This free roof calculator estimates the area of a roof and the amount of materials needed to replace or build that roof. There's no way to calculate the square footage of a roof without putting in a little bit of effort. There are several formulas and ways to do this, but they should all lead to the same general number. A roofed square, contrary to what its name suggests, is not a physical square object.
In fact, it is a measurement unit used in the roofing industry. A square roof equals 100 square feet. This term simplifies communication between contractors, manufacturers and suppliers. Following the same principle, if you have a 2000 square foot roof, you will need 20 square feet of roof. This calculation is crucial not only for estimating the amount of material required for the work, but also for determining the total cost of the project.
It's not just about knowing how many squares you need. It's also important to understand how this translates to the amount of roofing materials needed. Shingles, which are commonly used for roofing, usually come in bundles. A shingle package is designed to cover a certain area, which is usually less than one square.
When it comes to roofing, there is one factor that can slightly alter these calculations: the difference between heads. The front rollover is the overlap that occurs when a row of tiles is placed on the next row. This overlap is crucial, as it improves the roof's resistance to water penetration. In view of this, it is likely that a square of roof needs more than a square of shingles to cover.
For a 1200 square foot roof, you would need 36 packages, assuming 3 packages are needed per square (100 square feet). This calculation is based on the fact that the roof has 12 squares in total, and each square covers 100 square feet, so it's essential to purchase enough packages to cover the entire area properly. A roof of 1000 square feet equals 10 squares, and each square represents 100 square feet of roof area. This measurement is a standard used by roofing professionals to simplify the process of estimating and ordering materials, ensuring that they purchase enough material to cover the roof properly.
For a 2000 square foot home, approximately 20 squares of roofing material are needed. This estimate assumes a direct correlation between the square footage of the house and the roof surface, although actual needs may vary depending on the roof design, the inclination and the presence of elements such as dormers or valleys. The roof of a 2000 square foot house is also usually around 2000 square feet, which is equivalent to about 20 squares of roof. However, this may vary depending on architectural styles and roof slopes.
For example, a house with a sloping roof or a complex design may have a larger roof area than the square footage of the house might suggest. A bundle of shingles covers approximately 33.3 square feet, since 3 bundles are usually needed to cover a square (100 square feet) of roof. This standard allows roofers and DIYers to accurately calculate the number of packages needed for a project, taking into account the total area to be covered and the specific coverage that provides each package. I agree to receive SMS and email communications from Cox Brothers Roofing after submitting this form.
A bundle of shingles is called a bundle. Ft. They can be saved in case the roof is damaged later or if repairs are needed in the future. Example of a gable roof In this publication, you would need 24 squares of subfloor for roofs. Start by measuring the length and width of the house from the ground.
This is the simplest part of the process and can be done with a measuring tape. If you have a basic rectangular house, you're in luck because this makes math easier. For example, if your house is 40 feet long and 30 feet wide, you would start with an area of 1200 square feet (40 x 30). Our editorial team is committed to creating independent, objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts, we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.
The compensation we receive from these companies may affect how and where products appear on this site. This compensation has no influence on the recommendations or advice that our editorial team provides on our content. We don't include every company, product, or offer that may be available. Join the 4,492 people who have received a free, no-obligation quote in the last 30 days. We recommend asking prospective contractors about their experience, licenses, warranties and insurance coverage to ensure a high-quality roof replacement.
These questions can help you find the best professional for the job and maximize the value of your investment. Read our guide for more details on roof replacement costs and tips for selecting the right contractor. Use our calculator to estimate the cost of your new roof. Size is the biggest factor that determines the cost of your new roof, but our experience following a consultation at Erie Home revealed some other common and lesser-known cost considerations.
We found that a house's leaking edge, sometimes called a dripping edge, is a common cause of damage on the roof. Roofers often replace this in addition to the roof. Below is a breakdown of the average cost of an asphalt tile roof and the typical cost range per square foot of your roof. The material you choose for your roof influences cost more than any other factor.
Almost as important is the size of the roof, which affects the hours needed for work and overall labor costs. The specific shape of your roof can also influence the cost. If the roof is less accessible or the parts of the roof that need to be repaired or replaced are limited, the roofer usually charges more. Likewise, the project will be more expensive if the roof is steep or is more than two stories high. Asphalt or composite shingles are the most common material because they are inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to install.
However, there are differences even between these types of roof tiles, with basic three-tab roof tiles at the bottom and 30- or 50-year-old premium architectural tiles in the high-end range. Metal and shingles are other popular roofing materials. Metal roofs are commonly made of aluminum or steel. The costs of metal roofing can vary dramatically depending on the type of material. Tiled roofs are made of ceramic, clay, metal, wood, synthetic wood, slate or concrete, and the cost of tile roofs largely depends on the material chosen.
If you're moving from a lightweight material to a heavier one, ask a structural engineer to verify that your home can withstand the new load. Below are some of the most common roofing materials and their average prices per square foot. Keep in mind that roofers usually set prices in squares, that is, increments of 100 square feet. Experienced contractors with large equipment and an excellent reputation may charge higher prices than smaller, newer contractors.
Also, consider regional differences in labor costs. Areas with higher living costs or a shortage of qualified roofers may have higher labor rates. Local building codes and regulations can affect labor requirements and affect total cost. There are several factors that come into play when deciding whether to repair or replace the roof, such as the age of the roof and the extent of the damage.
For example, if your roof is more than 15 years old and has missing or crimped roof tiles, it may be time to replace it. However, if your roof is less than 10 years old and heavy rain or wind has just displaced some of your roof tiles, you can probably repair it with your own. Knowing how to find a good contractor guarantees a successful and long-lasting installation when investing in a new roof. You should look for a contractor with a good reputation, more than a decade of experience, and the ability to provide references when you request one.
A contractor who has done a lot of roof inspections over the years is also something to consider. Here are some other key factors to consider. Replacing a roof is a major investment, and you want to get the most value for your money. Consider the tips below on how to get the most out of your money for your next roof replacement. Your home insurance policy may cover repair or replacement costs if roof damage was due to adverse weather conditions or falling trees.
Before replacing your roof, it's a good idea to review your insurance claim options. Contact your insurance provider for information on the process for filing a claim for roof damage. Many insurers will send an adjuster to evaluate the damages and determine if your policy covers them. If approved, your insurance provider may pay some or all of your roof replacement costs, which could save you a significant amount of money. Remember to meet specific requirements and deadlines, take photographs of the damage, and provide detailed information promptly to support your claim.
If your claim is approved, your insurance provider can provide you with a list of preferred or approved roofing contractors. The timing of the roof being replaced can greatly affect the cost and quality of the project. Roofing contractors may charge higher prices and have longer wait times during spring and summer, their peak seasons. Lower demand in fall and winter can lead to better deals and prices for homeowners.
Winter is often a good time to replace roofs, as contractors often have the fewest projects. Your roofing contractor's employment contract tells you the scope of the work, lists the materials needed to complete the work, and provides the detailed costs of the job. When reviewing a roofing contractor's quote, carefully examine the details beyond the total cost. Pay attention to the fine print to see if there are potential hidden costs or exclusions. Make sure the quote clearly describes the scope of work, materials, labor costs, and additional fees.
Compare the quotes side by side to identify significant differences. Accredited contractors offer detailed and transparent quotes that align with industry standards. In general, replacing an old or damaged roof will increase the value of your home. At the very least, you can expect a good return on investment if you decide to sell. According to the Journal of Light Construction Cost Vs.
Value Report, a new asphalt tile roof provides a 56.9% return on investment, while a new metal roof provides an ROI of 48.1%. Replacing a roof can take anywhere from one day to a week or more, depending on the scope of the job, the size of the roof, the availability of materials and workers, and the time of year. The most time-consuming part of the job is scheduling an inspection, negotiating a price, working with the homeowner's insurance company, and scheduling work. The initial phase of the work could take a month or more, depending on how busy your contractor's schedule is and how efficiently your insurance company processes claims.
This is where things get complicated, because most homeowners don't know the slope of their roof and the complexity varies from roof to roof. The slope of the roof is a determining factor for the cost of the roof, as well as for the roof area and the type of materials used. For example, a simple gable roof is relatively easy to measure, while more complex designs, such as mansard or mansard roofs, may require more material due to their complex structure and the possibility that they will be wasted when shingles have to be cut to fit tight spaces. In cases where a roof has a complex shape, as in the image on the right, measuring the dimensions and areas of each part of the roof to calculate the total area will result in a more accurate measurement of the area.
The roof size of a 1200 square foot house usually reflects the size of the house, around 1200 square feet, equivalent to about 12 square feet of roof. Roofing equipment will also need more time if they first have to remove the old roof, which could add another day to the task. The complexity of a roof consists simply in the way in which the roof is cut, for example, the multiple facets, the different inclinations, the slopes, the valleys, the pediments, the dormers and the number of floors with regard to the floor. Roofing work usually takes a few days, but a more complex roof may take longer, increasing labor costs.
This way, you can trust the roofing estimates you receive and make informed decisions about your roofing needs. Even if you have a two-level house, the total roof area would be a combination of the ceilings of the first and second level.
