Installing a new roof is a big job, and it requires a great deal of precision to ensure that the job is done correctly. One of the most important measurements is the number of squares of shingles that are needed for the job. Calculating the number of squares for a roof can be done easily if you understand the basics of roof measurements and have the right tools.
A square is a measure of roof area and it is equal to 100 square feet. To calculate the number of squares on a roof, you need to measure the area of the roof and divide by 100. Calculating the area of a roof is not difficult, but it does require some basic math skills. Here is a step-by-step guide to calculating the number of squares on a roof.
Step 1: Measure the Length of the Roof
The first step in calculating the squares on a roof is to measure the length of the roof. To do this, measure from the outside edge of the roof to the opposite outside edge. This measurement should be taken in feet. For example, if the roof is 20 feet long, you would enter 20 into the formula.
Step 2: Measure the Width of the Roof
The next step is to measure the width of the roof. This measurement should also be taken in feet. For example, if the roof is 10 feet wide, you would enter 10 into the formula.
Step 3: Multiply Length by Width
Once you have the length and width of the roof, you need to multiply them together to get the area of the roof. For example, if the roof is 20 feet long and 10 feet wide, you would multiply 20 times 10 to get 200. This is the area of the roof in square feet.
Step 4: Divide by 100
To calculate the number of squares on the roof, you need to divide the area of the roof by 100. For example, if the area of the roof is 200 square feet, you would divide 200 by 100 to get 2. This means that the roof has 2 squares.
Step 5: Add for Overhangs and Valleys
When calculating the number of squares on a roof, you should also add for any overhangs and valleys. These areas may require additional shingles to cover them properly. To do this, measure the length of the overhang or valley and add it to the total area of the roof. Then divide this number by 100 to get the additional squares needed.
Conclusion
Calculating the number of squares on a roof is an important part of any roofing project. To do this, you need to measure the length and width of the roof, multiply them together to get the area of the roof, then divide by 100 to get the number of squares. When calculating the squares, you should also add for any overhangs and valleys to ensure that the entire roof is covered properly.