A big part of planning is figuring out how many shingles you’ll actually need. Learning how to measure a roof for shingles is a skill that helps you budget smart and understand professional quotes.
Why Proper Measurement Matters
Accurately measuring your roof ensures you buy the right amount of materials. Too few shingles, and you’ll be making extra trips to the store, delaying your project. Too many, and you’ve overspent. For us here in Regina, where the weather can change quickly, having everything ready to go is key to a smooth roofing process.
The ‘Squares’ of Roofing
When you need a new roof, you’ll notice one thing. In the roofing world, everything is measured in “squares.” A roofing square is simply a 100-square-foot area (a 10-foot by 10-foot section). Shingles are sold in bundles, and typically, three bundles of standard asphalt shingles are needed to cover one square.
Two Ways to Measure Your Roof
There are two main approaches to measuring any roof: getting up on the roof or doing it from the ground.
Option 1: Measuring from the Rooftop (The Most Accurate Method)
If you’re comfortable and safe on a ladder, this method will give you the most precise measurements.
What You’ll Need:
- A sturdy ladder
- Tape measure
- Pencil and paper
- A friend to help with safety
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Sketch Your Roof: Before you climb up, draw a simple diagram of your roof’s different planes (the flat surfaces). Most roofs on Regina homes are gable roofs, which are simple rectangles, but you might have a more complex hip roof with triangular sections.
- Measure Each Plane: Carefully climb onto the roof and measure the length and width of each rectangular section. For triangular sections, measure the base and the height.
- Calculate the Area: For each rectangular plane, multiply the length by the width to get the square footage. For triangular planes, multiply the base by the height and divide by two.
- Total Your Measurements: Add up the square footage of all the planes to get the total area of your roof.
- Calculate Your Squares: Divide the total square footage by 100 to determine the number of roofing squares you’ll need.
- Don’t Forget Waste: It’s a professional tip to add an extra 10-15% to your total to account for shingles that will be cut or wasted during installation.
Option 2: Measuring from the Ground
If you’d rather keep your feet on solid ground, you can still get a good estimate.
What You’ll Need:
- Tape measure
- Level (at least 12 inches long)
- Online roofing calculator
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Measure the Base: Measure the length and width of your house at its base.
- Account for Overhangs: Measure how far your eaves extend beyond the walls and add this to your base measurements.
- Determine the Pitch: This is the trickiest part from the ground. You’ll need to safely get on a ladder at the edge of your roof. Place your level horizontally against the roof. Measure the vertical distance from the 12-inch mark on the level down to the roof’s surface. This gives you the “rise” over a 12-inch “run” (e.g., a 6-inch measurement means a 6/12 pitch).
- Use a Calculator: Plug your base dimensions and the roof pitch into an online roofing calculator. This will give you an estimated total square footage.
Your Local Roofing Experts
While measuring your roof can be empowering, it can also be a bit daunting, not to mention risky if you’re not used to working at heights. For a precise, no-hassle measurement and a professional quote, it’s always best to call in the experts.
At Everflow, we’re experienced with the roof styles and weather conditions here in Regina and can ensure your roofing project is done right from the very first measurement.
