Roofing Pitch For Square Roof Area
Finally, the more complex part, measuring your roofs pitch.
Low Pitch: 1.07 x Roofing SquaresMedium Pitch: 1.185 x Roofing SquaresHigh Pitch: 1.36 x Roofing Squares
NOTE:We understand a roofs pitch makes this process somewhat tricky. Enjoy Home Advisors free roofing square calculator right here.
Should The Square Footage Of A House Be Measured Inside Or Outside
Per the ANSI method, square footage can be measured from the outside of the home, but that will not provide the actual livable area, as measuring from the homes exterior will include wall space. Measuring from the inside of the home excludes the area between the wall and the homes exterior, providing an accurate number as to the actual livable area.
Which Tools Should I Use To Calculate Square Footage Of A House
When calculating square footage, real estate agents typically use a laser distance measurer, which is an electronic tool that is easier and less cumbersome to use than a measuring tape. To use the laser distance measurer, place the device on one wall and aim it at the wall directly across from it. The device will then display the square footage on the screen.
If you dont have a laser distance measurer, you can also calculate square footage with the following:
A tape measure
Notepad and pen/pencil
Other ways to check the square footage of a home:
While less common, there are certain circumstances where buyers or renters are unable to tour the property in person and may buy or rent a home without visiting it first. If that is the case, there are other ways of checking the homes square footage. Even if you have physically visited the home and completed measurements on your own, it is always a good idea to double-check square footage measurements to ensure your numbers are correct.
Check the property records held by your city or county
Have the house measured by an appraiser
If you are preparing to sell your house and are unclear on your homes square footage, it may be worthwhile to hire an appraiser to professionally measure your home. In addition to providing measurement information, the appraiser will also provide your homes value giving you peace of mind when you list your property.
Recommended Reading: How To Repair Roof Trusses
S To Measuring Roof Square Footage
How Many Bundles Of Shingles Per Square
A package of roofing shingles is called a bundle. Laminate or architectural shingles, one of the most common types of roofing shingles, are generally packaged in three bundles per square.
So in the 2400 square foot gable roof example, you would need 72 bundles of shingles .
Here are a couple more examples:
Read Also: Add Overhang To Side Of House
How Many Roofing Shingles Do I Need
To estimate how much roofing material you need, such as bundles of architectural shingles or rolls of synthetic roofing underlayment, you need to know the total square footage of your roofs surface.
How to Calculate Total Square Footage of Your Roof
To find your roofs total square footage:
Example #1: Shed Roof with One Roof Plane
For example, this shed roof has one roof plane.
Multiply length times width :
A x B = 40 x 30 = 1200 sq. ft. for the total square footage of the roof.
Example #2: Gable Roof with Two Roof Planes
This gable roof has two planes.
So to derive the total square footage of the roof, you would:
For example:
- Plane 1 : 40 x 30 = 1200 sq. ft.
- Plane 2 : 40 x 30 = 1200 sq. ft.
- Plane 1 + Plane 2 = 2400 sq. ft. for the total square footage of the roof.
Squares Rectangles And Triangles
Nearly every roof, no matter how simple or complicated, can be broken down into squares, rectangles or triangles. You can draw lines on your diagram from the ridge to the eaves to make triangles out of the hips. This will leave you with four triangles for the hips, two rectangles for the rest of the hip roof, and another rectangle for the lean-to roof.
Related: 7 Warning Signs You Need a New Roof ASAP
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So What Is A Roofing Square
A roofing square is a measurement, but it has nothing to do with square feet, meters, yards, or miles. A roofing square is commonly used by roofing companies and is roughly equivalent to 100 square feet. This measurement does not change whether it is a square of shingles or a square of tarp. This is because roofing squares are used to make calculating the cost of materials and labor easier than if you had to use square feet or yards.
Calculate The Square Footage Of Your Roof
Now that you thought about the slope and complexity of your roof, youre ready to learn how to calculate the square footage of your roof.
To get a rough estimate for your roofs square footage, youll use this equation:
For example, if you have an easy up and over, walkable gable roof and a house that measures 56 feet lengthwise and 28 feet widthwise, your calculation will look like this:
1,568′ =
x 1.3
2,038 = square feet of roof area
Using this equation wont be 100% accurate, but knowing your roofs square footage is a great jumping-off point to learn how much youll have to invest in your replacement.
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How Do I Measure A Steep Roof
Most roofers wont go on a roof with an 8/12 roof pitch or greater with special equipment such as scaffolding and roof jacks and neither should you. Instead, use one of the four methods described above that allow you to measure the roof while standing safely on the ground or from the comfort of your computer.
While these methods may not be quite as accurate as taking actual measurements from the rooftop, theyre close enough for calculating how many shingles youll need to purchase for a new roof.
Figure Out Your Homes Footprint
If you use the square footage of your home, youll only get a vague idea of what the square footage of your roof is. Thats why you have to figure out your homes footprint.
A person of average height will have a stride somewhere between 2 to 2.5 feet. To figure out your homes footprint, you can step off the dimensions of your roof by counting the steps you take to get the length of your home. You will then step off the width of your home.
After stepping off the length and width of your home, youll multiply the two numbers to get your homes footprint.
Length x width = your home’s footprint
Your calculations are going to be off, but measuring this way can give you a basic idea of your homes footprint. Keep in mind, square footage of a house does not equal the square footage of a roof.
Also Check: Cost To Install Trusses
What Is Slope Factor
Taking a 2D measurement of a roof either online via Google Earth or by measuring the exterior walls of the home doesnt account for the elevation of the roof, which adds square footage. Slope factor is a convenient way of using the pitch of your roof to convert a 2D measurement to an accurate measurement of the roofs square footage.
| Roof Slope |
Pound Felt Covers How Many Square Feet
Roofing comes in 3-foot-wide, 36-foot-long rolls that cover around 1 square. Roofing felt, often known as tar paper, is placed down initially when roofing over bare wood. A roll of 15-pound felt will cover around 4 squares, whereas a roll of heavier 30-pound felt would cover approximately 2 squares.
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How To Figure Out The Square Footage Of A Roof
Repairing or replacing your roof can be expensive, especially if you dont know how to calculate its square footage. A wrong estimate can cost you thousands of dollars and might even delay your roof repair, leaving your home exposed to the elements. The good news is you can easily estimate the square footage of your roof with a few tools and basic geometry.
How To Calculate Number Of Roofing Shingles
Fortunately, you don’t have to make a haphazard shingle estimate when planning for your roofing project: your roof size and chosen shingle type will guide the purchase process.
Shingles are sold in prepackaged bundles, not individually. Roofing manufacturers take the guesswork out of how many bundles you need per squareit’s listed in the specifications of each shingle they make. The specs for any given shingle will tell you how many bundles make up a square, how many shingles are in a square, and even the approximate number of nails you’ll need per square.
Often, three bundles of prepackaged asphalt shingles make one square, as is the case with the Timberline® HDZ Shingles. That said, the number of bundles you need can vary depending on shingle design. For example, five bundles of architectural asphalt shingles with artisan-crafted shapes, such as the Grand Sequoia® Shingle, cover one square. Once you know the number of squares of material your roof needs, check the shingle manufacturer specifications so you get your hands on exactly what you need.
If you’re still deciding on the perfect shingle for your roof, play around with the GAF VirtualRemodeler. The free online tool helps you envision how different shingle colors and styles would work with your home’s style. Be sure to keep local building codes in mind as you weigh your shingle options..
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How To Calculate Square Footage Of A House Roof:
To calculate the square footage of a roof, measure the length and width of each plane on the roof . The plane of the roof is one side of the roof that has four separate edges. A dormer is a structure that sticks out of the roof and typically contains windows. After measuring the roofs plane and dormers, multiply the length times the width. Go onto the other side of the roof and measure the other side of the roofs plane, and include any dormers on that side as well. Multiply the length times the width on that side of the roof. Take the measurements from both sides of the roof and combine those numbers to get the total square footage of the homes roof.
How to calculate square footage of a 2-story house:
To calculate the square footage of a 2-story house, simply measure every room in the house. Exclude any unfinished areas, such as the garage or an unfinished basement. After measuring each room individually including the closets in each room combine the measurements from all rooms. The total number is the square footage of the 2-story home. While the thought of measuring a 2-story home may seem daunting, it is best to think of the house as a collection of individual boxes. After compiling the measurements of each box, you will have your total square footage calculation for the entire home.
How many square feet is a 10×10 room?
Square footage calculators:
Why Is It Important
A roofing square is an important measurement for roofers. It is the most common way to measure a roofs size. Roofers use this measurement to calculate the amount of material they will need to cover a roof. This measurement is also used to price a new roof. A roofing square is equal to 100 square feet.
Roofers will measure the length and width of a roof and divide it by 100. This will give them the roofs square footage. Most roofs are not perfect squares, therefore this measurement may be difficult to calculate without a roofing square ruler or tool such as a credit card that is 100-square inches long.
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How Much Pitch Does A Roof Need
Minimum Pitch/Slope of An Asphalt Shingle Roof
Shingles of all types need to have a slope to function properly. The minimum requirement is 2/12. The 2/12 number is rise over run or two units of vertical for every 12 units horizontal. That works out to about nine degrees if that works better for you.
Can You Vault A 4/12 Pitch Roof
The simplest way to get a vaulted ceiling is by setting vaulted roof trusses. The caveat with vaulted trusses is that the interior vault is typically no more than half the pitch of the exterior vault. For example, if your exterior roof has an 8/12 pitch, the interior will not exceed a 4/12 vaulted ceiling.
Also Check: Hydro Stop Roof Coating Cost
Estimating Materials Based On Decking
If you can see the plywood panels that comprise your decking, you can get a rough estimate by counting the number of panels. This requires that existing roofing has already been removed or that you can see the panels clearly from the attic. Most panels are 4 feet by 8 feet, making them 32 square feet. Simply count the panels if they are not full panels, you may have to estimate their size. Multiply your total number of panels by 32 to determine the total number of squares needed. Add about 10 percent to allow for waste, hips, valleys and ridges.
The Type Of Roof You Want
The type of roof you want will have a big impact on the cost of your roof replacement. There are a variety of different types of roofs for you to choose from based on your budget and the look you want.
If youre on a tight budget and looking for an affordable roof, an asphalt shingle roof might be right for you. But if youre looking to upgrade to a longer-lasting and sharp looking roof, theres the standing seam metal roof.
Asphalt and metal are two of the most commonly seen roof types, but there are also premium shingle roofs that come at a premium price. These roofs give you a unique look that really stands out. These premium roofs include cedar shake, slate, and tile.
The premium shingle roofs can get expensive quickly and be more than triple the cost of an asphalt shingle roof.
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How Do You Calculate The Square Footage Of Your Roof
Is it time for a roof replacement? Are you trying to figure out how much youll have to invest in your new roof?
If so, youre probably overwhelmed trying to learn everything that goes into the cost of your roof replacement. To help you understand the size of your roof investment, you first need to know the size of your roof. Thats why were going to break down how to measure your roofs square footage.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has been repairing and replacing roofs in Nashville and surrounding areas since 1990. We take extreme pride in everything we do, especially our workmanship.
Calculate The Complex Roof Areas
Most roofs in Canada would be considered on the complex side. Multiple adjacent pitches, dormers, and turrets are common. Keep in mind that an experienced metal roofing contractor will need to factor in extended labour time for areas of your roof that will require precision metalworking skills.
Start by finding the footprint area and multiply by the correct slope factor determined by pitch . In Figure 4 below, the dashed blue lines give a simplified view of the footprint. Multiply L x W to calculate the area for each rectangular section. Note the area of 77ft2 that needs to be subtracted for the recessed area.
Once the footprint including overhang areas have been determined for each area, find the appropriate slope or pitch factor in the chart below. For example, a roof area with an 8/12 pitch has a slope factor of 1.202 so 2053ft2 x 1.202 = 2468ft2 total roof area.
A Note about complex roofs: Complex roofs need more accessories and trims thaneasy roofs resulting in a slightly higher total cost/square foot.
Figure 4. Calculating Complex Roof Area
Recommended Reading: Adding Gable Overhang To Existing Roof
How Many Nails Will You Need
Nails will also be required for any roofing project. The average 3-tab shingle needs four nails per shingle. High wind areas and other types of shingles may need more. 320 nails will be needed to install a square of standard 3-tab shingles, assuming four nails per shingle and 80 shingles per square.
