If you’re planning to get a new metal roof fitted, the very first step is to get a sense of how much material you need.
Not only is this the only way to get an accurate cost prediction for the task, but it will also help you to weigh up your options more clearly, as you can see which types of metal roof sit within your budget.
Although it might seem like a daunting or impossible task – where you’re left wondering, ‘where on earth do I start?’ – in reality, measuring for metal roofing can be done quickly and easily.
Just remember, you don’t need pinpoint accuracy here, that’s the job of the metal roofing contractors. At this stage, you’re just trying to get a ballpark figure to work with.
So, to make this process as straightforward as possible, we’ve shared our quick, step by step guide for calculating the amount of metal roofing materials needed for your roof.
6 STEPS TO MEASURE FOR METAL ROOFING
1. Sketch a bird’s eye view of your roof
You don’t need to think about the dimensions or the scale of the roof at this stage. This step is just designed to give you a rough diagram to help you work.
2. Measure your roof’s length
Working from the ground, and going from one edge of the roof to another, measure its length.
3. Determine the length of one metal panel
Your roofing contractor will be able to provide you with the length of the metal panels that they will use for the roof. Then, you can calculate the number of panels needed to accommodate the roof’s length, by dividing the length of the roof by the length of one panel. For example, if your roof is 30 feet long, and one panel is one foot long, then you know 30 panels are needed.
4. Repeat for the other side of the roof
If both halves of your roof are not symmetrical, then repeat steps two and three for the other areas of your roof.
5. Measure the width of the roof, including the slope
To do this accurately, measure from the fascia board to the peak of the roof.
6. Determine the width of one metal panel
Then, repeating the same process that you followed in step 3, you can calculate how many roof panels are required to accommodate the roof’s width. Finally, multiply the results for the roof’s width and length together, to find out how many metal panels are required to cover the entire half of the roof. If your two roof halves are symmetrical, then you can multiply this number by two.
If not, then repeat the entire process for all sections of the roof, and then add the numbers of panels required for each section together, to get your final answer.
OUR TOP TIPS FOR ACCURATELY MEASURING YOUR ROOF
- Remember to include any chimneys, porches or overhanging areas in your roof.
- Include all of the lengths in both inches and cm (this will save you from potentially having to make complicated conversions later on).
- Don’t forget to minus skylights from your calculation.
- When you order your panels, make sure you order slightly extra materials than you’ve calculated. This will save you any delays or extra stress during the installation.
- If your roof is particularly complicated, or you don’t feel confident measuring it yourself, then speak to your roofing contractor. They will be able to calculate this number accurately and quickly, on your behalf.
And if you have any further questions about metal roofing, or you are looking for metal roofing contractors for your new roof, JTC Roofing is here to help.
Our specialist team of professional metal roofers will work with you to find the perfect new roof for your property. They can assist you with everything from the measurement of your existing roof, to the supply, installation and maintenance of the new roof.
We are trusted metal roofing contractors for properties across the country, and have established a time-honoured reputation for quality, affordability and reliability.
So, if you’re looking to invest in a new metal roof, don’t hesitate to get in touch.