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Accurately Measuring Your Roof

Whether you are planning a new roof, or remodeling an existing one, the first step is to accurately and safely measure the surface area of your project.

Quick Guide

Whether planning a new roof or remodeling an existing one, determining the roof’s surface area is an essential first step.

How to Safely & Accurately Measure Your Roof

Accurately measuring your roof is important if you want to be able to get accurate cost estimates and to ensure you order the right amount of metal roofing and accessories.  Getting this first step wrong could lead to big delays on your project.

With roofing being a significant investment for any property, understanding the measurement process will set a strong foundation for a successful project.

Why Accurate Roof Measurement Matters

Knowing your roof’s square footage helps you avoid surprises when ordering materials and can make a major difference in budgeting. Overestimating materials results in excess costs, while underestimating can lead to project delays and logistical issues if additional materials need to be ordered. A clear understanding of your roof’s measurements helps streamline the process, giving you a realistic scope for labor and material expenses.


Options for Measuring Your Roof

You have several options for obtaining accurate roof measurements. Choosing the right approach depends on your experience, budget, and comfort level with heights and safety equipment.


Hiring a Professional Service

Hiring a professional service to measure your roof is one of the easiest and most reliable solutions. Local roofers or roof inspection services often provide measurements as part of an initial consultation or inspection. Many roofing professionals will include this service in their installation package, and some may even offer it for free. These experts have the training, tools, and experience to deliver precise measurements without compromising safety.

Professional services also have access to specialized software and tools that can take exact roof measurements quickly, sometimes even remotely using drone or satellite technology. This option saves time, ensures accuracy, and reduces the risk of any potential injuries involved in the measuring process.


DIY Roof Measurement

If you’re considering measuring your roof yourself, approach the task with care. Roofs can be slippery and hazardous, especially on steep or complex structures. If you decide to proceed with a DIY approach, consider investing in safety equipment, such as non-slip footwear, a harness, and a sturdy ladder. It’s also advisable to have a helper nearby in case assistance is needed.

Roof Safety & Awareness

Whether you’re an experienced roofer or a homeowner taking on a DIY project, safety should always be a priority. Roof-related injuries are common, often due to falls or misuse of equipment. If you’re not comfortable or familiar with working at heights, it’s best to consult a professional. Here are some critical safety reminders if you’re measuring your roof yourself:

Use Proper Safety Gear
  • Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes and consider using a harness. Helmets, gloves, and other protective gear can further reduce risks.
  • Work with a Partner: Having someone else on the ground or nearby can provide an additional level of safety.
  • Be Mindful of the Weather: Avoid measuring your roof during rainy, snowy, or icy conditions. Moisture and adverse weather increase the risk of slips and falls.
  • Be Cautious of Slopes and Edges: Take extra care around the edges and steeper sections of your roof, as these are often the most hazardous areas.


Methods for Measuring a Roof

Accurate roof measurements are essential for determining the amount of materials you’ll need for any roofing project. If you’re taking on the task yourself, several tools and methods can help you gather the necessary dimensions and calculate the slope without having to step on the roof itself. Here’s a closer look at some effective ways to measure your roof.

1. Tape Measure and Calculator

For straightforward, hands-on measuring, a tape measure and calculator are effective tools. Start by measuring the building’s length and width at ground level. Once you have these base measurements, calculating the roof’s slope is the next step:

Measure the Rise: Using a ladder, measure the roof’s vertical rise over a 12-inch horizontal run. This can be done by placing a carpenter’s level against the slope, marking a 12-inch horizontal distance, and then measuring the vertical distance from the roof’s surface to the level’s end point.

Calculate the Slope: Once you have the rise and run, divide the rise by the run to calculate the slope. Many smartphone apps can make this easier by allowing you to measure angles directly, providing another quick way to calculate the roof’s pitch if you prefer a digital approach.
This method is relatively low-cost and requires only a few basic tools. However, it does involve being close to the roof, so proceed cautiously.

2. Satellite Imagery

Using satellite imagery is a quick and effective way to estimate your roof’s dimensions without climbing up to the roof. Many online mapping tools and real estate websites offer satellite views that allow you to outline the roof’s edges on the image.

To use satellite imagery effectively:

  • Identify Your Roof Outline: Locate your property and carefully outline the roof’s perimeter using the tools provided by the software.
  • Estimate the Roof Size: Based on the outlined dimensions, you can make an educated estimate of your roof’s square footage.
  • Satellite images give you a high-level view of your roof, making it easy to estimate the overall shape and size.
3. Aerial Measurement Tools

Advanced aerial measurement software, like RoofScope, offers a more detailed and precise option for measuring your roof from the comfort of your home. By entering your property’s address, the software pulls aerial images and provides highly accurate measurements and detailed roof features, including:

  • Dimensions and Area Calculations: RoofScope and similar tools calculate length, width, and roof area measurements.
  • 3D Models: Many aerial measurement tools also provide 3D visualizations of your roof, allowing you to view the angles and slopes in detail.

Aerial tools can be particularly useful for larger or more complex roof shapes and help avoid potential safety risks associated with physical measurements.

4. The HOVER App

The HOVER app is another innovative tool that makes measuring your roof easy using just your smartphone. This app works by creating a 3D model of your roof through photos you take with your phone.

  • Step-by-Step Photos: Follow the app’s prompts to capture a series of photos of your roof from various angles.
  • 3D Roof Model: HOVER uses these images to build a 3D model, providing highly accurate measurements, including dimensions, slopes, and pitches.

This approach offers accuracy comparable to professional measurements and is ideal for DIY projects. Plus, the app’s 3D model can be useful if you plan to consult with roofing professionals for installation or repairs.

5. Google Earth

Google Earth is a free tool that allows you to view multiple angles of your roof, zoom in and out, and move around the property. It’s an easy way to get a bird’s-eye view of your roof and offers several advantages for quick assessments.

  • Multiple Views: Google Earth allows you to view your property from various angles and perspectives.
  • Customizable Zoom and Pan: You can adjust the view to zoom in on specific roof areas, making it easier to identify roof shape and approximate size.

While Google Earth doesn’t provide precise measurements, it’s a good initial step to get an overall idea of your roof layout and identify any potential complexities.

Using these tools and techniques, you can gather the necessary measurements for your roof project accurately and safely. From simple tape measures to advanced 3D apps, each option allows you to choose a method that fits your experience level, comfort with heights, and budget. Accurate roof measurements will ensure a smooth project, helping you avoid cost overruns and unexpected delays.

Why Measurement Accuracy Benefits the Entire Project

Roof measurements are the foundation of your roofing project’s success. Whether you’re undertaking the project yourself or working with a professional, starting with accurate measurements will help streamline every other aspect of the process—from budgeting to material ordering to installation. A well-measured roof means fewer surprises, less waste, and a smoother roofing experience from start to finish.

Proper roof measurement is important for planning and executing any roofing project. By weighing your options—whether hiring a professional or taking on a DIY approach with caution—you can ensure your roofing project starts on solid footing, equipped with accurate estimates and a clear path to completion.