To figure out how much roofing you need, measure your roof in squares, where one square equals 100 square feet. Start by finding your home’s total roof size, then divide by 100 to get the number of squares you need. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the average U.S. roof size is 2,647 square feet or 26.47 squares. Once you know your roof size, you can calculate material costs and labor needs. This helps you get accurate quotes from contractors and avoid overpaying.
How Do You Measure Your Roof?
Measure the length and width of each roof section. Multiply length times width to get square feet. If your roof has multiple sections or slopes, measure each one separately, then add them together.
You can also use your home’s square footage as a starting point. Most homes have roofs that are slightly larger than the home itself because of overhangs and slopes.
Related articles:
- Do You Need a License to Do Roofing
- Do You Need Roofing Felt Under Shingles
- How Much Can You Make Owning a Roofing Company
- Do You Need Underlayment for Peel and Stick Roofing
- What Do You Need to Start a Roofing Business
- What Do You Need to Start a Roofing Company
- How Much Roofing Material Do I Need
- How Much Should You Pay a Roofing Contractor
- How Much Do You Need to Start a Roofing Company
What Is a Roof Square?
Roofers use “squares” as their unit of measurement. One square equals 100 square feet. So if you need 25 squares, that is 2,500 square feet of roofing material.
This measurement makes it easier to order materials and calculate costs. According to RubyHome, roof installation costs range from $4 to $40 per square foot, meaning costs can vary from $6,800 to $68,000 for a 1,700 square foot roof.
How Do Material Costs Change by Type?
Different roofing materials cost different amounts per square foot. Here is a quick breakdown:
| Material Type | Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Basic Asphalt Shingles | $4.25 – $4.95 |
| Architectural Asphalt Shingles | $4.50 – $8.25 |
| Metal Roofing | $10.00 – $17.05 |
| Slate Tiles | $12.00 – $22.00 |
According to RubyHome, the average roof replacement cost is $9,526, with a range of $5,868 to $13,217 for most homes. Asphalt shingles are the most popular choice because they cost less than other options.
Can You Calculate Total Cost on Your Own?
Yes. Multiply your roof size in square feet by the cost per square foot for your chosen material. For example, if you have 2,000 square feet and choose asphalt shingles at $4.50 per square foot, your material cost would be around $9,000.
Remember to add labor costs too. Contractors charge for installation time. Getting multiple quotes helps you find the best price and understand what is included in each estimate.
Related articles:
- How Much Metal Roofing Do I Need
- What You Need to Know About Roofing Warranties
- Do You Need a Roofing License in Florida
- How Much Roofing Do I Need
- How Much Do You Overlap Metal Roofing
- What Are Signs You Need Roof Replacement
- What Tools Do You Need for Roofing
- Do You Need a Roofing License in Texas
- How to Figure Out How Much Metal Roofing You Need
Connect with an experienced roofing services to discuss your roofing needs and schedule an inspection.