The thought of roofing a project may be overwhelming enough, but on how many shingles you actually need. The first step in a hassle free and economical roofing job is to measure your roof. Be it in the homeowner DIY approach or when hiring roofing experts, knowing how to measure your roof to fit shingles, you can buy the right quantity of material, unneeded costs, and waste. So, How to Measure a Roof for Shingles?
We will also teach you all the secrets that you should know in this detailed guide; the styles of roof, the roof pitch, the measuring method step by step, and the professional techniques and tips that you can use to be accurate. At the end, you will have the knowledge to estimate your shingle requirements with a high degree of confidence and have a successful roofing experience.
Learning the Roof Measurement Basics
You should know the principles of roof measurement before you go climbing that ladder or begin your calculations. Roofs are of diverse shapes, slopes, and designs that influence the method of measuring and installation of shingles. Measuring is aimed at determining the overall area of the roof which has to be covered.
Shingles normally come in bundles and three bundles normally cover one square of roofing that is equivalent to 100 square feet. It, therefore, requires proper measurement to identify the total number of squares you need to cover your roof.
Types of Roofs and the Effects on Measurements
Measuring begins by identifying the nature of the roof that you have. Every style of roof possesses distinct features that define the method of measurement.
1. Gable Roofs
The most common and the easiest is a gable roof which consists of two sloping sides that intersect and create a triangular shape. Gable roofs are simple to measure and thus can be used by a beginner.
2. Hip Roofs
The hip roofs are sloped at all four sides and they converge at a ridge or a point. Hip roof measurement needs greater accuracy due to the numerous planes and cross-sections.
3. Mansard Roofs
The Mansard roofs are sloped on both sides but the lower side is steeper. This type of style will need additional care since the sections will have to be measured separately to be precise.
4. Flat Roofs
Though flat roofs look like a child’s plaything, they also need proper dimensions, particularly when you need to use shingles as decorative material, or as protection. Measure these, do not omit measuring them, even the slightest mistake can result in a pool of water or incomplete covering.
Most Important Terms of Roof Measurement
These are the basics of roofing terminology that you need to know before plunging into the actual process of measuring:
- Roof Pitch: The slope of the roof expressed as a ratio of rise to run (a 6/12 pitch roof would rise 6 inches to every 12 inches horizontal run).
- Eave Length: This is the height of the roof over the wall.
- Rafter Length: This is the distance between the eave and the ridge of the roof.
- Ridge: This is the topmost horizontal line on which the two sloping roofs intersect.
- Hip: The two lines that are diagonal and on which the slopes of two roofs meet.
- Valley: The inner turned intersection of two roof slopes, where the water moves downwards.
Knowledge of these terms would make it easy to follow the process and interact well with roofing professionals in case of necessity.
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
All you have to do is to prepare the right tools before you begin measuring. Correct and safe equipment may be the difference between quality results and expensive mistakes.
Measuring Tools
- Tape Measure: This is a standard measuring device to measure lengths.
- Laser Measuring Device: This provides accurate distance measurements and it is applicable in large or complicated roofs.
- Pitch Gauge or App: Assists in finding out the slope of your roof in a few seconds and with precision.
Safety Equipment
- Safety Harness: It is used to avoid falls during the work on the roof.
- Ladder with Stabilizers: Maintains a secure access to various parts of the roof.
- Roof Brackets or Jacks: It gives one a stable working surface when working on steep roofs.
- Non-slip Shoes and Gloves: Enhance a better grip and avoid accidents.
Do not sacrifice on safety, be sure to wear your protection equipment and be certain that the weather conditions are favorable and dry before accessing your roof.
How to Measure a Roof for Shingles
Now you have the basics covered and with your tools ready, we shall proceed through the process of determining the exact measurements of your roof.
Step 1: Roof Measurement Preparation
The first step to take is to select a sunny day with low wind. Check the roof on the ground to determine the possible obstacles like chimneys, vents and skylights that you will have to measure individually. Install the ladder safely, fasten on your harness.
Step 2: Find out the Base Area of the Roof
Measure the length and width of every part of the roof with your tape measure. To derive the area in square feet divide the two figures. An example of this is to take a roof whose length on one side is 30 feet and a width of 20 feet, then the area of this roof is 600 square feet.
In case of roofs that are made up of several parts (l shaped roofs or intricate roofs), you should measure each part individually and then sum them to obtain the overall area of the roof.
Step 3: Find the Pitch of the Roof
The pitch determines the amount of roofing you are going to have. Use a pitch gauge or a smartphone app to measure pitch, or some manual way:
- Install a horizontal level on the roof.
- Run 12 inches of the level (the run).
- Find the distance between the underside of levels and the surface of the roof vertically (the rise).
- Each 12 inches of run has a 6inch rise, implying 6/12 pitch.
In order to accommodate slope, the total area of the roof must be multiplied by the factor of the pitch:
| Roof Pitch | Pitch Factor |
| Flat to 3/12 | 1.03 |
| 4/12 to 5/12 | 1.08 |
| 6/12 to 8/12 | 1.12 |
| 9/12 to 12/12 | 1.25 |
| Above 12/12 | 1.40+ |
The correction is necessary to make sure that you take into consideration the additional surface area due to the roof incline.
Step 4: Measuring Ridges, Hips, and Valleys
Measure using your tape measure:
- Ridge Length: The horizontal line at the peak of the roof.
- Hip Length: This is the total intersection of roof planes on a diagonal.
- Valley Length: The angles inwards the water flows down.
These measurements assist in the estimation of the extra shingles required to cover and trim.
Step 5: Consider Roof Openings and Waste Allowance Add-On
Divide the area of windows such as chimneys, skylights, and vents by the overall square feet. Then, you can add a waste allowance, usually 10-15 percent, to take into account trimming, cutting, and possible errors in the installation.
- As an example: Using the example of 2,000 square feet roof area and 10 percent waste added, the total area to be covered is 2,200 square feet.
To determine the Number of Shingles Required.
The majority of shingles are bundled with one square of the roofing (100 square feet) being covered by three bundles. The number of bundles required is calculated by taking your total area of roof (including garbage) divided by 100 times three.
- An example would be: Total Roof Area (including waste) = 2,200 sq. ft. 2,200 100 = 22 roofing squares 22 x3= 66 bundles of shingles.
- It is always a good idea to order in the next bundle so that there will be no shortages during the installation.
- The most frequent errors during the process of measuring a roof.
A small error can cause the buying of the shingles in excess or inadequate numbers. The following are some of the pitfalls to be avoided:
- Overlooking Roof Features: You have to take into consideration chimneys, skylights, and vents. Lacking attention to them will lead to underestimation.
- Waste Allowance: It is easy to lose track of the trimming and overlap, which is why it is easy to run out of shingles.
- Miscalibration of Roof Pitch: The wrong calculation of pitch will give wrong calculations of surface area.
- Failure to Measure Each Part Separately: Complex roofs require the measurement of each part separately and then adding the values.
- Neglecting Safety Measures: There is no reason to hurry to make measurements without the proper safety equipment or help.
Professional Guide to Measuring Roofs
- Record Multiple Dimensions: Triple in all the dimensions to reduce errors.
- Use Technology: Roof-measuring applications and computer calculators can make it simple and more accurate.
- Hire Professional on Complex Roofs: In case your roof is steeply sloped or has numerous valleys, then hire a roofing professional. Special equipment such as drones or satellite imaging is applied by professionals to make accurate estimates.
- Maintain a Record: Record all your measurements and sketches to be used in future or when discussing them with the contractors.
The Importance of Accurate Measurement
Proper roof measurement does not only affect the quantity of shingles that you purchase, it also affects your whole roofing project. You can, with exact measurements, measure:
- Spend Money Well: Do not spend money on unnecessary resources.
- Adequate Shingle Protection: Do not leave areas or the shortage of shingles.
- Improve Aesthetic Performances: Shingles that are measured correctly are aligned properly and they have a professional look.
- Reduce Waste: Conserve materials and reduce ecological effect.
Whether you are going it alone or hiring someone else to help you, when you know how to measure your roof, you will have control and confidence in whatever you are doing.
Final Thoughts
It is not required to be so hard to measure your roof to install shingles. The types of roofs, appropriate tools and methodological approach will help you determine in no time the exact number of material required in your roofing project.
Although never forget to be safe, always check your work and take into consideration all parts of your roof – ridges, valleys and protrusions. In summary, consult a Northwest Roof Maintenance Inc professional roofer when you are not sure of what to do. Hope so, now you know How to Measure a Roof for Shingles.
