Roofing looks simple from the street, but every hip, valley, dormer and penetration adds material and labor. This guide explains how a roofing takeoff is done and what a complete roofing estimate includes.
How to Measure Roof Area
- Measure the plan area of each roof plane from the roof plan or aerial imagery.
- Apply the pitch factor to convert plan area to true sloped area (steeper roofs have more area than their footprint).
- Add overhangs if they are not included in the plan.
- Convert to squares: total area divided by 100.
- Add waste: more for cut-up roofs with many hips and valleys.
What a Roofing Estimate Includes
| Item | Unit |
|---|---|
| Shingles, metal panels or tile | Squares |
| Underlayment | Squares or rolls |
| Ice and water shield | Linear feet at eaves and valleys, or area |
| Starter and ridge cap | Linear feet |
| Drip edge and rake metal | Linear feet |
| Step, counter and valley flashing | Linear feet or each |
| Ventilation | Ridge vent in linear feet, vents each |
| Pipe boots and penetrations | Each |
| Tear-off and disposal | Squares, by number of layers |
| Low-slope systems | Insulation, cover board, membrane, edge metal, drains |
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- Estimates in 24–48 hours
- Prepared by human estimators
Labor Factors
- Pitch and height (steep roofs need more safety equipment and time).
- Number of layers to tear off.
- Complexity: dormers, skylights, chimneys and valleys.
- Access and material staging.
- Weather and season.
Takeoff Methods
Roofs can be measured from drawings, from aerial imagery, or on site. Drawings are best for new construction; aerial measurements are common for re-roofs; site verification is wise for complex or damaged roofs.
Commercial and Residential Roofing
Residential roofs are mostly steep-slope shingles, metal or tile. Commercial roofs are often low-slope single-ply, modified bitumen or built-up systems, with insulation and cover board. Related guides: siding cost, waterproofing takeoffs and thermal and moisture protection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions contractors ask us most.
How do you measure a roof for an estimate?
Measure the plan area of each roof plane, adjust for pitch, add overhangs, then convert to squares and add waste.
What is a roofing square?
A roofing square is 100 square feet of roof area.
What should be included in a roofing estimate?
Roofing material, underlayment, ice and water shield, flashing, edge metal, ventilation, accessories, tear-off, disposal and labor.
How much waste should be added for roofing?
Simple gable roofs need less waste than cut-up roofs with many hips and valleys.
Do you estimate commercial low-slope roofs?
Yes. We estimate single-ply, modified bitumen and built-up roofs, including insulation, cover board, edge metal and drains.
Are roofing takeoffs prepared by AI or human estimators?
Our roofing takeoffs are prepared and reviewed by experienced human estimators, with software used to speed up measuring.
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