🏠 Roofing Calculator

Calculate roofing materials, roof area, pitch measurements, and shingle quantities for accurate project estimation.

Calculator
Materials
Pitch Guide
Measurement
Installation

Roofing Calculator

Select calculation type and enter roof dimensions to calculate area, materials, and costs with professional accuracy.
📐
Roof Area
Calculate total roof surface area
🧱
Shingles
Calculate shingle quantities needed
📊
Pitch Calculator
Calculate roof pitch and angle
📦
Materials
Calculate all roofing materials
💰
Cost Estimate
Estimate project costs

Roof Structure Visualization

6/12
Roof dimensions and pitch visualization
3D visualization of roof structure showing pitch and dimensions

Roofing Materials

Common roofing materials with coverage areas, weights, and installation specifications.

Shingle Materials

🧱
Asphalt 3-Tab Shingles
100 sq ft per bundle
Most economical option. 20-25 year warranty. 3 bundles per square. Weight: 200-250 lbs per square.
🏗️
Architectural Shingles
98 sq ft per bundle
Premium asphalt shingles. 25-50 year warranty. Better wind resistance and aesthetics. Weight: 240-300 lbs per square.
🔧
Metal Roofing
100 sq ft per panel
Long-lasting, energy efficient. 40-70 year lifespan. Lightweight: 50-150 lbs per square. Recyclable.
🏺
Clay/Concrete Tile
80-90 sq ft coverage
Durable and fire resistant. 50+ year lifespan. Heavy: 600-900 lbs per square. Requires structural support.
🪨
Natural Slate
75-85 sq ft coverage
Premium natural stone. 100+ year lifespan. Very heavy: 600-1500 lbs per square. Requires expert installation.
🌲
Wood Shingles/Shakes
100 sq ft per bundle
Natural cedar or pine. 20-40 year lifespan. Requires treatment. Weight: 150-300 lbs per square.

Underlayment & Accessories

📜
Felt Underlayment
15# or 30# felt paper
Basic moisture protection. 400 sq ft per roll (15#) or 200 sq ft per roll (30#).
🛡️
Synthetic Underlayment
1000-1500 sq ft per roll
Superior protection, lightweight, tear resistant. Better than felt for most applications.
❄️
Ice & Water Shield
200 sq ft per roll
Self-adhesive membrane for eaves and valleys. Required in cold climates. 3-6 feet up from edge.

Roof Pitch Guide

Understanding roof pitch measurements, angles, and their impact on material requirements and installation methods.

Common Roof Pitches

🏠 Low Pitch (2/12 - 4/12)
2/12 = 9.5°
4/12 = 18.4°
Requires special low-slope materials. Good for modern/contemporary designs. Lower material costs but may have drainage issues.
🏘️ Standard Pitch (5/12 - 9/12)
6/12 = 26.6°
8/12 = 33.7°
Most common residential pitch. Good balance of aesthetics and function. Standard materials and installation methods apply.
🏰 Steep Pitch (10/12+)
12/12 = 45°
18/12 = 56.3°
Dramatic appearance, excellent drainage. Higher material costs due to increased surface area. Requires safety precautions.
📐 Pitch Multipliers
Area = Base × Multiplier
4/12 = 1.054x
6/12 = 1.118x
8/12 = 1.202x
12/12 = 1.414x

Roof Measurement Guide

Step-by-step guide for measuring roofs accurately and safely for material calculations.

📏 Measurement Steps

Step Measurement Method Notes
1 Length & Width Ground measurement + pitch factor Measure building footprint first
2 Pitch/Slope Rise over run (inches per foot) Use level and measuring tape
3 Surface Area Footprint × pitch multiplier Add all roof planes together
4 Ridges Linear feet of all peaks Include hips and ridges
5 Eaves Linear feet of all edges Include overhangs and rakes
6 Valleys Linear feet of all valleys Internal corners where planes meet

📋 Safety & Accuracy Tips

🦺 Safety First
Never climb on wet, icy, or steep roofs. Use proper safety equipment including harnesses, non-slip shoes, and have a spotter.
📱 Use Technology
Satellite imagery and roof measurement apps can provide accurate measurements without climbing. Drone photography is also increasingly common.
📐 Double Check
Verify measurements by calculating area multiple ways. Check that total area makes sense compared to building footprint and pitch.

Installation Tips

Professional tips for roofing installation, waste calculation, and project planning.

🔨 Installation Best Practices

📦 Material Ordering
Order 10-15% extra materials for waste, cuts, and future repairs. Complex roofs with many angles need higher waste factors. Ridge cap shingles need separate calculation.
🌡️ Weather Considerations
Install shingles in temperatures 45-85°F. Avoid installation in high winds, rain, or extreme heat. Cold weather makes shingles brittle.
🔧 Fastener Requirements
Use 4-6 nails per shingle depending on pitch and wind zone. High wind areas require 6 nails and special installation patterns. Use corrosion-resistant fasteners.
💧 Ventilation Planning
Proper attic ventilation is critical. Plan for soffit intake and ridge exhaust vents. 1 sq ft of ventilation per 150 sq ft of attic space minimum.
🏠 Structural Considerations
Heavy materials like tile or slate may require structural reinforcement. Consult structural engineer for loads over 300 lbs per square.
📋 Code Compliance
Check local building codes for requirements. Obtain permits for reroofing projects. Schedule inspections as required by local authorities.