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Business & Contracts

What is Waste Factor?

Roofing Glossary · Business & Contracts

Definition

The additional percentage of roofing material ordered beyond the calculated roof area to account for cuts, offcuts at hips and valleys, starter strips, and breakage. Standard waste factor for a simple gable roof is 10-12%. Complex roofs with many valleys, dormers, and hips may require 15-20% overage. Hip roofs typically require 15% waste factor. Waste factor is added to the calculated squares to determine total material order.

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