 yard |
Layers are the thing that goes wrong
Plenty of houses in these suburbs have had a second layer laid over the first rather than a full tear-off. You often do not find out until the first square comes up — and by then the container on the drive is the wrong size.
If you do not know, say so when you book. We would rather plan for a swap-out than have you stop work at midday.
Why the box looks half empty when it is full
Asphalt shingles are one of the densest things people put in a roll-off. A container of tear-off reaches its weight limit long before it reaches the top rail, which is why a bigger box is rarely the answer.
What that means practically:
- Load evenly rather than piling at one end — it has to be winched back onto the truck
- Keep it level with the rail. Heaped containers cannot legally travel
- Wet tear-off after rain is noticeably heavier than dry
- If there is old felt, timber and flashing going in too, mention it
Where to put it for a tear-off
- As close to the eaves as access allows Every foot of carry is time. If shingles can come straight off the roof into the box, the job runs far faster.
- Doors facing the work Walking debris in through the barn doors beats lifting it over a four foot side all day. Tell us the direction when you book.
- Protect what is underneath Boards go down as standard. If the drive is newly sealed, say so — street placement with a village permit may be the better option.
- Mind the overhead The arm needs roughly 23 feet of clearance. On older tree-lined streets around Oak Lawn and Berwyn this is the usual reason a delivery fails.
What people ask when they call
How many squares fit in a 20 yard?
Broadly, a 20 yard handles an average single-layer tear-off of 20 to 25 squares. Two layers on the same roof and you are into 30 yard territory or a swap-out.
Can the old timber and felt go in with the shingles?
Yes, it is all mixed construction debris. Just tell us, because it changes the volume calculation even though shingles dominate the weight.
What about the nails?
They go in with everything else. Worth a magnet sweep of the drive and lawn afterwards regardless — that is on the roofer, but everyone forgets.
Can you deliver early morning so we can start on time?
Usually yes. Tear-offs are the job where delivery timing matters most, so say what time your crew starts.
Squares and layers — that is all we need
Two numbers on the phone and we will have the right container on your drive.
(708) 523-9401Mon–Sat 6am–6pmWorth reading before you book
