how to measure for shingles

Title: How to Measure for Shingles – A Guide from S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC

Introduction

When planning a roofing project, one of the most crucial steps is accurately measuring for shingles. Whether you’re replacing an old roof or installing a new one, getting the right measurements ensures you purchase the correct amount of materials, saving you time and money. At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we specialize in providing high-quality roofing services across Northeast Ohio. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of measuring your roof for shingles, discuss essential tips, and explain why professional installation is the best choice for homeowners.

Why Accurate Measurements Matter

Accurately measuring your roof for shingles is essential because:

• Prevents material shortages or excess waste
• Reduces overall project costs
• Ensures proper roof coverage and durability
• Helps with budgeting and planning

Incorrect measurements can lead to costly mistakes, so it’s important to get it right from the start.

Tools You’ll Need for Measuring a Roof

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools to measure your roof accurately:

• Measuring tape – A 50- or 100-foot tape measure is ideal
• Ladder – A sturdy ladder for roof access
• Calculator – To help with square footage calculations
• Notepad and pencil – For recording measurements
• Safety gear – Non-slip shoes, gloves, and a harness for safety

If you’re not comfortable climbing onto your roof, we highly recommend hiring a professional like S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC to handle the measurements safely and accurately.

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring for Shingles

Step 1: Determine Roof Square Footage

The most common way to measure your roof is by calculating the total square footage. Follow these steps:

1. Measure the Length and Width of Each Roof Section

• Start by measuring the length and width of each section of your roof from the ground if possible. If necessary, take measurements from the roof itself with caution.
• Write down the measurements for each section separately.

2. Multiply Length by Width

• Multiply the length by the width of each section to determine the area in square feet.
• Example: If a section of your roof measures 20 feet by 25 feet, the area is 20 × 25 = 500 square feet.

3. Add Up All Sections

• If your roof has multiple sections, calculate each one separately and then add them together to get the total roof area.

Step 2: Calculate the Roofing Squares

Shingles are sold in bundles, and roofers use a measurement called a “square.” One roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof coverage.

1. Divide Total Square Footage by 100

• Example: If your roof’s total square footage is 2,000 square feet, divide 2,000 by 100.
• 2,000 ÷ 100 = 20 roofing squares

Step 3: Account for Roof Pitch

Your roof’s pitch affects the total material needed. Roof pitch is the slope of your roof and is often expressed as a ratio, such as 4:12 (which means the roof rises 4 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal distance).

1. Determine Your Roof Pitch Factor

Use the table below to find the pitch multiplier based on your roof’s slope:

Roof Pitch	Pitch Multiplier
3:12	1.15
4:12	1.20
5:12	1.24
6:12	1.31
7:12	1.36
8:12	1.42
9:12	1.49
10:12	1.55
11:12	1.61
12:12	1.67

2. Multiply Total Square Footage by the Pitch Factor

For example, if your roof has a 6:12 pitch and your total roof area is 2,000 square feet, multiply 2,000 × 1.31 = 2,620 square feet.

After adjusting for pitch, divide by 100 to get the final number of roofing squares:

• 2,620 ÷ 100 = 26.2 squares

Step 4: Factor in Waste

When installing shingles, you need to account for waste, especially for complex roofs with valleys, dormers, and hips. A general rule is to add 10-15% extra for waste.

• Simple gable roof: Add 10%
• Complex hip or cut-up roof: Add 15%

Using our example:

• 26.2 squares × 1.10 (10% waste) = 28.8 squares
• Always round up, so you’d need 29 squares of shingles.

Step 5: Determine the Number of Shingle Bundles

Shingles come in bundles, and typically three bundles cover one square (100 square feet).

To determine how many bundles you need:

• Multiply total squares by 3.
• Example: 29 squares × 3 bundles = 87 bundles.

Step 6: Don’t Forget Underlayment and Other Materials

In addition to shingles, you’ll need:

• Underlayment (felt paper or synthetic material)
• Starter strips
• Ridge cap shingles
• Flashing and drip edge
• Roofing nails and adhesives

Why Hire S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC for Your Roofing Project?

1. Expert Measurements and Assessments

Our experienced team ensures accurate roof measurements, preventing material shortages or excess costs.

2. Owens Corning Preferred Contractor

We use top-quality materials that meet industry standards, offering durability and longevity.

3. Professional Installation

From underlayment to final shingle placement, our team follows industry best practices for a secure, long-lasting roof.

4. Serving Northeast Ohio

We proudly provide roofing services to homeowners in:

• Cleveland
• Cleveland Heights
• Euclid
• Willoughby
• Beachwood
• Chagrin Falls
• Chardon
• Concord
• Gates Mills
• Kirtland Hills
• Lakewood
• Madison
• Mayfield Heights
• Medina
• Pepper Pike
• Twinsburg
• Walton Hills
• Wickliffe
• Youngstown

5. Customer Satisfaction Guarantee

We stand by our work, ensuring your roof is built to withstand Northeast Ohio’s harsh weather conditions.

Conclusion

Measuring your roof for shingles is a critical step in any roofing project. By following these steps, you can estimate the materials needed, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure a smooth installation process. However, for the most accurate results and best quality installation, trust the experts at S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC.

If you’re ready for a roofing upgrade, contact us today for a free consultation. Our team is here to ensure your home is protected with high-quality, professionally installed shingles!