Everything You Need to Know About Roofing Squares
If you've ever listened in on a conversation between roofing contractors, you may have heard frequent mentions of "squares" when discussing projects. What exactly is a roofing square, and why does it matter when installing or replacing a roof?
We'll explain what a square is, when roofing squares are used, how to calculate the number you need, and more. We'll also look at how factors like roof pitch impact squares and pricing. Read on for a deep dive into all things roofing squares!
What is a Roofing Square?
A "square" is the basic unit of measurement used in roofing. It refers to a 10 foot x 10 foot section of roofing, which equals 100 square feet. Roofing squares allow contractors to accurately calculate the materials and labor needed for a roofing project.
The term square doesn't refer to the popular angle-measuring tool also called a square. And it should not be confused with "square feet" -- it equates to an area, not just length and width measurements.
Why Roofing Squares Matter
For both roofing contractors and homeowners planning a roofing project, understanding squares is extremely important for several reasons:
- Allows accurate calculations of materials needed - Roof shingles and other coverings are purchased based on the number of squares a roof requires. An error in square footage means wasting money on unused materials.
- Impacts project timing - The number of squares dictates how many workers are needed and how long installation will take.
- Affects labor needs/costs - More complex roofs require more worker hours to install, increasing project costs.
- Prevents budget issues - Inaccurate square measurements can blow project budgets due to increased material requirements, dump fees, added labor hours.
In other words, correctly measuring roofing squares is crucial for contractors to plan timing, staffing, budgets, and material purchasing. Errors lead to wasted money, time, supplies, and headaches!
Roofing Squares vs. Square Feet
Although they sound similar, roofing squares and square feet refer to different measurements:
- Square feet - Total area measurement calculated by multiplying roof width x length. Provides total square footage.
- Roofing squares - Standard 100 square foot roof segments used to measure projects. Calculated by dividing total square footage by 100.
For example, a rectangular 20 foot wide x 30 foot long roof section covers 600 square feet. To determine the roofing squares, divide the total area by 100: Total area = 20 x 30 = 600 sq ft Squares = 600 sq ft / 100 sq ft/square = 6 squares
Getting this translation right is key -- materials are purchased by the square, not square feet!
When to Use Roofing Squares
Any project involving roofing will require the use of squares to quantify materials and plan the job. This includes:
- New roof installation
- Full re-roofing
- Roof repairs
- Attic conversions involving dormers or skylights
- Adding rooftop solar panels
- Roof inspections
Essentially, roofing contractors should use squares whenever measurements of the roof surface are needed to estimate costs and plan a project.
How Pitched Roofs Impact Squares
A roof's pitch, meaning the slope or angle of its sides, can significantly influence calculations with roofing squares. Why? A few reasons:
- The steeper the pitch, the more squares needed because of the increased surface area.
- Low-pitched roofs may require different materials that come in different square sizes.
- Pitchez roofs also impact the installation labor time and difficulty.
Typical roof pitches range from near-flat to very steep:
- Minimum pitch for asphalt shingles: 4:12 (rises 4" vertically per 12" horizontally)
- Standard pitch: 6:12 to 8:12
- Steep pitch: 9:12 to 12:12
So accurately measuring pitch is critical for translating roof plans into squares!
Special Case: Calculating Squares on Pitched Roofs
For sloped or pitched roofs, the roof area gets larger than just length x width due to the incline. Special triangle calculations are used:
Area = (Length x Width) + (Length of roof slope x Width/2)
Then divide by 100 as usual to get the roofing squares!
Calculating Number of Squares
Figuring out the number of squares for a roofing project takes a few simple steps:
- Break roof into sections - Divide into rectangular sections by ridges and valleys.
- Measure each section's length & width - Multiply to get square footage of each.
- Add square footage of all sections - Gives total area of roof.
- Divide total square footage by 100 - Converts square footage to number of squares!
Let's look at a sample calculation for an L-shaped roof:
Section 1: 32 ft long x 24 ft wide = 768 sq ft
Section 2: 8 ft long x 20 ft wide = 160 sq ft
Total Area: 768 sq ft + 160 sq ft = 928 sq ft
Roofing Squares: 928 sq ft / 100 sq ft/sq = 9.28 squares
Common Roofing Materials
Many types of roofing materials are sold and calculated by the square. Some of the most popular options include:
Asphalt Shingles
- Most common roofing material in North America
- Affordable, easy DIY install
- Come in wide variety of colors and styles
- Work best on gently sloped roofs
- Lifespan 15-30 years depending on quality grade
Metal Roofing
- Very durable; 40+ year lifespan
- More expensive upfront cost
- Long-term energy efficiency savings
- Low maintenance
- Great for steep roofs
Tile Roofing
- Clay, concrete, slate, and terracotta tiles
- Ideal for warm climates
- Heavy materials requiring reinforced roof
- Natural beauty and unique styles
- 40+ year lifespan but fragile tiles prone to breakage
Many factors like climate, budget, and roof pitch help determine the best materials for a roofing project.
Benefits of Hiring Roofers
While savvy DIYers can save money by installing their own basic shingle roofs, complex roofing projects with tricky angles, pitches, etc. usually benefit from professional roofers. Reasons to hire pros include:
- Precise calculations - Roofers have experience correctly measuring difficult roof layouts and angles.
- Accurate quotes - Quote will be based on precise square measurements.
- Project management - Will schedule correct staffing and order optimal materials.
- Safety - Roofing can be dangerous work requiring special equipment.
- Warranties - Professional installers often provide material and labor warranties.
Roofing Square Pricing Factors
Many considerations impact the cost per roofing square. Elements affecting square pricing include:
- Roofing materials - Premium grades cost more per square than basic grades.
- Roof complexity - Complex roofs with many angles/pitches have higher labor costs per square.
- Contractor experience - Reputable firms charge higher rates but provide better workmanship.
- Geographic location - Labor and materials prices vary regionally.
As a ballpark estimate, basic asphalt shingle installation averages $100-300 per roofing square across the US.
FAQs About Roofing Squares
Still have questions? Here we answer some frequently asked questions about roofing squares:
What are some common mistakes around squares?
Not correctly measuring total square footage is the biggest mistake. Also, confusing squares with square feet when ordering materials or making project plans.
How many squares are needed for an average home roof?
The typical range is 15-30 squares for a single, simple gable or hip roof on a modest 2,000 sq ft home.
Do all roofers use the square measurement?
Squares are such a universal standard that every professional roofer will be fluent. Some may work in square meters vs feet, but the "square" concept remains the same.
We hope this deep dive demystifies what a roofing square is all about! Understanding squares lets homeowners communicate effectively with roofers for accurate project estimating and planning.
The key takeaway - a roofing square refers to a 10' x 10' roof segment or 100 square foot area. Accurately calculating squares using roof dimensions allows proper budgeting for labor hours and materials. Factors like pitch and layout complexity can significantly impact the squares and pricing.
Wondering how many squares your own roof requires? Consult a professional roofer for precise measurements. Knowing the squares in advance makes bidding and project prep vastly easier compared to guessing square footage!