Here Are Some Strategies to Calculate the Square Footage of a Roof
If you’re faced with the prospect of a roof replacement in the near future, chances are you’d like to start budgeting. However, before you can figure out how much replacing your roof might cost, you’ll need to know its size. As roofers, our team at Anchor Roofing is often asked: How do you calculate the square footage for a roof? The answer is a bit complicated, but we have a few suggestions.
If you’d like to skip all of the estimating and calculations, though, we recommend scheduling a roof inspection right away. Anyway, let’s get started!
How Do You Calculate Square Footage for a Roof? 
There are a few ways to calculate square footage for a roof. One is to take your home’s square footage and multiply it by a general ratio to estimate. Another is to use an online calculator (or several). And the last is to schedule a roof inspection from a professional roofer.
Some homeowners may be wondering why they can’t simply use the square footage of their home. While it would be nice if calculating the size of your roof were this simple, your roof is a bit larger than the footprint of your home for two main reasons: the eaves and overhanging portions, and the pitch of the roof. Both of these factors mean that your roof is, in a sense, “bigger” than your house.
What Is the Formula for Calculating Roofing?
While some sources provide formulas for calculating roofing, the real answer to this question is there is no formula for calculating the size of your roof. It’s very important to keep in mind that any calculation of your roof size using a formula is merely an estimate and unlikely to be completely accurate.
That said, we can provide a few rules of thumb that may come in handy before you speak with a professional roofer. One is to simply multiply the square footage of your home by a factor of 1.5. This is a very rough way to estimate and may give you a square footage a bit on the high side. However, if your goal is budgeting, it can be helpful to slightly overestimate the cost of your roof replacement—rather than being surprised in the other direction.
You can also try to get a more accurate multiplier by assessing the complexity of your roof. For example, roofs with simple designs and a minimal pitch of 4/12 or 5/12 will have less surface area. Roofs with steep pitches or complex designs, however, may need a higher multiplier than 1.5.
Can I Just Measure My Roof Myself?
With all the complexity and inaccuracy of using formulas and calculators, you may be wondering if you can just go up there and measure your roof yourself. While this is what a professional roofer would do, however, we don’t recommend this strategy for homeowners.
Walking on your roof can be dangerous and damaging if you aren’t a seasoned professional. You’re liable to slip and fall, especially if your roof has a steeper pitch. There’s also a good chance that, without knowing how to step on a roof properly, you could dislodge roofing materials and leave your roof vulnerable.
In addition, measuring your roof can be quite tricky anyway. This is especially the case if you don’t have someone to help you—and having multiple people walking around on your roof only adds further risk.
Need a Roof Estimate? Reach Out to Anchor Roofing
While estimates, calculators, and formulas can help you get a general idea of the size of your roof, the best method is simply to contact a local Omaha roofer to complete an inspection. Not only will you get an accurate picture of the size of your roof—and a number that you can use in the future—but you’ll also get a full quote on your roof replacement, enabling you to plan your budget accordingly.
At Anchor Roofing, we’re known for our thorough roof assessments. We’ll be happy to tell you all about the size of your roof and so much more. Reach out to our team to schedule your inspection!