How to Calculate Roofing Square Footage the Right Way? Our Guide

Do you want to learn how to calculate roofing square footage? We have the perfect guide for you that you can follow to do just that. Our expert roofing contractor has some tips for you that will be your best bet on how to calculate the square footage of a roof.

What Is Roof Square Footage?

A square equals 100 sq. ft. or 10x10 ft. When it comes to roofing, it is a unit of measurement that can determine how many shingles will be required to cover the 100 sq. ft. of your roof. If you are going to take on a new roofing project, you will need an accurate estimate so that you don't get too less or too many roofing materials. Learning how to calculate square feet on a roof is important to get an accurate cost for your roof's square footage. You will be able to save yourself money when getting underlayment or shingles.

How to Measure Roof Square Feet?

When learning how to figure out the square footage of a roof, there are some steps you can follow. 

Determine the Number of Planes

First, you have to determine the number of roofing planes in your home. You need to include dormers like the small outjuttings on attic windows as well as any main roof planes. You can check out the original blueprint of the building. 

You should take the required measurements of every plane of your roof. Be sure to include the dormers (the small "outjuttings" over attic windows). You can easily find this information on your property's building plan. If you cannot reach the roof, you can always hire a professional or go with estimated measurements.

Measure the Planes

If you have a flat and low roofing surface, measuring it yourself is possible. If you aren't able to safely get up on the roof to measure it, you can also hire a roofing professional to do it. You can multiply the width and length of every rectangle and square-shaped plane. You will need to calculate every plane separately. For example, if your roof plane measures 100 feet by 120 feet, you can multiply 100x120. Your roof will measure 12,000 square feet. 

If there are any triangle-shaped or symmetrical planes, you can multiply the triangle's base length (the longest side) by its height. The height is calculated by the distance from the middle of the base length to the opposite corner. Divide it by 2 to get the correct square foot of roof. 

For instance, if the triangle roof measures 60 feet at the base and the height is 30 feet, you can multiply 60x30. Your triangle plane will measure 60x30 at 1,800 feet. Then, you divide it by two and get 900 sq. ft.

Divide to Find Squares

How to measure roof square feet? You can make an estimate of your roofing. When all the planes are measured, you can add all of that to find the accurate roof square footage. Divide the overall square footage of all roof planes by 100 to get the number of squares on the roof. For example, 2,520 square feet multiplied by 100 resulted in 25.2 squares.

Include Roof Slope

Roof slope tells you how steep the roof is and might make you require more squares of materials. The square foot of the roof has to include the slope to be accurate. A roof's slope is estimated by counting the number of inches the roof rises vertically for every horizontal extension of 12 inches. For instance, the slope is 4:12 if the steep increase is 4 inches.

Factors Affecting the Calculation of the Roof Square Footage

Now that you know how to find roof square footage, you should learn about the factors when you calculate roof square footage. 

Type of Roof

Now that you know how to calculate roof area, you can decide on the type of roof you need. The price of replacing the roof will be significantly influenced by the sort of roof you choose. Depending on the budget and the style you desire, you may pick from several different roof kinds.

Asphalt shingles for the roof can be the best option if you have a limited budget and are seeking a cost-effective roof. There is, however, a standing metal roof if you want to upgrade to a more durable and attractive roof.

The two most prevalent roof materials are asphalt and metal. However, there are also expensive premium-quality shingle roofs. Such roofs provide you with a distinctive appearance that sticks out considerably. Slate, cedar shake, and tile are some of these high-end roofs.

The price of quality shingle roofs can exceed three times that of the asphalt roof. 

Time to Complete the Job

After you know how to measure square footage of roof, you will determine the time and labor. Everything that requires time and work will be reflected in the ultimate price of replacing the roof.

Every team member has a different labor cost depending on their experience, skill level, and how much they can accomplish in a day. Each contractor will charge a different amount for labor.

Another aspect is how long it takes to finish the task. The cost of a new roof will always be impacted by how much time a roofer must spend on your roof and house.

Completion will take longer and need more work if the roof is complicated to reach. Any labor-intensive tasks, such as removing your old roof and cleaning up your property afterward, will affect the cost of a new roof.

Costs of Contractor

Operating costs will impact the costs after you have learned how to find roof square footage. They are a necessary part of running a roofing company. Any necessary roof work will be priced according to these operational expenses.

Typical running expenses include:

• Building utilities and costs
• Vehicles 
• Workers compensation insurance 
• General liability insurance 
• Bonds and licenses 
• Training
• Payroll and taxes

These are only a few ongoing running expenses needed to maintain a firm. These are daily expenses, regardless of whether a roofing firm installs ten roofs or only does a little repair. Operating costs will always be included in the estimate of total cost, regardless of the work completed or the required service.

What to Do Now That You Know How to Find Square Feet of Roof

Now that you know how to determine square footage of a roof, you can get in touch with an experienced roofing contractor. You can ask them questions like 'how many square is my roof?' and they will be able to give you a proper answer. When you have an estimated roof size, you will be able to get an accurate quote for your contractor. 

The Otis Roofing contractors can show you how to calculate roof square footage and install it for you. We are a small roofing company in Austin, TX, offering personalized services that will add value to your residential property. We have insured, certified, and licensed roof workers that provide quick turnarounds. 

Call Otis Roofing at 512-717-5852 or fill out the form online.