Finding time to calculate roof square footage is hard. We make it easy. Don’t guess your roof's square footage, call Parish Roofing today!
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Remember being in math class and thinking ‘When will I ever use this in the real world?’ We do too. Geometry class was a snoozefest, but there are some handy things we wished we had paid more attention to. One of them being the formula for calculating area. This formula is crucial in helping you calculate roof square footage. Remember: length x width.
Many roofing companies offer free no-commitment estimates. Sounds good right? Sure thing, what’s better than free? But think for a second, you may know absolutely nothing about roofing. How can you be sure this free estimate is accurate and properly priced? It may not seem important but calculating the square footage of your roof can prove beneficial. Here are a couple of reasons why you should know your roof’s square footage:
While it is not particularly hard to estimate your square footage, there are times when you need an exact measurement. Say, you’re getting a metal roof. You need the exact measurements to buy the correct amount of material. In order to do so, you will need to account for the pitch and slope of your roof. [H3]Finding the AreaFinding the area of your roof is not particularly difficult. Anyone can do it! Following these easy steps will ensure exact measurements:
The pitch is the vertical rise of the roof divided by its horizontal run. In other words, we want to know how many inches your roof is rising per foot. While you may be able to find the pitch on your blueprints, you may not have them on hand, meaning some handiwork is needed. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find the pitch of your roof:
More likely than not, your roof isn’t flat. If it is, well, more power to you! Less math means less work, which means less headaches. For those out there with non-flat roofs, you need to make sure you account for the slope of your roof when calculating the square footage. Luckily for you, we’ve simplified things by including a roof pitch multiplier table to give you a ballpark estimate!
Roofs typically represent an owner's taste and style. This means there is no such thing as a uniform roof. There is no ‘standard’ roof. However, there are a variety of roofs that tend to be more common than others, each one with its unique characteristics. Each roof has its own shape, meaning, different pitches, and slopes.
Flat roofs tend to be quite simple. One simply measures the length and width of the roof and multiplies both numbers. It is good to remember that the height and width of the roof don’t always align with the external dimensions of your home. Another pro tip is that flat roofs are not 100% flat. There is still a slight bit of slope and pitch to account for!
To find the area of a gable roof, you will need to multiply the width by the height. Once you have that number, you will need to divide it by two, and the remaining number is your area!
A hip roof is made up of two different shapes: triangles and trapezoids. For the triangle-shaped planes of your roof, you will measure the length (base) and divide it by two. Once you divide your base, you will then multiply it by the height, and the result is your area. An easy way to remember this: half of base times height!
For the trapezoid sections of your roof, we will need a different formula. For this, you will need the base of the trapezoid. A trapezoid has two different lengths, so you will need to find both. Once you do, you will add both of these, multiply them by the height of your trapezoid-shaped roof, and finally, you guessed it, divide it by two!
Once you have the area for all four sides, you will need to add them all together to find the total area of your roof. Keep in mind, your hip roof is symmetrical, meaning that you will only need to measure two sides of the roof (one triangle-shaped side as well as one of the trapezoid-shaped sides).
No job is complete without the use of a couple of tools and good safety equipment. Using faulty and low-quality tools can pose safety hazards and provide you with misleading results. Always ensure your equipment is in good working condition.
This needs to be reliable, accurate, and at the minimum measure up to 12 inches.
You may be tall, but no one is tall enough to get this job done without a ladder. Make sure you have one on hand or phone a friend. If nothing else works, your local hardware store can always provide you with one for a fee.
Safety gear includes a good harness and proper footwear. We recommend non-slip work boots. Oh, and don’t forget a hard hat! It’s best to be safe when dealing with roofs. Your number one goal should be zero harm!
Unless you're a math whizz or want to take time to carry one, we recommend having a calculator on hand. You don’t need anything fancy, the one on your phone will do!
No one likes being wrong. Measuring your roof's square footage should be no different. You want and need accurate measurements. Accurate measurements are crucial in saving money, and time, and ensuring the best results. Here are some of the most common mistakes you want to avoid:
A good rule of thumb when calculating roof square footage is to section out parts of your roof. This is especially important when dealing with roofs with different pitches and shapes (think of a hip roof).
People tend to forget about dormers when figuring out roof square footage. Remember, even though dormers are separate roof sections, they still matter when it comes to finding an accurate measurement. You can always measure these out separately and add them to the total area.
Most roofs have what's known as overhangs. Overhang is the roofing edge that goes past the siding of your house. To ensure accuracy, measure the overhang and add it to the length and width of your measurements.
A common mistake people often make is ignoring safety precautions. Measuring your roof's square footage requires climbing ladders and other elevated surfaces. Failing to prioritize safety can pose a risk of falling and injury. Don’t compromise yourself and your measurements. Safety always comes first!
A common mistake is failing to take into account the pitch and slope of your roof. Hardly any roof is completely flat. Ignoring the pitch and slope can lead to under and overestimation. Save yourself time and money by ensuring you take every nook and cranny into account. Leave no stone unturned!
Weather can play a factor in obtaining roof measurements, especially with more technologically advanced tools. When using drones or laser tools, avoid using them during less-than-stellar weather conditions.
It’s crucial to check things twice. Being an inch or two off can lead to an improper estimate. If you overestimate, you spend more money. On the other hand, if you underestimate, you will eventually need to buy more material to ensure you have enough material to work with. Save the hassle and check your work twice.
Most homeowners can easily estimate roof square footage by looking at their floor plans or blueprints. If not on hand, things can become a bit trickier. That’s when an expert comes in. An expert roofing contractor near you can easily, and more importantly, safely obtain precise square footage. A slippery roof or a missed step can lead to serious injury. Don’t hurt yourself when you can have a professional do the job for you. When faced with potential hazards, it’s best to leave it to the pros.
When you need your roof repaired, Parish Roofing Solutions is the company to call! That’s because we know that roof repair is more than just construction – it’s about protecting your home and family from the harsh power of the elements. And according to our amazing clients, we’re the best roofing company around.
Just because there is a problem with your roof, it does not mean that it needs to be replaced.
Our roof replacement services include a total roofing system replacement.
We handle all manner of hail damage, and inclement weather restoration.
Our commercial roofers are experienced with both industrial and retail roof repair solutions.
Parish Roofing Solutions provides the highest-quality roofing to North Texas families and businesses, protecting their most precious investment in a sustainable, permanent way.
Parish Roofing Solutions serves the entire DFW area, from Fort Worth to McKinney. Your roof helps protect your home from the most recurring form of damage, Texas weather, and it deserves special attention. You can count on Parish Roofing Solutions to get the job done right.
We take pride in serving our customers and the local community.
