What Is A Roofing Square?
When you’re looking to get your roof replaced, you’re most likely going to be doing a lot of research. There’s a lot of unique terms and phrases that you may not have ever heard before, so we’re here to help. Here at Roof Right, a roofing company in Hampstead, MD, we are often asked by homeowners “what is a roofing square?”
What Is A Roofing Square?
There are many different factors that determine how much your new roof will cost. One of the biggest factors that determine the cost of your roof is its size. The size of your roof is calculated by a measurement known as a roofing square.
A roofing square is an area of 10×10, or 100 square feet of roof surface. Roofing companies will use roof squares to determine how much roofing materials and labor it will take to replace your roof. The more squares your roof has, the more expensive it will likely be. In most cases, it takes around 3 bundles of asphalt shingles to fill a roofing square.
Ultimately, the type of materials that you use for your roofing replacement are going to make the biggest difference in cost. To break down the cost of your replacement by square footage, simply take the cost per square and divide that number by 100. If the cost of your roof is $500 per square, it will cost $5.00 per square foot.
How Do I Calculate My Roof’s Square Footage?
The number of roofing squares that your roof is will have a significant impact on the amount you pay for materials and labor. Before you get an estimate from a trusted roofing expert, you may be interested in getting a rough calculation of the cost per square on your own. We have three easy steps that any homeowner can do that will help you calculate your roof’s square footage.
Footprint
Using the square footage of your home itself will only give you a vague idea of the square footage of your roof. This is why we recommend figuring out your home’s footprint. To figure out your home’s footprint, count how many steps you take to walk the length of your home. Then, do the same for the width. Multiply the numbers together to get your home’s footprint.
Be Mindful Of Your Slope
Your roof’s slope plays a big role in your roof’s square footage calculation. You will have to multiply your home’s footprint by a number that depends on the steepness and complexity of your roof. For a roof with an easily walkable gable, you will multiply your footprint by 1.3 to determine your square footage. For a hip roof that has a low slope, you will multiply your footprint by 1.4. For a steep and complex roof, you will multiply your footprint by 1.6.
The Equations
So, in order to calculate your home’s footprint, you will need to use the following formula:
Length x width = footprint
To calculate your roof’s square footage, you will need to use the following formula:
Footprint x slope and complexity = square footage
For example, if you have a low slope roof and a house that measures 56 feet lengthwise and 28 widthwise, your calculation should look like this:
56 x 28 = 1,568 x 1.4 = 2,195 sq. ft.
While this equation is not 100% accurate, it will give you a good idea of what your roof’s square footage may be, which is a great way to then estimate how much you’ll be paying for your replacement.
Get In Touch with Roof Right
Repairing or replacing your roof can be a difficult process, but it doesn’t have to be! Roof Right, located in Carroll County, Maryland, works directly with clients to ensure that every step of the process is as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Since 1994, we have been providing excellent service to Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County and Montgomery County. Schedule your free estimate today!