Constructing a new roof is no mean task. It is an important structural component of any building and requires a large investment in terms of both time and money.
When embarking on a roofing project, any mistake or miscalculation will lead to unnecessary add-on expenses.
That is why we highly recommend that you hire an experienced, professional roofing contractor to see you through without any hiccups.
One of the first things owners consider when contemplating a roof-job is the money it will cost them.
Keep reading to find out how you can calculate the area of your roof, and use that value to estimate the cost of the project. 
Calculating the surface area of your roof
Most roofing materials, such as shingles and underlayment, are measured in squares that are 10 feet each in length and breadth, that is, 10 feet long and 10 feet wide.
Each square, therefore, measures 100 square feet (LxB). This is why the surface area of a roof, too, is measured in ‘squares’ or square feet to get accurate values.
Steps to measure
- Begin by fishing out your measuring tape and ladder, and keep a pencil and paper on hand.
- Now, measure the precise length and breadth of every roof surface of every room, including that of attics, porches, dormers, etc. Remember to measure each plane area separately.
- Calculate the area of each plane or surface by multiplying the length and the breadth, and then multiplying the product with 100. In case your home features a triangular-shaped roof, measure each triangle surface by multiplying the base with the height (vertical length), and divide the product by 2, and then multiply the result with 100 as before.
- Finally, add up the square footages of all the plane surfaces to get the total surface area of your roof.
Yes, it’s that simple! Only make sure you don’t injure yourself while you’re at it.
An easier option would be to give us a call at McDonough Roofing Pros and avail our free cost estimation service.
Calculating the slope of your roof
Most homes have sloped roofs. In construction terms, the slope is referred to as the pitch.
Calculating the slope or pitch of your roof is important because it plays a vital role in determining the kind of material that the roof requires.
A low-pitched roof is easier to install and maintain while a steeper pitch offers better water runoff, a point to keep in mind when building homes in Georgia.
The angle of slope or pitch of a roof is calculated by measuring the vertical rise in the roof for every 12 inches of horizontal run.
Without the right tools, carrying out this calculation accurately can be slightly tricky. Get in touch with an expert roofing company to help you work out the right roof pitch for your home while keeping the Georgia weather conditions in mind.
Calculations for Roofing Materials
Rafters
Rafters are thick, long planks of wood that slope down at intervals from the central ridge beam of the roof. These are supported by horizontal planks that form the floor of the attic.
Rafters are used for homes having sloped or gabled roofs. The length of each plank is determined by the vertical height of your roof, plus a few extra inches for the overhanging.
Truss
Trusses are an improvement on the old rafters. They consist of triangular structures, usually made of metal or wood, that are kept in place with the help of a network of beams.
The number of beams used for a particular truss gives rise to the different types of trusses.
Larger homes with longer sides require greater support. Hence, it needs a truss with a complex network of beams.
Knowing the span or base length of your roof along with the pitch will help you calculate the length of the truss.
A typical roof construction has multiple trusses spaced out evenly from one end of the house to the opposite end. Unlike rafters, which are constructed on-site, trusses are pre-made in a factory as per the required measurements and are ready for installation in the house.
Knowing the measurements, therefore, is critical when going for trusses.
Shingles
Like most roofing materials, shingles are sold in squares of hundred. To estimate the number of shingles you’ll need, you must find out the total surface area of your roof first.
Divide the total surface area of your roof by 100 and you’ll have the exact number of shingles that you require.
Metal
Metal roofing is usually sold as sheets or panels. To calculate the number of sheets or panels necessary to cover the roof, divide the length of the roof by the width of the metal sheet.
Plywood
Plywood boards are used to construct the sheathing structure over which the external roofing material, such as shingles, are laid.
Although there are various options for sheathing material, plywood is preferred due to its strength and resistance to water. It is also cheaper than many other alternatives.
The dimensions of a plyboard are determined by several factors, such as the spacing of rafter planks or trusses, the weight of the overlying material, etc.
As with shingles and metal sheets, you will need to find out the surface area of your roof to calculate the number of plyboards required, before you incorporate the additional factors.
Calculating Roof Ventilation
Roof ventilation is a system by which a continual flow of air is maintained through the attic space, in order to remove moisture from the attic and maintain a balance in changing temperature conditions both inside and outside the home.
The recommended rule is that a minimum of 1 square foot of vent area must be created for every 150 square feet of attic space.
An imbalance in the inflow and outflow of air not only jeopardizes the integrity of your roof but also creates an unhealthy internal environment due to improper air circulation.
It is critical that you consult a seasoned roofing contractor to determine the exact number of vents for your roof.
Why should you hire a professional for your roofing needs?
While there are homeowners who prefer to get climbing and layout their own roofs, the process requires extreme technical expertise if it to be done right. Roofing companies have the required tools to carry out the task with minimal discrepancies and maximum efficiency.
McDonough Roofing Pros has a 24-hour helpdesk in place to attend to all your roofing needs. We offer a free of charge cost estimation service to help you determine the exact expenditure for your roofing project.
Our expert engineers will visit your property and measure out the materials required, and help you choose the best options for your roof.
Call us at 678-543-0566 to avail of our services today.