A common question asked by many new to roofing involves roofing squares – namely, “What is a roofing square in measurements?”
While roofing squares can be seen as a simple unit of measurement, they have several applications. For example, some roofers use it to calculate the number of materials required for installing a roof, while others employ it to determine roof estimates.
The bottom line is that they’re essential to roofers, and if you’re looking to offer a quality service that clients will be satisfied with, you’ll need to understand it.
This guide will explain the purpose of a roof square, how to use it, and how much it costs so you can master the art of roofing measurements. We also cover how Roofr ensures you get the most accurate measurements possible.
A roofing square is a measurement that covers 10 by 10 feet, totaling 100 square feet on a roof. Meaning if a roof is 30 squares, the total square footage would amount to 3,000 sq. ft.
The more squares a roof covers, the more money a customer will have to pay for replacing their roof. It's no surprise that roofing contractors use a square to estimate the size of a roof, as it’s straightforward and fairly simple to work with.
A 100-foot square measurement makes it easier to calculate the number of shingles or other roofing materials necessary to cover a rooftop. In addition to replacing roofs, it can help lay out stairs and rafter connections.
When discussing the size and scope of a roofing project with a contractor, standardized roofing square measurements are frequently mentioned. It's often easier to use this unit than total square footage, as it maintains a constant unit of measurement.
Additionally, it helps with comparing quotes from different companies, as knowing the square size can help with making the right decision.
It's important to remember that roofing squares don't have to be literal squares. Instead, a roof square is just how much material you'll need to cover a roof area for replacement. Of course, precise measurements and calculations can be streamlined with software platforms like Roofr, which also auto-calculate material and labor costs from measurement reports and catalogs.
How to use a roof square
If you're wondering how to use a roof square in measurement, it's simple.
You can use roofing squares when estimating the roof's pitch. In addition to measuring the angle of the roof, a speed square can guide your circular saw and help you measure the length and width of a roof.
To begin measuring your roof, make sure you walk up to the roof's peak. Then, orient the sketch to your current position so you can label the planes accurately.
Next, lay out your measuring tape along the length and width of the plane. Once you have finished measuring the length and width, you can switch to measuring in square feet and write down your measurements.
Roofing square foot costs
Roofing costs are generally quoted on a square foot basis. Each roofing square covers 100 square feet and includes labor and materials. Depending on factors like location, roof size, and material quality, labor costs can range anywhere from $150 to $300 per square foot.
The square foot rate depends on things like the quality of the roofing material, the existing roof structure, and the location of the roof. Roofing professionals charge by the square foot and may offer discounted prices when bargained with.
Premium roofing products will, of course, increase pricing, but these premium products can be worth the extra investment. For example, slates cost more per square foot, but they’re more durable than standard shingles and can last up to a century.
Also, clients are often more inclined towards roofing companies with extended warranties. A warranty saves customers money in the long run, ensuring that their roof is protected against damage and leaks.
Where can I use roofing squares?
A roofing square is the best choice for measuring a steep roof, like a gambrel or mansard. A gable roof is relatively easy to measure, but a complex roof will require more precision and planning. The reason: complex roof designs require more shingles and detailed measurements.
However, these designs often end up producing more waste. Roofing squares help reduce the amount of unused material from intricate roof designs. You’ll also be spending less time and money (with significantly less waste) using roofing platforms like Roofr, which help you save on measurement report costs.
Measuring roof pitch with roofing squares
The term "pitch" is often referred to as the amount of rise a roof has per horizontal foot. For example, a 6:12 pitch indicates that the roof will rise six inches every twelve feet between the eave and peak.
The L-shape of roofing squares is perfect for marking wide boards and for checking squareness. Moreover, it's helpful when laying out stair stringers or rafters.
The compact right triangle often has ruler increments printed on it, with a flange that can serve as a crosscutting fence. It also has markings for the proper angles of a rafter and hip.
Why professional roofers choose Roofr
Roofr is a fast and accurate roof measurement software that produces roof reports in under 24 hours. Not only does our platform streamline the sales process, but it only costs as little as $15. No more variable pricing—with us, you’re paying a flat fee, regardless of whether you’re working on a shed or a shopping mall.
Grow your businesses and stay ahead of the competition by streamlining the normally long roofing sales process, with estimates and quotes in minutes.
Simply enter the roof address you want to measure to retrieve a satellite image. Our platform will do the work for you, and you’ll receive a comprehensive report detailing total square count, amount of facets, predominant pitch, diagram overviews, and more.
Want to increase efficiency in taking roof measurements? Register for Roofr today!
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Talk to a member of our team today to learn how.
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