It can be stressful when you have to discuss roofing projects with contractors. As roofs last for years or decades without any repairs, most homeowners are not aware of the exact cost of the job and certain important roofing terminology. In this guide, we have shared how to calculate the roofing materials and shingles for your project. This basic guide will assist you to begin budgeting for the project and also makes it simple to evaluate the estimates of the contractor.
How to estimate roof shingles?
We asked Jeff from Charlton roofing and this is what he said: One of the most and basic steps involved in estimation is determining the number of shingles you need for calculating the roof’s square footage. It is dangerous to go high on the roof. Our method is based upon evaluating the ground. It is a pretty rough calculation and that would offer you an approximate figure. Remember, you do not have to get scared about the math as it is simple and pretty forward.
To evaluate the roof’s square footage:
- Measure the width and length of the house from outside the home. It is important to measure from point to point and not from corner to corner to estimate the overhang of the roof.
- If your house is not rectangular, you can measure the width and length of each section.
- Now, multiple the width and length of each section. Thus, you can derive the square footage.
- Now total the entire square footage’s to obtain the roof’s square footage.
What is a roofing square?
One square is equal to one hundred square feet. It is necessary to determine the number of squares that form up your roof as shingles arrive in bundles and each consists of a certain proportion of a square. The majority of shingle kinds takes about three bundles to occupy each square. When you multiply the square’s total number by three, you would get an idea of how many bundles are required for your project.
Once you have determined the number of shingles your roof requires, you can include ten percent extra to that number. Remember, no roofing task would get completed without a shingle wastage. By adding this extra, you can be prepared for wastage and that is a reality. Roofing Tech Nick from Andover roofing.
How to calculate other roofing expenses?
Apart from the underlayment and shingles, there are certain things to be considered for estimation.
Labor: You are not only paying for materials. Ensure to ask the roofers how they are estimating. Some estimate by adding materials and labor expenses separately and some give a total lump sum. It is necessary to ask how they calculate.
Shingle disposal: The old shingles would be removed. So, you would require a roofing dumpster to eliminate them. The roofer can handle this. However, you have to bargain for a discount if you are discarding on your own.
Flashing: It is set up in the roof valleys and also in the vents and chimneys to safeguard against water seepage. It is not simple to determine how much flashing is required. It is better to ask the roofers when getting estimates.