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   Little_Joe | Nov 21, 2001 11:27am | #1

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   I remember this being asked some time ago, I think by Mad Dog, but cannot remember the results, nor can I find it again.

   The question is can i get an average for number of squares laid down per hour or per day. I make no claims of being a roofer, but was curious. I just put up 5-1/2 square on a garage -- took about 6 hours working by myself. I have no reference, so im wondering if this is snail's pace and i have to pick it up, or if this is not bad. Just trying to get a feel for it.

   Thanks. Later. LJ

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   Stephen_Hazlett | Nov 21, 2001 02:51pm | #2

   *Little Joe, There are so many variables on this that an average per sq. rate is ultimately meaningless. How steep the roof, how cut-up the roof, what flashing, what vents, how hot the day,how cold the day,humping shingles up the ladder,shingles already loaded on ridge, morning,afternoon,tearoff done first, layover, 3-tab,dimensional,etc.A lot of guys when you are hiring them will claim they can lay some astronomical rate like 4sq./hour-----but once they are on the payroll you find that 1 sq./hour is pushing it for them.The most important thing is not how fast.the most important thing is how straight and flat.Personally,I am not that fast and I only look for 1-2 sq. /hour laid flat and straight on most roofs by myself or any employees. this includes waste stack boots,slant back vents,step flashing most walls,and closed cut valleys.Brake work such as w-valleys,and chimney flashings are not included in that total.A simple walkable 5 1/2 sq. garage should be done a little faster than 6 hours since flashing and cut-ups are limited.Maybe around 3 hours or so.

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   Mike_Smith | Nov 21, 2001 03:29pm | #3

   *little joe.. another thing is that as a GC.. the number of Sq. / Day a man can lay is a meaningless number.. it really comes down to hw many Sq/day the team can lay... from when you mobilize the job to when you demobilize the job..if you use the average roofer's numbers... you will blow the bid.. because they forget about :ordering the shingles, assembling the tools & equip. mobilizing , staging & tarping the job..protecting the shrubs & siding, stripping, clean up debris, demobilizing the job..flashing.. gutters...etc.. it's all on the clock..actually laying the shingles has never been the difficult part for me.. it's all the other stuff...keep a labor log and check it.. you will be amazed at the ACTUAL rate...

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   Mad_Dog | Nov 21, 2001 04:20pm | #4

   *Hey LJ,How's it going? Nope, wasn't me who asked that question but I remember the thread, and someone said if you really cranked you could lay 2 squares an hour. I'm pretty sure I've done that, but only on low sloped roofs with really long runs, with shingles on the roof and gun firing. And lots of good coffee. These architectural shingles make it fast too.But in general, I'm not that fast at all.good seeing you here,MD

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   piffin_ | Nov 22, 2001 01:12am | #5

   *Little Joe,You've done nothing to be embarrassed about!A sq per hr is a decent rate in anybodies book if you keep it up steady. Especially if you don't do it every day. I used to be able to hit two sq / hr all day long on straight walk ons. But I'm old and out of shape so I'd be doing good to lay eight sq in a day.I worked for a couple years at the largest roofing Co in Texas and they set a quota of one sq per hr. My bud and I made a crew that could meet quota, turn in 8 hours and go home in early afternoon. But sometimes they gave us "help" and we'd have to work all day to make a crew average quota.When I was on a crew in Florida, they hired a shingle layer who claimed he could lay 6sq/hr. It was true. He got them all tacked down. But every fourth one was crooked. He only placed two or three nails per shingle. And he only laid twelve squares all day. I worked all day and laid fouteen - neat, straight and well nailed.On a steep cut up roof, I wouldn't expect a man to lay more than 2-6 squares in a day.Pat yourself on the back. You done well.

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   Little_Joe | Nov 22, 2001 01:12am | #6

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