When deciding how much roofing material you need, it’s important to understand how squares are calculated. In general, one square of roofing equals 100 square feet. However, the complexities of intricate roofs lead to some waste. When shingle shingles have to be cut to fit into tight spaces or nailed in even rows along the roof deck, they tend to be smaller than the actual area of the roof. To make this calculation easier, we use the term “roof square.” best choice roofing
A roofing square represents 100 square feet of roof surface, so a 1,800-square-foot roof requires 18 squares of roofing material. Contractors and suppliers often use roofing squares to calculate the cost of a roofing project. While the concept is simple, it’s important to understand that it can be complicated. In addition to the basic definition, roof squares are sometimes sold in smaller units. Once you know the general concept of how many squares a roofing material needs, you’ll know how much material to purchase.
When calculating the price of a roofing square, consider the type of roofing material used on the roof. Asphalt shingles, for example, cost $350 per square. For steel roofing, the cost is closer to $1,200 per square. A tin roof can last for up to 60 years with regular maintenance. However, steel roofs can be more expensive than asphalt shingles. For a twenty-five square roof, the price per square varies widely.
When calculating a roofing square, keep in mind the size of the roof, its pitch, and the shingle composition. The larger the area of the roof, the higher the cost. You can use a shingle calculator to figure out how much one square of roofing is. Once you’ve done this, remember to add at least 10 to 15% to the estimate to account for possible expenses. You should also factor in additional materials, if necessary.
The cost of a square of roofing is determined primarily by the materials used. Asphalt shingle roofs cost anywhere from $80-$100. But there are some exceptions, such as standing seam copper squares, which can cost more than $1,200. Cedar shingles cost between $140-180. You can also use an online roof estimator. A square of roofing material is priced per square foot or by 100 square feet.
Lastly, consider the waste factor. The more complex the roof, the more wasted roofing materials you’ll have. Generally speaking, a roofing waste factor of 10 to 15 percent is acceptable. However, you should save the extra shingles for repairs and future roofing damage. As an example, a 24 square roof would require 2.4 squares of shingles. In that case, you’ll need about seven or eight bundles of roofing felt. And don’t forget to factor in the cost of the roofing underlayment.
