How to measure a roof and calculate square feet. | 01/2020

Measuring a roof is pretty simple, if you know what you're doing.
To measure this roof we used a 25 foot tape measure and sketched the roof out.
You want to break the roof into simple shapes like squares and rectangles. This is the simplest ways we found to measure a roof by hand.
After doing so, measure the length and width of each shape, if the sqft comes out to lets say 636 sqtf, we round up to 640 sqft. We do this to keep numbers even and simple to add up. 1 or two sqft is not going to make a huge difference in the cost.
Record you sf ft on paper, add them all up and wallah', you have your total sqft of the roof.
I miss spoke in the video, but the roof sqft is always going to be bigger than the actual livable sqft. (ROOF IS ALWAYS GREATER THAN FOUNDATION SQFT)
In the roofing industry there's a rule of thumb, lets say your total sq ft of roof is 2,020, to calculate your waste factor, starter and ridges, one would multiply it by 10% or 15%, these are general rules. if the roof is cut up, have lots of valley or hips, the 10% / 15% rule goes out the window and a manual accurate measurement count would be best.
[2,020 x 15% = 303 sq ft or-- total 2,323 sq ft ]
that's it.
----------
Rox Roofing & Exteriors
1999 Gulfmart St. #517
San Antonio, TX 78217
[phone]
-
roxroofing.com
/ roxroofing
g.page/rox-roo...
/ roxroofing
/ roxroofing
www.bbb.org/us...
---
#MeasuringARoof
#SanAntonio
#RoofingSanAntonio

[@AdorableDeplorable711]

Thank you so much...I have learned!! I'm learning claims adjusting!

[@rociocruz-gonzalez4955]

You actually take the time to answer questions and comments! Looking to start my own roofing company and will definitely be coming back for more tips!

[@RoxRoofing]

Check out Roofing Insights, he has tons of content for new roofing contractors.

[@HarshLifeHero]

Very informative thank you! Literally omw to do this for the first time. You explained every thing w all the details that matter and didn't fill up the vid w you talking about alot of extra stuff that doesn't matter. That's good for somebody in my situation, I don't have time rn to skip all thru a vid n try n find the parts that matter (but I do have enough time to leave a comment n say thanks lol just to encourage you to keep making helpful videos). Quick, straight to the point, and precise. As well as easy to understand. I'ma go measure this roof now

[@RoxRoofing]

🙌🙌 thank you and you’re welcome.

[@HarshLifeHero]

@@RoxRoofing aye I have a question o drawing the square footage from somewhere that isn't a perfect square but basically part a valley. It's on a trailer n where the porch comes out of. 3 sides of it are square. The peak side is longer that the bottom but the last side of the square is an angle. So I hope you can understand what I'm saying. You'll see this on any home but I'm wondering how of get the square footing out of it

[@RoxRoofing]

@@HarshLifeHero send over your diagram drawing to [e-mail] 👍

[@paulstradley9157]

Well chimeney crickets, that was a great video!!!

[@rene_from_so_cal]

Thank you, straight to the point very clear. One of the best explanations on how to measure a roof on YT. I'm getting ready to do my roof and not sure if I will hire someone or do it myself. This will come in handy.

[@RoxRoofing]

thanks and you're welcome. respectfully, i recommended hiring a pro for your roof replacement. but if you feel up to the challenge and have the energy for that go for it!

[@CP-zj1hx]

Great video dudde

[@kylejohnston3496]

Man , I feel educated now. Good stuff.

[@RoxRoofing]

Thank you and you’re welcome!!

[@zxracer04]

I really appreciate you explaining this. I couldn't find any answers anywhere, and when I would ask a Roofer what they charged, they wouldn't explain. Thanks again. And it is weird that theres a "Roof Square".

[@RoxRoofing]

You’re welcome Simon and thank you for the feed back. Let me know if you have other questions I can answer.

[@smjhobbies4527]

Another idea would be the importance of tar paper, ice and water shield in the valleys and hips, anywhere that's heated, most people use it all over the whole roof in Vermont, which I really don't understand but it's not necessary oh, I did a garage roof on a brand-new build 22 years ago the only place I used tire paper was on the edge, and that wasn't because of me it was the garage owner didn't have the money to do it so we'd only put a strip on the bottom and I strip on the rake and the rest of shingles and it has not leaked yet! I'm going to figure out what state you live in and do you might have a new application in your mailbox, depending on what state you live in I'll show you how to run a roofing crew I used to rip and tear 10 square of roofing shingles a day, not all the time but I could do it if I had to and I have done it! You only Roofing I will not do and have not ever done and will never do is slate oh, that's a different practice I can't I won't do it I just refuse I will never ever do slate

[@robertlay5108]

its been so long sent,s i did roofing im glad to watch this becouse i have to put new roof on the front of my double wide moble home i live in and its 6 sqwear in the front and 6 sqwear in the back so thank you for this video it woke my little brain up thank you robert lay

[@RoxRoofing]

Thanks for stopping by

[@juanromo7211]

Great video thank you !!

[@8526Productions]

Legit best and easiest way anyone explained this

[@RoxRoofing]

Thank you and you’re welcome 🙌🙌🙌

[@reubentorres7363]

Thank you for this video. I hope you are having a busy summer bro. Stay safe and hydrated brother!! God bless you.

[@RoxRoofing]

You’re welcome and thank you!

[@lm4349]

Video: How to measure a roof @0:44 "I already measured everything. Oh thanks

[@smjhobbies4527]

I know how to do it, but why don't you do a video showing people how to figure out the pitch of the roof are in non roofer terms the steepness. I take the 1 foot level and a tape measure, and put the level anywhere on the roof and doesn't have to be at the Pekin doesn't have to be at the edge just put it on the roof and then pick it up until it's level and measure from the end of it on the bottom of the level and from that point down to where it hits the roof however many inches that roof is away from the end of the one foot level say it's eight inches that means you would have a 8-12 pitch

[@jamesmcneill3550]

You explained it very well and simple thank you sir.

[@RoxRoofing]

You’re welcome and thank you!! 🙌🙌

[@showlove4900]

I love ❤️ your teaching thanks so much sir.

[@RoxRoofing]

you're welcome and thank you.

[@gabrielcruz3735]

Arre !!! amigo great an simple example easy to understand. Para toda la paisanada que se dedican a pegar roofing.. 🍻

[@RoxRoofing]

asi es, gracias.

[@titanninjawarrior]

So easy! *grabs calculator* lol. all joking aside, thanks for the great vid man

[@RoxRoofing]

Guess it would’ve been dope to pull long hand written math lol 😂 calculator is so much faster when doing estimates all day 😝 😬✌🏻

[@outsidelookingin2]

The back left measurement is wrong because of soffit overhang that's above with the larger span 🙂

[@davidcamacho1966]

great video! maybe you can show how to get the linear feet for a fascia roof

[@RoxRoofing]

David Camacho when you say fascia roof, do you mean the linear feet of the perimeter fascia board?

[@JUSTinTx254]

Appreciate this

[@stevenburton7922]

Good video...thanks for posting

[@MrDuyman]

Really easily to understand. Tk sir.

[@RoxRoofing]

Thank you and you’re welcome. 🙌

[@mitchrice4962]

literally answered my question in one video lol nice!

[@RoxRoofing]

Glad to help! 👌🏽

[@Wiszer123]

Thank you so much for explaining this. As a woman not really knowing how to measure a roof, this hands down was the best. It was easy to understand and straight to the point.

[@RoxRoofing]

Thank you so much and you’re welcome!! 🙌🙌

[@phynnie]

Thanks, I'm also a woman building in my home country. Learning all this so that no one can trick, dupe, scam or con me of my hard earned cash. But boy, dontcha wish you could do this by yourself? GRRRRRR! this is one of those times you wish you were born male.

[@smjhobbies4527]

You're very precise sir because I wouldn't have bothered with that chimney in the measurements I mean you got to have shingles for capping and all that so oh, I would have just been the straight measurement but that shows I'm not as professional as you and you are professional I appreciate it, but to me it's not necessary

[@shannonc.4257]

You just like to hear yourself type? Out of 3 paragraphs you said nothing.

[@ledylan]

Hey man. Thank you for the video. I was wondering if we are not supposed to remove the 160 SF of the chimney and then add the 15% for waste

[@RoxRoofing]

Great question . - it's 40" x 40" so its would actually be, 3.33'x3.33'= 11.1 sqft. yes you would remove the chimney portion, technically. its not a large area. Just roll with it. if its was 160 sq ft, i would remove it completely, 11 sq ft is not a big deal for me.

[@ledylan]

@@RoxRoofing thank you so much for your response. You the man

[@thearmstrongway5026]

Thanks. Close to 1k subs congratulations

[@RoxRoofing]

Thank you 🙌🙌

[@listenusaamerica5077]

Thanks for the waste formula

[@user-jm7fz8lm5h]

Don’t forget to remove the square footage for the chimney. 👍🤣

[@RoxRoofing]

all 4 sqft 🤣

[@powerfullyhappy5226]

Thank you

[@Anthony-fe4oj]

You completely casually breezed right on by the “waste” calculation. Could you explain a little better ?

[@emilioherrera9653]

Take your final SQ FT calculation and multiply it by anything from 10-15% and then add that number to your original total sq footage to get your waste materials included in the total.

[@Admiral_tintin]

​@@emilioherrera9653That's a huge amount of waste even for an armature that can't read the package.

[@scratchyguitar6404]

3 yrs later...i wonder if this roofer learned that 1 square is 3 shingle bundles. 😂😂😂 and thats why a roof is measured in "squares".

[@RoxRoofing]

3 years later and about 12 years ago as well…. 👌🏽

[@Dethdevastation]

Architect shingles are 4 to a square.

[@brownitsdown]

@@Dethdevastation haha

[@Admiral_tintin]

​All shingle bundles no matter the type cover 33 square feet per bundle. So as we say 3 bundles per 100 square feet ( do to pitch and waste) as to one roofing square. Never heard of a roofing square in my life, I only use real math not made up.​@@Dethdevastation

[@juanmontes8894]

Thanks

[@johnnyboy587]

Thank you for sharing this video sir

[@vonjournet]

I am building a 12x16 shed flat roof with lean and 1 foot over hang all around I am trying to figure out how many sheets of plywood would I need for my roof I'm trying to pre-order everything at once

[@RoxRoofing]

okay so what i would do is multiply 12x16= 192. each 4x8 sheet is 32 sqft. so divide 32 / 192 = (6ea) so figure how many sheets you will need, i always add 5 more sheets on large jobs for waste. With your small job at 12x16, 7 sheets should be enough.

[@lauraalmasan3930]

Are you going to install a cricket on the chimney?

[@HectorMartinez-xl8ul]

I’m new to the roofing industry what do you recommend would help me on a roof with many hips and valleys. I use eagle view or iRoof but sometimes there are trees in the way and I can’t get a clear picture.

[@RoxRoofing]

Great question, Hector. Hand measure is probably the best and time consuming with limited satellite view like EV or iroofing. For waste factoring, after we get our hand or satellite measurements, for cut roofs, we usually add 2 sqft per LF of valley, hip and rakes. If the LF for all totals 260 lf, multiply by 2. This gives you your waste for field. Does not include starter or caps. Hope this helps.

[@diegoa.quinones384]

That hat is 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@tinamcwilliams7029]

Lol

[@TerryUniGeezerPeterson]

What about pitch? The roof square footage also includes the garage which is not included in the home square footage

[@RoxRoofing]

if one is measure from the rooftop, by hand, the measurement already includes the pitch.

[@Ericalantigua18]

How do I figure out the linear footage of the ridge cap

[@RoxRoofing]

Not sure what your asking, exactly. You can either take a wheel and measure the lf or a tape measure. In the video I have two ridges, one was 34lf other was 10lf, total is 44lf. For material purposes, one bundle of standard caps will yield about 30lf. In my vidoes case, I would need two (2) bundles of cap to complete the ridge. Hope this helps. PLEASE let me know if you have any other questions, - Roc

[@nattturner]

🙏

[@chukkyenwere9479]

How does one calculate roof square without climbing it

[@RoxRoofing]

You can use googles measuring tool on desktop or order an aerial measurements from Eagleview or similar.

[@chukkyenwere9479]

@@RoxRoofing thank you

[@humlocker]

just to be clear, when you are doing math you say " by" are you multiplying or plus just for us beginners

[@RoxRoofing]

Multiplying. 10 by 10 = 10 X 10. Never really thought about that before.

[@reubentorres7363]

Let me show you the Houston TX northside way of estimating a roof.... Step 1 Get the craziest vato on the roof and estimate how many 4 x 8 sheets of decking plywood it took to make the roof Step 2 Know it takes about 1 bundle of shingles per sheet of plywood. 🤫 Your welcome vatos

[@RoxRoofing]

Well... that’s one way to it 😁

[@Chaparrro]

So multiplying 1860 by .15 got me to 279 so I did 18.6x.15 and got 2.79 which one was the correct way to multiply? And what exactly is the 279 for, Is that money for the extra materials?

[@RoxRoofing]

so either way is the same result. 1860 x .15 = 279 sqft or 18.60 x .15 = 2.79 sq. | total roof squares is 21.39 sq. | The extra 2.79 sq. is for waste, starter and ridge caps.

[@brianrucci2270]

Kind of confused on the left small side you did 18’ x 10’ twice but one of the sides only measured 10’ x 10’?

[@RoxRoofing]

both sides are 10x18.

[@kidronreddy1671]

Hi There very informative video.I am looking to start a waterproofing and handy man company ..Any advice is welcome.Thanks

[@RoxRoofing]

We don’t do “waterproofing”. Just roofing flat roofs, shingle, tile and metal roofing. More about roofing visit, Roofing Insights or Contractor Coach. Waterproofing is a different game.

[@MarianoMorales19937]

Is it 55 bundles of shingles? Correct me if im wrong

[@RoxRoofing]

54/55 bundles 👍 most bundles have about 25 individual shingles. Varies from manufacture to manufacture. Each standard bundle covers 0.33 sqft. 3 bundles covers 100 sqft or (1 roof SQ)

[@abrahamzavala5846]

Do you calculate the pitch?

[@RoxRoofing]

What do you mean by that?... while on the roof - when you measure, the pitch is included. If you’re asking how to calculate the pitch, you get a “pitch gage” from your roofing supply store. Not sure what you’re asking, please clarify.

[@MrLandonian]

You wouldn't need to. The steeper the pitch, the more material you would need. Less material for flatter roofs.

[@Woolrage10910]

@@MrLandonian Pitch doesn't matter when you are measuring from the roof top, only if you are measuring from the ground. Easy way to think is if you have a full sheet of plywood, which is 4x8 (32 sq ft). If you barely lift one side of it off the ground, it is still 4x8. If you raise it at a 45 deg angle, it is still 4x8. If you hold it straight up, it is still 4x8. All 4x8 just with different pitches.

[@blooragardhoshigaki]

So you needed 65 bundles for that job correct ?

[@RoxRoofing]

yes just about. With field, starter and caps, we're looking at about, 70 bundles

[@73powerstroke56]

Does timesing the 15% also include the roofing nails as well as the tar paper u lay down before the shingle or tile?

[@RoxRoofing]

The 15% would be area and waste of shingles. Rule of thumb is 10% for gable and 15% for hip, BUT it’s it’s super cut has lots of valleys and hips, then I would do a hand measure to get a more accurate waste number.

[@ricardofrmthe_2423]

Good day, how would I calculate the area of a triangular part of a hip roof with span of 43.5' and a common rafter of 36.4'?

[@jbravo1070]

Area of a triangle .5 x (height x base)= area 4' height x 3' base x .5 = 6 Circumference of a triangle A + b + c = circumference

[@jamesfeeley1925]

What did you use to measure? A tape or??

[@RoxRoofing]

On this job I used a tape measure, one can also use a wheel. OR… you can use satellite software like iRoofing or EagleView.

[@josesalazar7463]

I did learn thank you How much does a square foot install cost?

[@RoxRoofing]

it depends where you live. cost depends on material cost, labor cost, overhead and profit. price in texas to remove and replace ranges from $2.50 - $3.5 sqft plus. it really depends on the work needed.

[@davidcamacho4518]

how do you calculate the linear feet for soffit and fascia?

[@RoxRoofing]

Add your all perimeter, eaves & rakes.

[@boashna]

bravo -add for waste 10 to 15 percent

[@TerrorFrm260]

Might be dumb question but does this apply to metal roofing too?

[@RoxRoofing]

it's the same to calculate the AREA, but with metal you have waste from seams, heming, valleys, etc. plus trim like: caps, hips, valleys, and others. Don't use this video for metal.

[@walterleblanc4485]

Didn't learn shit from this. Had to click on another to find out what the fffd

[@okoriekingsley5672]

Good job right there sir.Am from Nigeria (Civil Engineering student) want to major on roofing job. How do I estimate a roofing job given a drawing like the one I have with me

[@RoxRoofing]

gather area of the roof, calculate your waste. Gather your labor cost + material cost based on measurements, then add your mark up.

[@okoriekingsley5672]

@@RoxRoofing Thank you sir.Can I have your e-mail so I can send a sample of what am talking about

[@okoriekingsley5672]

@@RoxRoofing Thank you sir.Can I have your e-mail so I can send a sample of what am talking about

[@diegosoto271]

When you multiply it by 15, what happens then?? It comes out for 27,900. So what does that mean??

[@RoxRoofing]

Hey, Diego. it's not "15" it 15%. (0.15). Generally speaking, 15% is for material waste. or on a simple gable roof, one can use 10%. Hope this helps.

[@theeditmaster824]

Why are using the old fashioned method?, when there is a company ( satellite, airplane) that does for you and

[@RoxRoofing]

When satellite measurement isn’t an option, we bust out the ol’ ruler. AND… we do use Eagleview and iRoofing on a regular 😉

[@OMGITSAAAJ]

trees.

[@AndrewNhlapo]

I need more help

[@SUHS90006]

Probably a dumb question..but did you use a measuring tape boss?

[@RoxRoofing]

Yes, and I always round up to the nearest foot. If it’s 22’ 4”, I round to 23’. I use a measuring tape and sometimes a wheel for long hauls.

[@SUHS90006]

@@RoxRoofing Thanks boss! I'm about to go measure a roof using ur technique . Hope I get this side job 🙏🏽 God bless you!

[@juansepulveda7718]

When you mean 100 sq ft is? How many packs of shingles. I thought a square would be 3 packs of shingles. Can you explain this to me. Thank you brother.

[@RoxRoofing]

100 sqft = 1 roofing square. (10x10) 1 bundle carries 33.33 sqft of coverage. check out the manufacture bundle wrapper for more info. 3 bundles cover 99.99 sqft (100 sqft) - hope this helps.

[@slimraq1990]

Convert the square footage to square yards

[@RoxRoofing]

Slim Raq ... divide by 100, yes sir. 😁

[@damienjames7631]

My total roof is 1,444. 14.44....then times it by 3??

[@RoxRoofing]

Is it a hip or a gable? If the area is 14.44 and it’s a simple hip or gable roof. Do 14.44 x 1.15= 16.66 16.66 x 3 = 50 bundles total Now back out your starter and caps, what’s left over will give you your field shingles.

[@damienjames7631]

@RoxRoofing no hip just a gable roof.

[@RoxRoofing]

@@damienjames7631 not that big of a difference on a roof that size. 16 sq would do. 48 bundles

[@coltonmead5981]

Geometry.

[@halo062885]

So roof it 18 squares? So that’s 54 bundles of shingles if I’m correct?

[@RoxRoofing]

The area on this roof is 18.6 sq x 10% for caps, starter and waste for gable roofs. This bumps it to 20.46 sq. I would round up to 21 sq for bidding purposes. -- To answer your question, 18sq = 54 bundles. 👍

[@halo062885]

@@RoxRoofing so 63 bundles then

[@halo062885]

Well changed for 63 bundles but it’s actually 54

[@RoxRoofing]

The 63 covers your starter and caps as well and some waste. (Material + labor x mark up = your bid price)

[@juandanielmendez3437]

Me gustaría compartír más información icon con usted

[@RoxRoofing]

Adelante Juan

[@juandanielmendez3437]

Rox Roofing & Exteriors lo que pasa que tengo pensado pensado empezar mi propio negocio pero él problemas son los presupuestos y precios

[@RoxRoofing]

Tienes un face? Encuentra la página de Rox Roofing Y manda un mensaje. De ay te encuentro y nos ponemos de acuerdo.

[@joesena913]

Width x length is how many squares is in a house.

[@jamescarone9553]

Width x length ÷100= number of squares

[@ramdaddy8557]

You have to devide the roof into a square. This roof is simple. I need to learn the high dollar houses. Valleys all over irregular shapes too.

[@canocano5480]

How do you measure valley

[@RoxRoofing]

not sure what you mean. you can take a wheel or a tape measure and get the linear feet. we always add 1 sqft per lf for waste factor for valleys and hips

[@Admiral_tintin]

Square footage ÷ 33 give you your amount of bundles. You also forgot to add the pitch. One 1/2 the length divided by the pitch.

[@RoxRoofing]

Hello, yes sqft / 33 = bundles. The pitch is already accounted for when measuring on the roof top.

[@Higher_human1]

@@RoxRoofingI was always taught to multiple the number by the pitch Why doesn’t the pitch matter?

[@RoxRoofing]

@@Higher_human1 the pitch does matter, but when you measure the roof on the roof the pitch is already accounted for.

[@BOSS_805]

Is there a way to do this from the ground?

[@RoxRoofing]

you can purchase a roof satellite measurement from eagle view or iRoofing.

[@BOSS_805]

@@RoxRoofing How accurate are those services? Have you used them which one do you recommend

[@RoxRoofing]

@@BOSS_805 we use iRoofing on a regular basis. We use Eagleview on steep cut up roofs. Both are great!

[@joshuasabajan916]

Just take the square foot of the house and divide by 100sqft and then add like 6-10 squares to it

[@BOSS_805]

@@joshuasabajan916 is this accurate enough to price a roof job correctly?

[@597158madroofer]

DUDE IF A 40 X 40 CHIMNEY IS THAT CRUCIAL ? YOU WORRY TOO MUCH

[@RoxRoofing]

you're right and to many newbies, this questions will come up. thanks for stoping by...

[@597158madroofer]

@@RoxRoofing not trying to be rude but i'll say reflash chimney if needed,,the roofers won't break the bank if they need to reflash a chimney.. i always throw extra couple hundred or so depending on how much extra work is done.. ,,

[@bepinmgushi4102]

Disaster video man

[@RoxRoofing]

make a better one... ;)

[@scottyalmazan2560]

Lol wrong