How to Measure for Shingles: A Quick and Easy Guide for a Perfect Fit
Replacing your roof can be a big project, and it’s important to do it right. One of the most important steps is measuring for shingles. If you don’t measure accurately, you may end up with too few or too many shingles, which could lead to problems down the road.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to measure for shingles so that you can get the perfect fit for your roof.
Source www.roofcalc.com
Why is it Important to Measure for Shingles?
Measuring for shingles is important because it ensures that you have the right amount of material to cover your roof. If you have too few shingles, you may not be able to cover the entire roof, which could leave it exposed to the elements. If you have too many shingles, you’ll have to pay for extra material that you don’t need.
How to Measure for Shingles
Measuring for shingles is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully to get an accurate measurement.
1. Determine the Area of Your Roof
The first step is to determine the area of your roof. If you have a simple roof, you can do this by multiplying the length of the roof by the width. If you have a more complex roof, you may need to break it down into smaller sections and calculate the area of each section separately.
2. Calculate the Square Footage of Your Roof
Once you know the area of your roof, you can calculate the square footage by multiplying the length by the width. This will give you the total square footage of your roof.
3. Calculate the Number of Squares Needed
The next step is to calculate the number of squares needed to cover your roof. A square is equal to 100 square feet, so you can divide the total square footage of your roof by 100 to get the number of squares needed.
4. Purchase the Correct Number of Shingles
Once you know the number of squares needed, you can purchase the correct number of shingles. Shingles are typically sold in bundles, so you’ll need to divide the number of squares needed by the number of bundles per square to get the number of bundles needed.
5. Allow for Overlaps and Waste
When purchasing shingles, it’s important to allow for overlaps and waste. Shingles overlap each other by about 6 inches, so you’ll need to add about 10% to the total square footage of your roof to account for overlaps. You’ll also need to add about 10% for waste, which includes shingles that are damaged or broken during installation.
Tips for Measuring for Shingles
- Use a measuring tape to get accurate measurements.
- If you have a complex roof, break it down into smaller sections and measure each section separately.
- Allow for overlaps and waste when purchasing shingles.
- If you’re not sure how to measure for shingles, consult with a professional roofer.
Conclusion
Measuring for shingles is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully to get an accurate measurement. By following the tips in this guide, you can ensure that you have the right amount of material to cover your roof and get a perfect fit.
Ready to Learn More?
If you found this article helpful, you may also be interested in these other articles:
- [How to Install Shingles](link to article)
- [How to Repair a Shingle Roof](link to article)
- [How to Choose the Right Shingles for Your Roof](link to article)
FAQ about How to Measure for Shingles
How do I calculate the square footage of my roof?
Answer: Multiply the roof length by the roof width. For example, a roof that is 30 feet long and 20 feet wide has an area of 600 square feet.
What is the P-A-S (Pitch-Area-Slope) method for measuring a roof?
Answer: The P-A-S method takes into account the pitch, area, and slope of the roof to calculate the number of shingles needed.
How do I measure the pitch of my roof?
Answer: Use a protractor or a rafter angle finder to measure the angle between the roof and the horizontal.
What is the area of my roof?
Answer: Calculate the square footage of the roof as described in question 1 above.
What is the slope of my roof?
Answer: The slope of the roof is the ratio of the roof’s vertical rise to its horizontal span.
How many shingles do I need?
Answer: Divide the roof area by the coverage area of a single shingle to determine the number of shingles needed.
What is the coverage area of a single shingle?
Answer: The coverage area of a shingle is typically printed on the shingle package. It is usually around 100 square inches.
What is the difference between a bundle and a square of shingles?
Answer: A bundle of shingles covers 33.3 square feet, while a square covers 100 square feet.
How do I factor in overhang and waste when calculating the number of shingles?
Answer: Add 10% to 15% to the total roof area to account for overhang and waste.
What else do I need to consider when measuring for shingles?
Answer: Consider the type of shingle, the installation method, and any special features or obstacles on the roof.
