For most estimates, one roofing square of CertainTeed Presidential Shake shingles is commonly figured as four bundles. A roofing square covers 100 square feet, but actual bundle coverage and packaging can vary by product version and current manufacturing specifications. Homeowners and contractors should verify the bundle label and the applicable CertainTeed product data before ordering. Accurate planning also accounts for roof waste, starter shingles, hip and ridge materials, and the roof’s shape—not just its measured area.
How Many CertainTeed Presidential Shake Bundles Are in a Square?
A roofing square is a standard industry measurement for 100 square feet of roof surface. CertainTeed Presidential Shake is generally estimated at four bundles per square, or about 25 square feet of coverage per bundle. That figure is a useful starting point for material planning, not a substitute for the coverage information printed on the product packaging.
Presidential Shake products are laminated asphalt shingles, and the exact product matters. CertainTeed offers Presidential Shake and Presidential Shake TL, a thicker, multi-layer version. Packaging, bundle weight, product availability, and specifications can differ by product and market. Confirm the full product name and current coverage with the distributor or the manufacturer’s technical literature before calculating a final order.
| Planning item | Common estimate | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| One roofing square | 100 square feet | Measured roof area, not floor area |
| Presidential Shake bundles per square | About 4 bundles | Coverage printed on the specific bundle |
| Coverage per bundle | About 25 square feet | Product version and current packaging |
| Extra shingles for waste | Often 10%–15% for straightforward roofs | Roof complexity and installer’s takeoff |
Key distinction: “Four bundles per square” describes a common estimating convention. It does not mean every Presidential Shake package in every location is guaranteed to cover exactly 25 square feet. The package label and current manufacturer documentation take priority.
Presidential Shake and Presidential Shake TL
CertainTeed Presidential Shake shingles are designed to give a roof the dimensional appearance of wood shakes using asphalt roofing materials. The laminated construction creates a varied, textured profile. Presidential Shake TL is a separate, thicker product line with additional layers intended to create a more pronounced appearance. Both products require installation according to their own instructions.
Because the product names are similar, a quote that says only “Presidential Shake” may not clearly identify which shingle is included. Before comparing prices or calculating bundles, check whether the estimate specifies Presidential Shake or Presidential Shake TL, along with color, warranty option, and required accessories. A bundle count or price for one version should not automatically be applied to the other.
Product features and warranty terms can change. For current details, consult CertainTeed’s official product pages, installation instructions, and warranty documents. A roofing contractor or authorized supplier can also confirm which product is available and how it is packaged in the project’s region.
How to Calculate the Number of Bundles
Start with the roof’s actual surface area. If the area is already known in square feet, divide it by 100 to get the number of roofing squares. Multiply the squares by four bundles per square for a preliminary Presidential Shake estimate. Then add an allowance for cutting and fitting, and determine separately how much starter and hip-and-ridge material the roof needs.
- Measure the roof surface. Use the area of each roof plane, including its slope, rather than the building’s footprint.
- Convert square feet to squares. Divide total roof area by 100.
- Estimate field shingles. Multiply the number of squares by four bundles, then use the stated bundle coverage to check the result.
- Add waste. Apply a realistic allowance for the roof’s layout, valleys, hips, dormers, and cutting.
- Calculate accessories separately. Include starter shingles, hip-and-ridge shingles, underlayment, flashing, and other required components.
Example: A roof with 2,000 square feet of measured surface equals 20 squares. At four bundles per square, the initial field-shingle estimate is 80 bundles. If the project uses a 10% waste allowance, the estimate becomes 22 squares, or 88 bundles. The final order may differ after the contractor completes a layout and checks accessory requirements.
When the roof area is not a whole number of squares, calculations should not be rounded down. For example, 2,150 square feet is 21.5 squares. At four bundles per square, that works out to 86 bundles before waste. The supplier may sell full bundles only, so the order would need to be rounded up according to the verified package coverage and the project takeoff.
How Much Waste Should Be Included?
Waste covers shingles that must be trimmed, damaged pieces, and the material needed to fit irregular roof sections. A simple roof with large, rectangular planes may need a smaller allowance than a roof with multiple valleys, hips, dormers, or steep sections. Many estimates use roughly 10% to 15% extra as a planning range, but it is not a universal rule.
Complexity, installation pattern, roof pitch, access, and the installer’s cutting plan all affect the amount. Valleys and hips can generate more offcuts, and some offcuts may not be reusable because of their size or shape. A contractor should determine the allowance from the actual roof layout rather than applying a fixed percentage without inspection.
Waste is also different from accessory material. Extra field shingles do not automatically provide the correct products or quantities for eaves, rakes, hips, and ridges. The installation instructions specify how the roof system is assembled, so the material list should identify those components separately.
Roof Area Is Not the Same as House Floor Area
A home’s listed square footage typically describes interior floor area, not roof surface. The roof is usually larger because of overhangs and slope, and its area can be increased by additions, dormers, porches, and other architectural features. Ordering shingles based only on a home’s floor area can lead to a substantial shortage or surplus.
For a rough estimate, a roof’s footprint can be adjusted for pitch, but this approach is not precise enough for many orders. A roof measurement should account for every plane and overhang. Contractors commonly use field measurements, plans, or digital measurement reports, then review the results against the roof’s geometry before ordering.
Pitch affects the roof surface area compared with the horizontal footprint. A steeper roof generally has more surface area than a low-slope roof covering the same footprint. The number of roof planes and their dimensions matter, too. A reliable measurement therefore identifies the actual roof area, not simply the building outline.
Do Not Forget Starter and Hip-and-Ridge Shingles
The four-bundles-per-square estimate usually refers to the main roof field shingles. It should not be treated as a complete roof-material list. Starter shingles are installed along specified roof edges, while hip-and-ridge shingles cover the roof’s hips and ridges. Their quantity is determined by the length of the edges and ridges, plus the product’s stated coverage per package.
Other components may include underlayment, ice-barrier material where required, drip edge, valley lining, flashing, ventilation products, and roofing nails. Local building codes, climate, roof design, and CertainTeed installation requirements affect which materials are needed. A complete estimate should state what is included and avoid counting accessory coverage as part of the field-shingle square total.
Bundle Weight and Handling
Presidential Shake shingles are heavier than many basic three-tab shingles because of their laminated construction. Exact bundle weights depend on the product version and packaging, so the current label or manufacturer specification is the appropriate reference. The weight matters when planning delivery, roof loading, disposal, and storage.
Bundles should be handled and stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep materials protected from weather and avoid stacking them in a way that could damage packaging or shingles. Before delivery, the contractor should confirm that the planned drop location and roof-loading approach are appropriate for the building and job site.
Because a square can involve dozens of heavy bundles on a larger roof, homeowners should not assume that shingles can be moved or lifted safely without proper equipment and training. Delivery arrangements should be coordinated with the roofer or supplier, particularly for steep roofs, restricted access, or structures with limited staging space.
What Affects the Cost Per Square?
The material cost of a square depends on the exact Presidential Shake product, color, supplier, location, and market conditions. Presidential Shake TL and standard Presidential Shake should be quoted as distinct products. The total installed cost also includes labor, tear-off and disposal, underlayment, flashing, ventilation work, accessories, and any needed deck repairs.
When comparing estimates, check whether each contractor is pricing the same shingle version and whether the quote includes waste and accessories. A lower price per square may reflect a different product, fewer included components, or an incomplete measurement. Ask whether the estimate separates shingles from labor and other materials, and whether it explains the assumed number of squares.
Roof replacement can uncover damaged or unsuitable decking after old materials are removed. Those repairs may be priced separately or included under specific conditions. The contract should describe how unexpected work is approved and charged, so the final cost is not based on an unclear assumption.
How to Order the Right Quantity
Before placing an order, match the estimate to the product label and the manufacturer’s current specifications. Confirm the product name, color, bundle coverage, and quantity with the supplier. Ask whether the material list includes only field shingles or also covers starter and hip-and-ridge products. Keep the quote and delivery paperwork available in case the job requires a quantity check.
- Verify that the estimate names Presidential Shake or Presidential Shake TL.
- Confirm bundle coverage and bundle weight from current packaging or product literature.
- Ask how many measured squares are included and what waste percentage was used.
- Check that starter and hip-and-ridge materials are listed separately.
- Coordinate delivery timing and storage with the roofing contractor.
- Review the installation instructions and warranty terms for the selected product.
It can be useful to have a small amount of matching material left after installation for future repairs. However, extra bundles should be considered alongside the project’s measured area and waste allowance—not ordered as an arbitrary surplus. Shingles can vary between production runs, so storing identified, protected leftovers may help with a later repair, but a future color match is not guaranteed.
Reliable Sources for Product Details
For the most accurate answer to “how many CertainTeed Presidential Shake bundles per square,” use the current product packaging and CertainTeed’s official technical documents. Product pages and installation instructions can clarify coverage, application details, and required components. A distributor can confirm local packaging and availability, while a qualified roofer can verify the roof measurement and waste calculation.
Industry references such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) provide general guidance on roofing practices and measurements, but product-specific coverage should come from CertainTeed. If a retailer listing conflicts with the manufacturer’s current documents or the package label, confirm the discrepancy before ordering. This simple check helps prevent shortages, excess material, and confusion between Presidential Shake products.
In practical terms, plan on about four bundles per 100-square-foot roofing square, then verify the exact coverage for the chosen product and add project-specific waste and accessories. That approach gives homeowners a dependable starting estimate while leaving the final quantity to a measured roof takeoff and current manufacturer specifications.