sq ft

Understanding Square Footage in Roofing: How We Use It to Measure, Order Materials, and Base Pricing

When it comes to roofing, the concept of square footage is central to nearly every step of the process. Whether you’re planning to replace an old roof or install a new one, understanding how square footage is used can help you navigate the complexities of material ordering, labor costs, and overall pricing. At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor based in Youngstown, Ohio, we rely heavily on accurate square footage calculations to ensure precise material ordering and fair pricing.

In this blog, we’ll break down how we use square footage to measure roofs, order the correct materials, and establish pricing for roofing projects. If you’re a homeowner looking to replace your roof or a contractor planning your next project, understanding this process will be essential to making informed decisions.

What is Square Footage?

Square footage refers to the area measurement of a space, typically expressed in feet. For roofing, square footage is used to calculate the total area of your roof that needs to be covered with materials such as shingles, underlayment, and other roofing components. To put it simply, it’s the total surface area of the roof that requires material to cover.

To clarify, when you hear the term “square” in roofing, it doesn’t mean the shape of the roof is square. In roofing terms, a “square” refers to a unit of area that equals 100 square feet. So, when we say a roof has 28 squares, that means the total area of the roof is 2,800 square feet (28 x 100 = 2,800).

Why Square Footage is Crucial in Roofing

Accurate square footage calculations are the foundation of nearly every roofing project. Here’s why:

1. Material Quantity: Roofing materials are sold based on square footage. From shingles to underlayment to flashing and venting, every material you purchase is directly related to the size of the roof. If you estimate incorrectly, you could either over-order or under-order materials, both of which come with their own set of problems.
2. Cost Estimation: The total cost of a roofing project is typically based on square footage. Contractors will calculate labor costs and materials based on the total roof area, ensuring that you receive an accurate estimate.
3. Labor Calculation: Roofers usually charge based on the amount of area they need to cover. Therefore, understanding how much square footage the roof covers helps determine how much time the crew will need to complete the project.
4. Waste Consideration: Not every material is used perfectly, so there’s always waste involved in a roofing job. Having an accurate square footage calculation allows for proper waste consideration in your material orders, ensuring you have enough to cover unforeseen complications.

Step-by-Step Process for Measuring Roof Square Footage

Before we can order materials or establish a price, we first need to measure the roof. Here’s the step-by-step process we use at S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC.

1. Inspect the Roof’s Layout

The first step in measuring a roof is to assess the layout. Roofs come in various shapes and sizes, from simple gable roofs to complex multi-level, hip roofs. The roof’s design dictates how we’ll break down the measurement process. We take note of the following elements:

• Roof Slope: The slope (or pitch) of the roof is crucial when calculating square footage. A steeper roof has more surface area than a flat one.
• Sections of the Roof: Most roofs aren’t a single, uniform area. A roof might have different slopes or sections (e.g., valleys, dormers, or skylights). Each section is measured separately and then combined for the total square footage.
• Overhangs: Roof overhangs (the portion of the roof that extends beyond the edge of the wall) are often measured separately as they add extra square footage.

2. Measure the Length and Width of Each Section

Once we’ve identified the different sections of the roof, we start measuring. This is done using a measuring tape, laser measure, or other tools. We measure the length and width of each section. If the roof is a perfect rectangle, this step is fairly straightforward, but more complex shapes (such as hips or valleys) require breaking the area down into smaller, measurable parts.

3. Calculate the Total Square Footage

To calculate the square footage of each section, we multiply the length by the width. For example, if a section measures 40 feet long by 30 feet wide, the total area would be:

• 40 ft x 30 ft = 1,200 square feet

We repeat this process for every section of the roof and then add all the square footage together to get the total roof area.

4. Account for Roof Pitch

As mentioned earlier, the pitch of the roof affects its total surface area. A flat roof has an area that is equal to the length multiplied by the width. However, a sloped roof has more surface area because it is tilted.

To calculate the true surface area of a pitched roof, we use a pitch factor based on the angle of the slope. For instance, a roof with a 4/12 pitch (meaning the roof rises 4 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run) has a pitch factor of 1.054. This factor is multiplied by the roof’s square footage to account for the additional surface area.

For example, if a section is 1,200 square feet and has a 4/12 pitch, we multiply 1,200 by 1.054:

• 1,200 x 1.054 = 1,265 square feet (adjusted for pitch)

5. Consider Roof Features

Other features like chimneys, skylights, and vents are also factored into the overall measurement. These are subtracted from the total square footage since materials won’t be required to cover these areas. However, the roofing materials required around these features, like flashing, are still considered in the final material order.

Using Square Footage to Order Materials

Once we’ve calculated the total square footage, it’s time to order materials. The roofing materials are usually sold by the “square,” which represents 100 square feet of coverage. The most common materials ordered include shingles, underlayment, flashing, and other accessories.

Let’s say your roof’s total area comes out to 2,800 square feet. Since one square covers 100 square feet, we would need to order 28 squares of shingles (2,800 ÷ 100 = 28).

1. Shingles

Shingles are the primary material used for roofing, and they come in a variety of styles and materials such as asphalt, wood, metal, and slate. The number of shingles needed is based on the total square footage of the roof, with a small allowance for waste and cuts.

2. Underlayment

Underlayment is a protective layer that is installed beneath the shingles. It’s typically measured in rolls, and each roll covers a specific number of square feet. We calculate how many rolls are needed based on the roof’s total area and the manufacturer’s specifications for coverage.

3. Flashing and Other Accessories

Flashing is installed around chimneys, vents, and valleys to prevent leaks. This material is sold in rolls or sheets and is measured in linear feet. We calculate how much flashing is needed based on the number of features and edges on the roof.

4. Nails, Sealant, and Other Materials

Roofing nails, sealant, and other materials like ridge caps, vents, and drip edges are also ordered based on square footage. These materials are essential for securing the roofing system and providing long-lasting protection.

Using Square Footage to Establish Pricing

Square footage is the foundation for pricing your roofing project. Roofing companies, including ours at S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, establish pricing based on several factors:

1. Material Costs: The price of roofing materials, such as shingles, underlayment, and flashing, is a key factor in pricing. The larger the roof, the more materials are required, increasing the overall cost.
2. Labor Costs: Labor is typically charged per square (100 square feet), so the larger the roof, the more labor hours are required to install the materials. Labor costs will vary depending on the roof’s complexity and pitch.
3. Waste Allowance: When ordering materials, we account for a certain percentage of waste. Typically, 5-10% of the materials are wasted due to cuts, overlaps, and other factors. This extra material adds to the cost.
4. Additional Features: Roofs with extra features like skylights, chimneys, or steep slopes may incur additional charges due to the added labor and materials required to work around these features.
5. Disposal Fees: Removing the old roofing material requires disposal fees, which are also based on the total square footage of the roof. Larger roofs will result in more debris to dispose of, adding to the overall cost.

Conclusion

In the world of roofing, square footage plays a pivotal role in how we measure, order materials, and establish pricing for a project. At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we use precise measurements to ensure we order the right amount of materials, consider all waste factors, and provide an accurate price estimate. Whether you’re replacing your roof or installing a new one, understanding square footage is essential to making informed decisions about your roofing project.

By working with professionals who understand how to measure, order materials, and base pricing on square footage, you can ensure that your roofing project is completed efficiently, on budget, and with top-quality results. If you’re in the Youngstown area and need assistance with your roof, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a detailed, accurate estimate.