Bottom line: Order roofing material based on your roof's actual square footage plus a waste allowance for cuts, valleys, and hips — not the flat area alone. Most jobs need extra material beyond the raw measurement, and the amount varies by roof shape and material type. Talk through your measurements with the counter before you order so you're not short mid-project or paying to return unopened bundles.
How do I figure out how much roofing material I need?
Start with the roof's square footage, then convert to roofing "squares" (100 square feet each). A simple gable roof needs less waste allowance than a roof with multiple valleys, dormers, or a steep pitch. If you already have measurements from a previous roof or a contractor's estimate, bring those numbers in when you check current pricing — it's easier to get an accurate material count with real dimensions than with a guess.
Does the order quantity change between metal roofing and asphalt shingles?
Yes. Metal panels are typically ordered by panel length cut to your roof's specific run, while asphalt shingles are ordered by the bundle in fixed coverage amounts. That changes how waste is calculated:
| Material | Ordered by | Waste consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | Bundles (squares) | Extra bundles for hips, ridges, and cutting around penetrations |
| Metal roofing panels | Cut-to-length panels | Panel length matched to roof run to minimize seams and offcuts |
| Underlayment/felt | Rolls | Overlap at seams reduces usable coverage per roll |
Our complete guide to roofing materials in Southern Utah walks through how metal and asphalt compare beyond just ordering math — worth a read if you haven't settled on a material yet.
How much extra should I order for waste?
As a general rule, simple roofs with few cuts need a smaller waste allowance than roofs with lots of valleys, skylights, or chimneys — the more cuts you make, the more material gets used up in offcuts. Steeper pitches also tend to need more underlayment overlap. There's no single number that fits every roof; this is exactly the kind of detail worth talking through at the counter with your actual roof plan or measurements in hand, rather than guessing and ordering twice.
What if I'm ordering siding or drywall for the same project?
The same logic applies. Siding is measured by wall square footage with allowances for window and door cutouts, and drywall is ordered by sheet count based on room dimensions and ceiling height. If you're supplying a full renovation — roof, siding, and interior drywall — it's worth ordering all three at once so delivery and any bulk pricing line up on one trip instead of several.
Where can I buy roofing, siding, and drywall material in bulk near Cedar City?
Southern Utah Roofing Supply stocks roofing, siding, and drywall material for contractors and homeowners across Cedar City and Southern Utah. If you're specifically sourcing roofing material, our Cedar City roofing products page lists what's currently available. For other service areas, check our locations page to find the closest yard or delivery zone to your job site.
Quick checklist before you place an order
- Measure roof area (or wall area for siding, room dimensions for drywall) as accurately as possible
- Note roof pitch and count valleys, hips, skylights, and chimneys
- Decide on material type first — metal panel lengths and shingle bundle counts are calculated differently
- Bring measurements to the counter or call ahead so we can help confirm quantities before delivery
- Order underlayment, fasteners, and flashing alongside the primary material so a supply gap doesn't stall the job
Getting the order right the first time saves a second trip and keeps a project moving. If you're not sure how your numbers translate into bundles, panels, or sheets, bring what you have and we'll work through it with you.