If you’re just getting started with a new roofing project and talking to your contractor, you may have heard them mention the term “roofing square.” In it’s simplest definition, a roofing square is a unit of measurement that we in the contracting business use to determine the material quantity you’ll need for a full roof replacement. This information will be put to use to give you an accurate and fair roofing estimate!
Roofing Squares Serve as a Roof Measurement Tool
Roofing squares are a fundamental unit of measurement in the roofing industry, providing a standardized way to get the total square footage of a roof surface. It also helps to simplify the ordering and procurement of roofing materials for the project.
A Roof Square is a 10 by 10 Foot Section (100 SQ FT)
Each roofing square is equivalent to a 10 by 10-foot section, covering a roof area of 100 square feet. With this information, contractors can make more accurate assessments, roofing cost estimates, and material calculations for our various roofing systems.
Quick Steps to Measure Your Roof's Square Footage
Knowing how to measure your roof’s square footage is a crucial step in planning for your next roofing project. The following steps will help you assess the dimensions of your house, account for your roof’s slope, and calculate the size of your roof!
1) Assess the Dimensions of Your Home
Before measuring your roof, gather the necessary tools, including a tape measure, paper, and pen. Measure the length and width of each section of your house and multiply them together to get your home’s overall footprint.
The equation should look like this: Length x Width = Home Footprint
2) Account for Your Roof's Slope or Pitch
When doing the calculation using square footage, you have to make sure to keep the makeup of your roof in mind – this means the slope or pitch! The complexity and steepness of your roof will determine the number that you’ll need to multiply the home footprint by. Let’s look at an example.
Say you have a gable roof that’s pretty walkable. To get the square footage of your roof, you’ll have to multiply the footprint by 1.3. On the other hand, if you have a steeper and more complex roof, you’ll have to multiply the home footprint by 1.6 to get the roof’s square footage.
The number you multiply by can change based on the roof, so make sure you understand what kind of roof you’re dealing with! A professional contractor can help greatly with this step.
3) Calculate Your Roof Size
Once you understand the complexity and slope of your roof, you can calculate its square footage. The equation that you’ll use to calculate the size of your roof can be found below.
Your Home’s Square Footage x Pitch Factor = Roof Size in SQ FT
So, let’s say that you have a walkable gable roof with a home that is 50′ in length and 30′ in width. The calculation would look like this: 50’ (length) x 30’ (width) = 1,500’ (footprint of the home)
1,500’ (footprint of the home) x 1.3 (walkable gable roof) = 1,950 square feet.
Note that the equation here will not be 100% accurate, though having this number with you can give you a good starting point that you can use to determine a rough estimate of how much your roofing project materials will cost.
Contact a Roofing Professional for an Accurate Assessment
While DIY measurements can provide you with a basic understanding of your roof’s size, the best way to get an accurate and comprehensive assessment is contacting a roofing professional.
Here at RoofPRO, we understand how to accurately assess various roof types and their complexities, looking at intricate designs, multi-slope designs, and other factors that may affect measurements. Reach out today!
RoofPRO is a Trusted Contractor for Marylanders
If you’re looking for trusted roofing services here in Maryland, look no further than RoofPRO! With more than a decade of experience, we understand the unique roofing challenges that Maryland homeowners face. We like to let our reputation and track record speak for themselves, as we’ve completed numerous successful projects for residents and business owners across Maryland.
Top-Rated Residential and Commercial Roofing Solutions
No matter your roofing needs, we offer top-rated roofing solutions for both residential and commercial clients. Our comprehensive range of services ensures that your property receives the highest quality roofing solutions tailored to your specific requirements. Some of our most popular services include:
• And more!
Over a Decade of Localized Experience
RoofPRO takes pride in having over a decade of dedicated service here in Maryland as a top-rated roofing contractor. With that experience, we bring extensive localized knowledge to every roofing project!
Not only do we have a profound understanding of Maryland’s diverse climate, allowing us to recommend roofing solutions that withstand the challenges posed by varying weather conditions, but we’re also familiar with the diverse range of home styles and structures in the region. Our team is well-versed in the specific roofing needs associated with different architectural designs, from modern builds to historic homes and beyond.
Working with Top Brands in the Industry
We believe in roofing solutions that stand the test of time, and that commitment extends to the materials we use. We take pride in our partnerships with some of the top brands in the roofing industry, including GAF and Owens Corning.
When you work with us, you can ensure you’re receiving the highest quality materials, backed by the reputation and innovation of industry-leading manufacturers!
Reach Out Today for a Free Estimate and Roof Measurement
Your journey to a long-lasting roof begins with reaching out to RoofPRO. Take the first step towards a secure and aesthetically pleasing roof replacement project by contacting us today! We offer a transparent and detailed roof estimate tailored to your specific needs so you can have a clear idea of your investment. Contact us today to schedule your consultation, and let us elevate your home!
