How much roof area do I have?

Knowing “How much roof area do I have?” is vital to know the extent of your roof for different reasons. When you’re planning to install solar panels, planning repairs to your roof, or estimating rainwater collection and storage, knowing your roof’s area is helpful. This is a quick guide to assist you estimate the area of your roof.

Why Know Your Roof Area?

The roof isn’t just for professionals in construction. It is helpful in:

• Calculating roofing materials.
• Making home improvements like skylights or insulation.
• The rainwater harvesting capacity can be determined.

When you know the right way using the right method, determining your roof’s measurements isn’t difficult.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these tools:

• Laser measurer or tape measures.
• A calculator.
• Paper graph (optional).
• A ladder (if it is safe to access).

Be sure to consider safety when you climb your roof.

Steps to Measure Roof Area

1. Measure the Ground Dimensions

Begin with the dimensions of your home’s footprint. Find the width and length of your home from the ground level. Multiply these measurements to calculate the area that is base.

For instance:
If your home has a length of 40ft and a width of 30ft, you can:
40 x 30 = 1200 sq ft.

This is the area of the base.

2. Account for Roof Slope

Most roofs aren’t flat, they are an angle. To factor this into your computation, it is necessary to find the pitch of the roof. Pitch is essentially the degree of steepness that the roof has. It is expressed in a ratio such as 4:12. The roof will rise 4 inches for each 12-inch horizontal space.

How to Calculate Roof Slope Area:

1. Take note of the run and rise on the roofing.
2. Apply the formula:
   Roof Area = Base Area x Slope Factor

You can determine the slope factor with the pitch chart, or calculate the slope factor by using this formula:
Slope Factor = √(1 + (Rise ÷ Run)²)

3. Break Complex Roofs into Sections

If your roof is comprised of several sections, such as dormers and additions, break it down into smaller squares. Each section is measured separately and add the areas of each section together.

Example

Imagine a house that has the area of a foundation of 1,200 square feet, and a pitched roof of 6:12:

1. Find the slope factor:
   Slope Factor = √(1 + (6 ÷ 12)²) = √(1 + 0.25) ≈ 1.12
2. Calculate the total roof area:
   1,200 x 1.12 = 1,344 square feet.

When to Call a Professional

Although simple calculations can be made by yourself, you might require help from a professional

• Complex roof designs.
• Roofs that are slippery or dangerous.
• Large-scale construction projects.

Looking for expert roofing services? Learn more about professional roof installation in Edmonton to ensure quality and durability.

The Bottom Line

How much roof area do I have? – The process of measuring your roof’s area is not as tough as you would imagine. You can easily calculate the roof area if you have the right tools and some patience. Knowing the area of the roof will save you time and effort in homework.Read more: How to calculate mean roof height?