In our discussion on measuring a roof for shingles, we’ve covered details like choosing the right shingle type, tools needed for measuring, and DIY Vs. Professional measurement.
There are tips to follow when hiring a pro. We’ve also discussed the steps involved, the waste factor, and the formulas to calculate your roof’s total square footage.
How Do You Measure a Roof for Shingles?
When planning your roofing budget, part of the essentials include knowing how to measure a roof for shingles. This involves correctly measuring your roof’s surface area to know how many shingles are needed.
Now, not all roofs are the same in terms of design. This influences the measuring approach, as some designs are more complex than others.
What Shingle Type Do You Prefer?
How is this relevant to roof measurement for shingles? This plays a significant role because shingles come in different sizes.
This should be considered when measuring your roof’s total square footage, as there are manufacturer guidelines to consider, among other things.
Speaking of shingle types, several options are available to pick from.
They include metal, asphalt, aluminum, rubber, corrugated steel, solar, cedar wood shake, concrete tile, TPO, and asphalt fiberglass shingles.
These are a few of several options you may pick from. The size, thickness, and design or shape of your preferred shingle may influence how your roof is measured for shingles.
Read on for additional details.
Tools Used to Measure a Roof for Shingles
To effectively measure a roof for shingles, you’ll need the correct type of tools, as they help with accuracy and make the process much easier.
That said, the essential tools for this procedure include a measuring tape, a notepad and pen, fall arrest equipment, and a sturdy extension ladder. Safety is paramount and must be taken into account.
These essential equipment or tools help adequately capture your roof’s area. Of course, you must also know how to use the same.
Thankfully, these aren’t complex tools, as most DIY’ers will likely have used them. If you haven’t, you must get acquainted with each. As mentioned earlier, these are a no-brainer when putting them to use.
DIY Vs. Professional Roof Shingle Measurement
When planning roof measurements for shingles, you’ll need to factor in the approach to take. Two main methods are getting the job done (DIY) or hiring a pro.
The easiest of the two is, of course, the latter. Here, you only need to hire the pros for the job. However, this article dwells on the DIY approach, as most people reading this guide will likely be DIY enthusiasts.
If you don’t belong to this category (not a DIY enthusiast), we’ve still provided tips for hiring a professional. Such professionals could be any of the following: roofing estimator, drone surveyor, and roofing contractor.
You can also go for a home inspector, an architect, an appraiser, etc. Any of these pros can help with roof measurement for shingles.
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Hiring a Pro: Tips to Follow
When hiring a pro, some tips help ensure you deal with the right people. In other words, these tips prevent you from falling victim to non-professionals.
All reputable contractors have a license as required by states. It’s also best to deal with multiple contractors by asking for quotes from at least three.
This helps you get the best possible deal you can find.
Next, it’s essential to determine if the professionals you’re dealing with are bonded or insured. This serves as protection from liability issues.
It’s essential also to ask the right questions, which should border on jobs done in the past, how long they’ve been in business, insurance, warranty, and whether they use roofing subcontractors.
Measuring a Roof for Shingles
The roof type and complexity would determine the steps for measuring a roof for shingles.
Some of the most complex types include the gambrel and curved roofs, while one of the simplest is the single gable roof. Here, the approaches to measurement are pretty different.
However, the same principles are used. Let’s discuss;
To measure a roof for shingles, you’ll need to begin by prepping. This is followed by measuring the rake, taking measurements, calculating the area, and figuring out the required bundles.
Let’s explain:
i. Prepping for Roof Measurement for Shingles
Before measuring a roof for shingles, initial preparation is necessary. An overhead view of your roof needs to be drawn first. Here, nothing complex is required, but just an outline.
All roof planes must be covered or drawn to attach or fill in measurement values to the corresponding parts or sections of the outline.
ii. Measuring the Rake
Get your ladder set and climb up your roof using a three-point grip. It’s crucial to implement all precautionary measures to guarantee safety.
Also called the ridge, ridgepole, or apex, the rake is first measured. This starts from the apex to the edge or gutters of the roof. Having a helping hand will reduce risks and help with effective measurement.
iii. Taking Measurements
The square footage of each plane should be carefully taken. While doing this, it’s essential to consider the shapes of roof planes. Such may be square, rectangular, trapezoids, and triangles.
Each has its formula for getting a roof’s total square footage. For a rectangle, it will be Area=Length X Width. For a Trapezoid, it’s Area=[(Top + Bottom) x Height] / 2, while for a triangle, the formula to use in getting the area is Area = (Base x Height) / 2
iv. Calculating the Area
With the formulas provided, you only have to use the measurements obtained to calculate the area.
In other words, the values derived will accurately measure the roof shingles needed for your structure. This is done after taking the values.
v. Figuring Out the Required Bundles
Getting the hang of the shingle bundles required is another vital step in measuring your roof.
Depending on the type of shingle, a bundle would cover around 1/3 of a roofing square. Multiply the number of shingles by 3 to find the bundles required.
The Waste Factor
Have you ever heard about the waste factor? When measuring a roof for shingles, the idea is to have a number or estimate to work with.
While that is true, it’s essential to understand that having an exact amount of shingles based on estimations done isn’t ideal. It’s necessary to take into account the waste fact.
More shingles than the amount estimated should be ordered.
Knowing how to measure a roof for shingles is crucial, especially for DIYers. This guide has touched on the basics, including tips on finding the right roofing contractors for persons who prefer professional assistance.