How to Calculate Roof Square Footage
When you need a new roof, the to-do list can start to feel overwhelming – fast. From tools and materials to contractors and scheduling, there are a ton of things to think about. But before any of that, you need to figure out how to calculate roof square footage.
You’re not alone if you’re confused about how to make those calculations. Square footage estimates might seem easy, but we’ve learned from experience that it’s more complicated than it appears.
In this handy guide, we’ll take you through the ins and outs of measuring a roof. Plus, you’ll learn why Tulsa roofs present more complications than those in other cities.
Whether you’re looking for insight into your next DIY project or searching for professional assistance, Native Roofing is here for you!
Why Roof Square Footage Calculation is Critical
Your roof area measurements greatly impact the entire renovation project moving forward. Long story short, calculate roof square footage accurately or you’ll probably go over budget, full stop. Here’s some insight into just how important it is:
Materials Cost
Square footage calculations are the first step in determining your materials cost. Materials are expensive, whether you’re opting for slate, tile, metal, or PVC/TPO plastic. It’s one of the most important aspects of any roof build.
The more square footage you have, the more materials you’ll need. The more materials you need, the more expensive it is to stay safe from unpredictable Tulsa weather.
Calculating too high means you’ll buy more than necessary. Too low, and you’ll be scrambling to buy more material when you’re supposed to be building, delaying your schedule by days or weeks. Either way, an incorrect calculation can be a costly mistake.
Labor Cost
Labor costs can balloon after an incorrect roof area calculation. You might need to remeasure, delay the build, or re-do tasks you already completed, all of which cost money.
When your builders start laying down material only to realize you don’t have enough or the pieces they do have are cut wrong, they’ll have to do it all over again. Having a roofer climb that ladder twice is more expensive than climbing it once.
Plus, you want to make sure the labor you end up hiring measures the roof correctly. Call Native Roofers to get the job done right the first time.
Weather Protection
Oklahoma weather can be unpredictable and destructive, especially around Tulsa. A good cool roof will provide the protection you need to weather any storm: rain, hail, snow.
However, a roof that isn’t fit to size won’t give you adequate protection. This can lead to flooding or wind damage that could have otherwise been avoided.
A new roof is expensive, we all know this. However, inadequate weather protection will make the project way more expensive in the long run, especially in Tulsa. Plus, it goes without saying that you’ll be much safer with an accurately measured roof than an inaccurate one.
Do You Need a Professional to Calculate Roof Square Footage?
Calculating roof square footage can be a fun DIY project to complete on your own. If you’re unsure of how it’s done, learning can lead to a lifelong skill that will apply to any residence or commercial building you acquire moving forward.
However, as illustrated above, calculating incorrectly is a serious error that can cost time and money. Enlisting the help of a professional contractor will ensure the job gets done right the first time.
Native Roofing is the experienced Tulsa contractor you need to measure your roof correctly. Our team provides precise measurements for seamless projects, no matter what your roof looks like.
Don’t run over budget because you wanted to do the job yourself. Call us now to schedule a free roof measurement consultation today!
Why Do Tulsa Roofs Have Difficult Square Footage Measurements?
Due to the unpredictable nature of Oklahoma weather, Tulsa roofs are as unique as the people under them. A distinct personal style is often mixed with strict functionality, making beautiful yet practical roofs the norm for many homes and businesses.
Many residential roofs in Tulsa are pitched to provide better water runoff during rainstorms. Pitched roofs are sloped and often have different sections. Each section requires its own set of calculations, making accurate measurements difficult and tedious.
Not only that, but Tulsa weather necessitates highly durable roof builds. Intense angles and large roof sections of long-lasting material can make the project more expensive. It’s essential to get any calculations right the first time or you might end up footing the bill for it.
Nothing Native Roofing can’t handle the first time around, though.
Tools You’ll Need to Calculate Your Roof Square
If you’re thinking of measuring your roof’s square footage on your own, there are a few tools you’ll need to bring along. And no, it isn’t just a measuring tape, although that is helpful.
Before you start measuring, make sure you have the following items to ensure correct calculations:
- Pen and Paper
- Measuring Tape
- Level
- Calculator
- Pitch Gauge
While you should have all of these on hand when measuring a roof, a pitch gauge is the most important. Without one, it’s impossible to correctly measure the roof’s angle. Knowing how to read a pitch gauge is essential if you want to figure out the square footage of a roof.
Step-By-Step Guide to Calculating Roof Square Footage
Follow this step-by-step guide if you’re wondering how to figure out the square footage of a roof. Depending on your roof, there are a couple of methods to keep in mind:
Method One: Single Plane Roofs
For simple ground measurements of single-plane roofs, make the following calculations:
- Measure the length and width of the home’s footprint
- Multiply those measurements. Length x width = base area
- Multiply your base area by the slope factor. Total roof area = base area x slope.
- Double-check your answers
For example: You measure your roof’s length and it’s 300 feet, then measure the width to 500 feet. 300ft (length) x 500ft (width) = 1500 square feet (base area). After measuring using your pitch gauge, you find out your roof has a 1.3 slope factor. 1500 (base area) x 1.3 (slope factor) = 1950 square feet (total roof square footage).
Method Two: Complex Roofs / Multi-Plane Roofs
When your roof has several flat planes and even multiple peaks, use the following method:
- Break down your roof into smaller triangular or rectangular sections.
- Calculate the area of each smaller section (rectangles: length x width, triangles: ½ base x height)
- Sum all sections for base area
- Multiple base area by slope factor
For example: Your roof has two main sections, east and west. The eastern side has a slope factor of 1.3, while the western side has a slope of 1.4. You break each side into smaller sections, totaling an east base area of 1200sqft, and west base area of 1000sqft.
You multiply 1200sqft (east area) x 1.3 (east slope) = 1560sqft (east base area). Then 1000sqft (west area) x 1.1 (west slope) = 1100sqft (total west). Finally, add 1560sqft (total east) + 1100sqft (total west) = 2660 sqft (total roof area).
And that’s how to get a roof’s square footage!
When to Hire a Professional Tulsa Roofer
Sleet and windstorms, torrential rain, and freezing snow. Tulsa weather is serious. You might get the calculations right, but any decent contractor will have several checks in place to ensure correct roof measurement. Do you really want to take that chance on you’re own?
Native Roofing knows all about the crazy Tulsa weather your roof endures. We offer a free roof measurement consultation with an experienced professional. Our roofers use advanced tools that streamline the measurement process, saving you time and money on accurate assessments.
Contact Native Roofing to Schedule a Free Roof Square Footage Calculation Today!
Your roof is your first line of defense against bad Tulsa weather, and our workers know Tulsa roofs better than anyone. Don’t let a missing zero throw your whole project off. Call Native Roofing Oklahoma to schedule your free consultation today!
