how to measure a roof for shingles by hand

How to Measure a Roof for Shingles by Hand: A Step-by-Step Guide by S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC

Properly measuring your roof is one of the most important steps when planning a roofing project. Whether you’re replacing an old roof or building a new one, accurate measurements are essential to ensure that you order the right amount of shingles and materials. At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we understand the importance of getting these measurements right, which is why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to measure a roof for shingles by hand.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the process of measuring a roof for shingles, providing you with the knowledge you need to carry out the task efficiently and accurately. Additionally, we’ll explain why professional roofers like S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, serving Northeast Ohio cities such as Cleveland, Medina, Lakewood, Chagrin Falls, and Youngstown, are often your best option for roofing projects, even when you have a basic understanding of roof measurements.

Why Measuring Your Roof for Shingles Is Important

Before we dive into the specifics of how to measure your roof for shingles, let’s first explain why it’s crucial to get the measurements correct:

1. Accurate Material Estimates: Knowing the precise measurements of your roof ensures that you order the right amount of shingles, flashing, underlayment, and other roofing materials. Ordering too few materials can delay the project, while ordering too much can result in unnecessary costs.
2. Avoid Wastage: Proper measurements can help avoid waste. Buying too many shingles can be a costly mistake, while ordering too few can lead to project delays. Accurate roof measurements help you stay on budget.
3. Roofing Permits and Codes: When applying for roofing permits or ensuring compliance with local building codes, correct roof measurements are often required. Accurate measurements help prevent delays in the approval process.
4. Establishing a Professional Estimate: If you’re planning to hire a roofing contractor, providing them with accurate measurements helps ensure that the estimate they give you is as precise as possible.

Tools You’ll Need to Measure a Roof by Hand

Measuring a roof for shingles by hand requires a few basic tools, many of which you may already have at home. Here’s a list of the essential tools you’ll need:

• Tape Measure: A standard tape measure is essential for measuring the length and width of your roof. If you have a larger roof, you may need a tape measure that’s 100 feet or more in length.
• Ladder: You’ll need a ladder to access the roof, especially for higher-pitched roofs or multi-story homes. Make sure the ladder is sturdy and properly secured.
• Roof Slope Gauge: If your roof is pitched, a roof slope gauge will help you measure the pitch of the roof, which is critical for calculating the total surface area.
• Calculator: You’ll need a calculator to help you perform the necessary calculations to determine the square footage and the number of shingles required.
• Pen and Paper: Keep track of your measurements and calculations on paper. This will help you avoid mistakes and keep your project organized.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Measure a Roof for Shingles

Step 1: Calculate the Total Square Footage of Your Roof

The first step in measuring your roof is to calculate its total square footage. Roof measurements are typically given in squares, where one square equals 100 square feet. The basic process for calculating square footage involves measuring the length and width of each section of your roof.

1. Measure the Length and Width: Use your tape measure to measure the length and width of your roof. For simple, rectangular roofs, this step is straightforward.
   • For example, if your roof is 20 feet long and 40 feet wide, the total area would be:
     • 20 ft x 40 ft = 800 square feet.
2. Divide the Roof into Sections: Many roofs have multiple slopes, valleys, or other features that require you to break the roof down into sections. For example, a gable roof may consist of two sections, while a hip roof has four.
   • Measure each section separately, and calculate the area for each one. If you have more complex roof shapes, you can break down the roof into smaller, manageable rectangles.
3. Calculate the Total Square Footage: Once you’ve measured all sections of the roof, add up the individual areas to determine the total square footage.
   • For example, if your roof consists of two sections, one with an area of 1,000 square feet and another with 500 square feet, the total square footage is:
     • 1,000 sq. ft. + 500 sq. ft. = 1,500 square feet.

Step 2: Determine the Roof Pitch (Slope)

The pitch of the roof is an important factor in calculating the total area. A pitched roof has more surface area than a flat roof, so you need to account for the angle of the roof. This is known as the roof pitch or roof slope.

1. How to Measure the Pitch: To measure the pitch, you need to determine the rise (the vertical height) and the run (the horizontal length) of the roof. The most common method is to measure the rise for every 12 inches of horizontal run.
2. Example of Roof Pitch: If the roof rises 6 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run, the pitch is a 6:12 pitch. This means that for every foot of horizontal run, the roof rises 6 inches.
3. Adjust the Square Footage: After determining the pitch, adjust the square footage by multiplying the total area by the pitch factor. The pitch factor varies depending on the pitch of your roof:
   • For a 4:12 pitch, multiply the total area by 1.05.
   • For a 6:12 pitch, multiply the total area by 1.10.
   • For a 12:12 pitch, multiply the total area by 1.20.
   This step ensures that you account for the extra surface area created by the slope.

Step 3: Calculate the Number of Squares

Now that you have the total square footage, you can determine the number of squares of shingles you will need. Since one square of shingles covers 100 square feet, you can divide the total square footage by 100 to get the number of squares.

• For example, if your adjusted roof area is 2,000 square feet, the number of squares would be:
  • 2,000 sq. ft. ÷ 100 = 20 squares.

Step 4: Factor in Overhangs and Roof Features

Don’t forget to account for roof features such as eaves, overhangs, and dormers, which may require extra shingles. Measure these areas separately and add them to the total square footage.

• For example, if your roof has an overhang that measures 5 feet by 40 feet, this adds an additional 200 square feet of area.

Step 5: Adjust for Waste and Shingle Overlap

When ordering shingles, it’s important to account for waste and the necessary overlap. Typically, you should add an additional 10% to 15% of the total square footage to account for waste due to cuts, overlaps, and other factors.

• For example, if your total square footage is 2,000 square feet, adding 10% for waste would give you:
  • 2,000 sq. ft. + 200 sq. ft. (10%) = 2,200 square feet.

This would translate to:

• 2,200 sq. ft. ÷ 100 = 22 squares.

Step 6: Order the Right Amount of Shingles

Once you have the total number of squares, you can order the right amount of shingles for your roof. Make sure to also order any additional materials you may need, such as underlayment, flashing, and ridge caps, to complete the job.

Why Should You Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor?

While measuring your roof by hand can be a useful exercise, it’s important to note that roofing is a complex and physically demanding job that requires skill and expertise. Here are some reasons why you should consider hiring a professional contractor like S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC for your roofing project:

1. Experience and Accuracy: Professional roofers have years of experience in measuring, installing, and maintaining roofs. They have the tools and knowledge to ensure accurate measurements and avoid costly mistakes.
2. Safety: Climbing a roof can be dangerous, especially if the roof is steep or high. Professional contractors have the proper safety equipment and training to work safely.
3. Efficient Installation: Hiring a professional means that your roofing project will be completed efficiently, saving you time and effort.
4. Quality Materials: Roofing contractors work with trusted suppliers to ensure that you get the best materials at competitive prices.
5. Warranty: When you hire a professional roofer, you often receive a warranty on the work and materials used, giving you peace of mind.

Contact S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC for Your Roofing Needs

If you’re ready to replace your roof or need professional help measuring your roof, S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC is here to help. Our experienced team serves homeowners across Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland, Medina, Lakewood, Chagrin Falls, and Youngstown. We offer expert roofing services, from accurate measurements to