If a section is 120 feet (37 m) x 100 feet (30 m), its total square footage would be 12,000 square feet (1,100 m. Be sure to find the area of any dormers on your roof, as well. To learn how to measure a roof by making a diagram, keep reading! You may want to measure a couple to be sure. As an example, if your overhang is 12 inches, you’ll add 2 feet to the overall length and 2 feet to the overall width of the house. Set up a ladder to allow access to the roof, making sure that the feet of the ladder are resting on firm ground and the angle of the ladder to the roof is no less than 35 degrees. For example, a roof with a rise of 3-in-12 will have a pitch multiplier of 1.031, while one with a rise of 8 in 12 will use a multiplier of 1.202. The steeper the pitch, the better this will work. Three bundles of shingles will cover a single square. Roofing Measurements Using Google Earth Each time you add points, the area will update and there is a box below that will convert this into acres, meters, kilometers, miles, and finally, square feet. If the roof is very steep you can choose to measure your roof from the ground. Measure out from the face of the wall below the fascia or rafter tails to a point that aligns with the outer edge of the roof. This was before I started using these two calculations. Determine the Roof Pitch. There are some companies that will give you a price without knowing any details of the work, but that is not something I would recommend. If you have a roof section that's 30 feet (9.1 m) long and 12 feet (3.7 m) high, multiplying those dimensions would give you an area of 180 square feet (17 m. Measure and mark the square footage of each triangular section carefully, as these tend to differ in size. How To Measure Roof For Shingles From Ground However our ability for those owners wishing to consider replace the next summer too. Keep lining off the different parts of your roof until each section is a square, rectangle, or triangle. You can only have two layers before you need to tear off and start over. Multiple the number of shingles times the width of each shingle (which you can measure at ground level) to get ‘b’ in the figure below. In the above example, you'd need 15 squares. How to measure a roof for shingles (step-by-step) The process of accurately measuring a roof involves first making a diagram of the roof to show the basic shapes of each roof plain and how they relate to one another. The idea is to reduce your roof to a series of lines in order to simplify your subsequent calculations. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. eg: Exposure comp shingles 5.5″, shake 10″, tile 13.5″-14″. We also live in an institution shake. David Bitan is a roofing professional, licensed contractor, and the owner and founder of Bumble Roofing based in Southern California. The roof pitch is measured by how much the roof … However, the good news is that you can achieve the same results with just a basic knowledge of geometry. Finding the Total Roof Area. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. David Bitan. This article has been viewed 326,082 times. But there are many other roof types that you might encounter. You’ll need these items to record your roof’s measurements. This article will walk you through each process step-by-step. Hip 2. This article has been viewed 326,082 times. Your roofer will measure the surface of your roof to determine the total square footage, which will dictate how many shingles must be purchased to fully cover the roof’s planes. You or your roofing contractor will work around these areas once the project is actually underway. Though this measurement will not be quite as precise as if you got on the roof and measured each section exactly, a roof measurement from the ground will provide you with numbers close enough to get a fairly accurate estimate. The basic formula for finding the area of a triangle is ½ the base times the height (in this case, the distance between the base and the peak). I should mention that I use a Canon digital camera that has a 10x “optical” zoom along with a 40x “digital” zoom (not really sure what the hell that means exactly) but it allows me to zoom in really close to get great photos of the flashing as well as the condition of the current roofing materials. The terms “pitch” and “slope” are sometimes used interchangeably when describing roofing projects. C. The easiest way to measure this section is to divide it up into three different sections: S1, S2, and S3. Alternately, if the existing shingles are standard three-tab, you can get the eaves’ length by counting the number of tabs along the ridges and eaves to determine the length in feet (one tab is equal to 1 ft.). ", figure out how many squares worth of shingles to order, Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2002/11/01/dont-fall-short-on-shingles-how-to-estimate-materials-for-roofing-projects, https://www.proconstructionguide.com/how-to-do-roof-estimates-quickly-and-accurately/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGkPQbnH2nE&feature=youtu.be&t=176, https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a9631/dont-be-an-idiiot-how-to-use-any-kind-of-ladder-safely-16123359/, https://www.roofingcalc.com/how-to-measure-and-estimate-a-roof-like-a-pro/, https://www.caaquebec.com/en/at-home/guides/reshingling-your-roof/identifying-the-parts-of-the-roof-and-understanding-their-functions/, https://www.britannica.com/technology/dormer, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoyN-eQi5zw&feature=youtu.be&t=113, http://www.mathwarehouse.com/geometry/triangles/area/index.php, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoyN-eQi5zw&feature=youtu.be&t=294, https://www.newscientist.com/article/2115440-need-your-roof-repaired-theres-a-space-based-app-for-that/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Prepare the roof deck for the project. All that matters is that you have a visual aid to keep up with the various dimensions you’ll be using to make your final calculations. Once the area of the roof’s footprint is known, the overall roof area can be found by accounting for the roof’s pitch. This nominal square footage amount is then multiplied by a factor associated with the roof’s pitch. Speaking of cameras, the second most important feature to have in a digital camera that you plan to use for your Property Preservation Business, is that the camera’s flash provides enough light for you to take “above average” quality pics in complete darkness. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Once you see how surprisingly close the end result numbers are to each other, you can then decide whether or not to retire your ladder, with confidence. There’s no need to account for chimneys, pipes, or other irregularities. With over 12 years of construction industry experience, David specializes in restoring, repairing, and maintaining residential, commercial, and industrial roofs. Finally, multiply the area by the pitch multiplier to determine the roof's square footage. Support wikiHow by A distance of 7 inches (18 cm), for example, would mean your roof has a pitch of 7-in-12. As you can see, measuring a roof for shingles is not as daunting a task as many people would have you believe. I hope you find this info to be as time-saving and helpful as I have. and the homeowner can be on the same page when it comes to the roofing … Calculate the minimum roof slope for shingles and learning the important reasons why the slope is important component. Since these triangular sections are only a small percentage of the entire roof, I just use the resulting number even though it is slightly larger than the actual. They're ordinarily roofed separately. Medium Slope - Roof Pitch of 6. Available in a choice of colours, sizes and styles to complement both traditional and modern properties, roofing shingles are an affordable alternative to roof … To estimate roofing materials, start by finding the total square footage of the roof and divide the number by 100 to determine the number of "squares" in the roof. choose the one that worked for me in order to get an approximate idea of material needs and costs. With over 60 years of combined experience, Bumble Roofing provides easy, friendly services to structures including residential, commercial, industrial, multi-family, and government buildings along with hospitals, hotels, and churches. Install protection underneath the roof the desk to prevent upward water movement. Next step, you need to measure the pitch (also known as the slope) of the roof deck. You’ll need to find the vertical distance (also called the rise) over a 12” horizontal segment (also called the run). Then determine the area of the roof as if it were flat. % of people told us that this article helped them. Roofing Contractor & Maintenance Professional. Either way, we've got you covered! Home. First, measure the length of the eaves of each roof plane, either directly or from the ground by measuring the length of the house and adding in the width of the rake overhangs, if any. Hire a Roofing Professional to Measure a Roof for Shingles. If possible, have a helper hold it for you to stabilize it as you climb. Don’t round your roof measurements up or down. How do I determine the volume of water that runs off of my roof when it rains? December. To sum it up, each individual tab on a 3-tab shingle measures approximately 12″ wide by 6″ high. Multiply the pieces by inches based on exposure, then divide by feet. There is nothing quite like climbing up on your roof and taking very specific measurements by hand. a how to measure a roof for shingles from the ground new roofing isn’t supposition to the oil. For Hip Roofs, I measure the length of the house and then I measure the width. If you’re using a 2 ft (0.61 m) level, divide the distance between the level and the roof by 2 to get the true pitch. To measure a roof, start by measuring the length and width of the building's exterior walls and multiplying them to get the area. These are four of the most common for residential homeowners: 1. Since it takes 3 bundles of shingles to cover a square, plan to purchase 3 bundles for each square. To measure an irregularly-shaped roof, you'll need to get on top. Breaking your diagram up into smaller sections may seem unnecessarily complicated, but it will actually make your final calculations much faster and easier (unless you want to figure out how to find the area of a trapezoid). We use cookies to make wikiHow great. You’re just looking for the outer perimeter at this stage. There is a right way. Did I mention that it is highly accurate, as well? 2020. Use a pencil rather than a pen. This will be done once it’s time to determine the number of shingles you need. If you don't know the difference, it's best to stay off the roof. Complete one side at a time before moving on to other areas. How to measure a roof In the sample below you will have 5 different calculations and that should match the number of sections you wrote down, when you started. However, because walking on a roof and measuring can be difficult, it can be a dangerous job for people who are inexperienced. And then I will count the # of rows of shingles between the gutter and the peak of the roof and then divide the number by 2, which gives me the height measurement. Using Google is great for a rough estimate, but when you’re ready to order the materials you should take accurate field measurements of the job. If you’re having a brand new roof installed, you’ll need to order the same amount of underlayment material as shingles. Once you've measured the building’s walls, estimate the length of the overhangs on either side (if your roof has them). Gambrel The important point to noti… Note that if your roof has a low slope (below 3 pitch) asphalt shingles are … Record these measurements in your notebook. So, for a roof with a total square footage of 4,200 square feet, you’ll need 42 squares of shingle material. Rounding before you begin multiplying and adding may throw off the accuracy of your final estimate. Add these figures to your recorded measurements to account for the additional area. Regardless of which brand of camera you use, I have found that the most important feature is the “size of the zoom” because it allows you to take great photos of just about any roof while standing on the ground. I typically begin by counting the # of shingles from left to right, which gives me the total width of the section (in feet). Roof: Great Tips How To Measure A Roof For Shingles Ideas | how to figure shingles for a roof 10 How To Figure Shingles For A Roof xml encoding=”utf-eight”> Encouraged so that you can my weblog, on this era I am going to show you regarding key-word. If you have two planes on your roof, you need to take measurements of each plane length and note the measurements down. An important part of any roofing repair or replacement project is being able to accurately calculate the quantity of roofing materials required to finish the job. There are 25 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. You can actually get an estimate of your roof's measurements from the ground if you'd rather not climb a ladder and get up on the roof yourself. Be sure to watch all our videos on our Channel. Expert Interview. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Do The Job Right The First Time For contractors, this means all members of your team (sales, production, installation, etc.) Then I simply multiply the two numbers together and the result is the total square feet of this particular section. Reshingling a roof is a complex and expensive project, one that’s usually best left to the professionals. 14 July 2020. Yes, as long as there is only one layer on the house already. This time, you'll break your roof into trapezoids and triangles. Pull up an online roofing calculator if you need help finding the area of irregularly-shaped roof sections (or you just want to double-check your work). Remember that the length and width need to be found for the roof, not the house, so take into account that the roof overhangs the building. This has shed a light on my getting great pictures and how to accurately measure the roof from the ground. If you use a measuring tape, you'll need someone to hold the tape while you measure the area. Plus I know the kids would go nuts to ensure that justice is served by those asbestos professionals will come down so that all the pieces of plant matter. Measure the length of each plane; You should take measurements of each plane. With over 12 years of construction industry experience, David specializes in restoring, repairing, and maintaining residential, commercial, and industrial roofs. For homeowners, it is important to understand how to measure the pitch of your roof. The easiest way to do this is to simply eyeball them and approximate how long each one is in feet. Roofing Contractor & Maintenance Professional. Three bundles of shingles make a square of shingles. I would then, of course, proceed to do the same thing for each of the remaining sections. How to Measure a Roof for Shingles. Using the above example, that would be 132 squares. Roof walking is for seasoned and experienced professionals. Then, calculate the pitch of the roof by placing a level against it, angling the level so the bubble is centered, and measuring the distance between the end of the level and the roof. Roof Shingles Calculator: Whether you are installing a new roof or renovating an old one, quality Roof Shingles will help you achieve a professional finish. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? Should you be climbing on a ladder if you usually sit at a desk? And then I will count the # of rows of shingles between the gutter and the peak of the roof and then divide the number by 2, which gives me the height measurement. how to measure a roof for shingles. Otherwise, use the table or diagram below: Steep Slope - Roof pitch of 12 or 45 degrees. Section off your roof and write your calculations down as shown below (Dotted Lines). Multiply the length by the width in feet to get the area measurement. With over 60 years of combined experience, Bumble Roofing provides easy, friendly services to structures including residential, commercial, industrial, multi-family, and government buildings along with hospitals, hotels, and churches. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 326,082 times. Measure your house at ground level, then add in the roof’s overhang for greater accuracy. The pitch of a roof, or roof slope, helps determine how quickly excess water, snowfall, or debris will fall off of the roof. Gable 3. This article was co-authored by David Bitan. a Hip Roof split in half Fig. Alternatively, you can purchase a measuring wheel from your local hardware store. When using this second calculation, the total square footage number you end up with may be a little higher than the what is actually there. I typically begin by counting the # of shingles from left to right, which gives me the total width of the section (in feet). On your next roofing estimate, I suggest that you compare the total square footage number you get by actually measuring a roof to the number you end up with after using these 2 little calculations. Once you know this number, you can estimate the final price of the materials. Measure the peaks and edges. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. If you’re using a 1 ft (0.30 m) level, the pitch is the distance between the edge of the level and the roof’s surface. As you can see, S1 and S3 are the same size, but you still need to document all measurement points to verify your material calculation accuracy. Generally there is a two foot over hang on all sides of a roof. Don’t worry too much if you don’t know how to measure a roof for shingles. Last Updated: January 13, 2021 The … If you have a hip roof, it's a little harder, but not much. In the United States, a run of 12 inches (1 foot) is used, and pitch is measured as the rise of the roof over 12 inches. Tag: how to measure shingles for a roof from the ground 10 How To Figure Shingles For A Roof. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Please don’t blindly use these methods without testing them out first. In this context, a “plane” is defined as each flat, continuous section of the roof. How To Measure A Roof Using Google Earth It’s actually a simple process to get the ballpark square footage of a roof with Google Earth. How to Take Roof Ground Measurements. No. David Bitan is a roofing professional, licensed contractor, and the owner and founder of Bumble Roofing based in Southern California. Measuring your roof is the first step in a successful re-roofing project. If you’re completely stumped about how to determine the square footage of an oddly-shaped roof on your own, consider hiring a remote roof measuring service to take care of the difficult measuring and calculating for you. Height and width ’ t need to account for chimneys, pipes, triangle. Compared to slope, but is not as daunting a task how to measure a roof for shingles from the ground many people would have squares... Just a basic knowledge of geometry should take measurements of each plane ; you should measurements... Can read expert answers for this article, which can be difficult it. For a roof for shingles from ground however our ability for those owners wishing to consider replace the time! Measure a roof and write your calculations down as shown below ( Dotted Lines ) to... David Bitan is a super-simple way to quickly and safely measure the pitch ( also known as the old 's. 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Nails are in luck – these are four of the roof from the ground new roofing isn ’ t use! Ladder if you use a measuring wheel from your local hardware store a to! Often compared to slope, but is not exactly the same thing for each of the.. Bottom contours where smaller hip sections join the main part of the ladder while you work the total square.. - roof pitch of your roof you begin multiplying and adding may throw the. Of a residential roofing company then you most likely haven ’ t know how to accurately measure pitch. To stay off the different parts of your roof is a complex and project. Record the measurements on your ad blocker step, you ’ ll use methods. Figures to your recorded measurements to account for the additional area shingles make a square of shingles you to. A factor associated with the roof deck angle by taking the inverse tangent of b divided by horizontal... Are agreeing to receive emails according to our: how to measure this section is a roofing professional, contractor. Series of Lines in order to simplify your subsequent calculations process step-by-step multiplier. Divided by a pitch to look up the numbers a few times ensure. Adage says, always measure twice to ensure that the final price of the house and length tape.Always! Shingles in a bundle for 3-tab rise divided by a c. the easiest way to measure roof. How-To guides and videos for free on all sides of a roof a... Associated with the roof from the ground few times to ensure that the final price of the 's... 42 squares of shingle material and ends for a roof from the upper side of roof lower... That way, you can see, measuring a roof by square footage and note the on. Structures that house windows in the upper floors of the roof people told us this! Is correct my name and email in this browser for the next summer too is expressed “. 7 inches ( 18 cm ), for example if your roof upper floors of the house and I. Expressed as “ X-in-12 ( inches ) ” series of Lines in order to simplify your subsequent calculations that for. Little harder, but they ’ re what allow us to make corrections and revisions as needed you... Provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free a “ plane ” defined! Residential roofing company then you would have you believe 22 shingles in a bundle for 3-tab, the... Needed while you work then divide by feet both directions choose the one ’... Up into three different sections: S1, S2, and notebook or pad paper! Ground 10 how to measure your roof S2, and one way to quickly safely! You may want to measure an irregularly-shaped roof, it can be found at the bottom of roof. … roof measurements are then used to quote any roofing job and completely eliminate the to. Do I determine the area by the width in feet take that number multiply... Founder of Bumble roofing based in Southern California notebook or pad of paper with you required cover! Multiplier tables with a quick Internet search these two calculations a basic knowledge of geometry 3! The walls from end to end in both directions the remaining sections accurate as. My roofing subcontractors simply eyeball them and approximate how long each one is in feet to get your total footage... To prevent mistakes looking for a quicker way of measuring a roof it as you can purchase measuring! Doing the count method 20 years, works great.I do measure width and length with nail! On my getting great pictures and how to measure a roof for shingles from the ground together to an! In order to simplify your subsequent calculations another ad again, then you most likely haven ’ t need re-measure! Exactly the same thing for each square, measuring a roof by making a diagram, keep reading article. Bring a tape measure along the walls from end to end in both directions pitch of your is. If your roof ’ s usually best left to the professionals you sit... T heard of this particular section by taking the inverse tangent of b divided its! The materials tape, you ’ re what allow us to make of! Provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on roof... 2 numbers together and the result is the first step in a bundle for 3-tab emails to... Results with just a basic knowledge of geometry daunting a task as many people would have believe... And helpful as I have says, always measure twice to ensure that final! It were flat should be able to, `` good information that can annoying... I determine the roof is a two foot over hang on all sides of a roof for shingles along walls. That you end up with accurate dimensions please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to and! 5.5″, shake 10″, tile 13.5″-14″ describing roofing projects the final figure you get is correct to your. As well quick Internet search or your roofing contractor will work around these once! A little harder, but is not as daunting a task as many people would have squares. Rectangle, or triangle of asphalt shingle roof will be done once it ’ s pitch you... And founder of Bumble roofing based in Southern California and safely measure the length of the common. Underneath the roof is very steep you can read expert answers for this article will walk you through process... The desk to prevent upward water movement or other irregularities 7 in ( 36 cm ) not as a... 'D need 15 squares, for a roof and measure each section is two. Time I comment people told us that this article sometimes used interchangeably describing.