How to Measure for the Correct Quantity of Shingles For Your Roof

This article will explain the process of measuring correctly for the correct number of squares you need to re-roof your house or shed.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape measure
• Ladder

1. 
    

   You will need access to your roof. Use a safe and strong ladder to accomplish getting there. Take a tape measure with you.

2. Stretch out the tape from one edge to the other edge. Write down this information.

3. Stretch out your tape from the ridge to the bottom edge. Write down this number.

4. Repeat this same technique on all parts of the roof. Some may be smaller or larger. Be sure to include ALL surfaces of the roof.

5. Multiply the two numbers from each section of roof. Add these numbers together to get your total square feet.

6. Add a waste factor of approximately 20% to this number.

7. Divide this new number by 100. Round the number to the next highest full number. You have now calculated the total number of "squares" needed to re-roof your house.

Tips & Warnings

• When measuring, always make the number slightly larger rather than smaller.
• Don't get too close to any edge of the roof.
• Roofs may be slippery.
• Make sure the tape is stretched out straight.

Resources

• http://www.easyhomeimprovementprojects.com
• http://www.creativity-in-glass.com