top of page

How To Measure A Roof For Shingles?


How To Measure A Roof For Shingles?


Measuring a roof with shingles requires precision and attention to detail. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:


  1. Safety first: Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary safety equipment, such as a stabilizer ladder, appropriate shoes, and a seat belt if needed. If you don't feel comfortable working on the roof, consider hiring a professional.

  2. Gather your tools: you'll need a tape measure, pencil, paper, and a calculator. If your roof has a complex shape, an aerial measurement tool or satellite imaging service can be helpful.

  3. Calculate roof area: Measure the length and width of each roof section. If the roof is a simple rectangle or square, multiply the length by the width of each section to get the area. For example, if a section is 30 feet long and 20 feet wide, the area will be 30 x 20 = 600 square feet.

  4. Considering roof slope: Most roofs have a slope, called elevation. It is necessary to take this into account when calculating the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe roof. You can use the step factor chart to adjust your measurements or measure the roof lift and run to calculate the step factor.

  5. Include overhangs: Don't forget to include roof overhangs in your measurements. Measure the length and width of all overhangs and add them to your total roof area.

  6. Calculate the shed factor: Roofing manufacturers typically recommend a shed factor of 5% to 15% to account for cutting and fitting. Multiply your total roof area by the waste factor (expressed as a decimal, such as 0.1 for 10%) to get the final area needed.

  7. Determine bundles of shingles: Each bundle of shingles covers a given area. Divide your final square footage by the coverage area of ​​one lot to get the number of lots needed. Remember that you should round to the nearest whole number of bundles.

How Many Bundles Of Shingles Do I Need?


To determine how many bundles of shingles you need, you need to know the area of ​​the roof you intend to cover and the type of shingle you will use. Roof shingles are usually sold in packs and the number of shingles in each pack can vary by brand and type of shingle.


Here's a general step-by-step guide to calculating how much shingle you'll need:

  1. Measure your roof area: Measure the length and width of each roof plane (including overhangs). If your roof has multiple sections, measure each section separately.

  2. Total area: Multiply the length by the width of each roof section and add the areas to get the total area.

  3. Waste and error considerations: Roofing materials often have some degree of waste due to cuts and errors during installation. A general rule of thumb is to add 10% to 15% to the total square foot area to account for these factors.

  4. Determine the type of shingles: Different types of shingles can have different coverage areas per bunch. For example, typical asphalt shingles typically cover about 33.3 to 33.75 square feet per bundle.

  5. Calculate the number of bundles: Divide the total area (including waste area and margin of error) by the coverage area per bundle of the selected type of shingle. Round to the nearest whole number to account for the partial packages you may need.

What Kind Of Shingles Should I Use?

Choosing the right roofing sheet depends on many factors such as the climate in your area, your budget, the architectural style of your home, and your personal preferences. Here are some common types of shingles and their characteristics to help you make an informed decision:

  1. Asphalt shingles: These are the most common and affordable types of shingles. They come in a variety of styles and colors, making them suitable for most homes. Asphalt roofing is relatively easy to install and offers good durability and weather resistance. They do well in temperate climates.

  2. Wooden shake or shake: Wood shingles provide a natural, rustic look. They are usually made from cedar, redwood or other durable woods. Wood shingles provide good insulation but need regular maintenance to avoid rotting and fire hazards. They work well in mild climates and are best suited to cottage or traditional homes.

  3. Metal Roofing: Metal roofing is lightweight, durable, and energy efficient. They are available in different materials such as steel, aluminum or copper and can mimic the appearance of other roofing materials such as tile or wood. Metal roofing is highly resistant to fire, insects and rot. They work well in areas with extreme weather conditions and can last for decades.

  4. Tile roofing: Tile roofing, usually made from clay or concrete, gives it a distinctive and classic look. They are very durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions making them suitable for hot climates. However, they are heavier than other types of shingles and may require additional structural support.

  5. Slate roofing: Slate roofing is a premium roofing material known for its beauty, longevity and fire resistance. These are natural stone roofing sheets that can last for a century or more. However, slate shingles are expensive and heavy, requiring proper installation and structural support.

Comentarios


bottom of page