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📐 Calculation Method

📏 Measurements

ft
ft

🏠 Roof Shape

🏠
Gable
2 sloped sides
×1.0
🏛️
Hip
4 sloped sides
×1.15
Flat
Low slope (<2/12)
×1.0
📐
Shed
Single slope
×1.0
🏚️
Gambrel
Barn-style
×1.20

📐 Roof Pitch

Select your roof pitch (rise per 12 inches of run)

2/12
Low slope
×1.014
3/12
Low slope
×1.031
4/12
Standard
×1.054
5/12
Standard
×1.083
6/12
Common
×1.118
7/12
Moderate
×1.158
8/12
Steep
×1.202
9/12
Steep
×1.250
10/12
Very steep
×1.302
12/12
45°
×1.414

🧱 Roofing Material

Lifespan:
25-30 years
Wind Rating:
110-130 mph
Snow Load:
30-40 psf
Warranty:
30-50 years

🌡️ Climate Zone

Standard materials, moderate protection

🔨 Project Type

(recommended for 20+ year roofs)
(only if 1 layer exists)

📦 Additional Materials

♻️ Waste Factor: 15%

Use 10% for simple gable roofs, 15% for standard, 20-25% for complex roofs with many valleys/hips

⚙️ Additional Options

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Complete Material Lists

Complete shopping lists with quantities for every material you'll need for your project.

🖨️

Print & Save

Print your estimates, download as PDF, or save for future reference.

💰

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Get material, labor, and disposal costs with local pricing estimates.

Roofing Guide

📏 How to Measure Your Roof

  1. 1.Measure house footprint from the ground (safest method)
  2. 2.Determine roof pitch using a level and measuring tape
  3. 3.Account for overhangs (typically 12 inches)
  4. 4.Count hips, valleys, and dormers for complex roofs
  5. 5.Use the calculator to apply pitch multiplier

📐 Understanding Roof Pitch

What is roof pitch? Rise over run (vertical/horizontal)

Common residential pitches: 4/12 to 8/12

Why pitch matters: Steeper = more material needed

Pitch Examples:
4/12 = 18.4° 6/12 = 26.6° 8/12 = 33.7° 10/12 = 39.8° 12/12 = 45°

🔨 Tear-Off vs Overlay

When to Tear Off:

  • Existing roof is 20+ years old
  • Multiple layers already exist
  • Visible damage to decking
  • New warranty requirements

When Overlay Might Work:

  • Single layer of shingles exists
  • Shingles are relatively flat
  • Budget is limited
  • Local codes allow it

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Underestimating material needs
  • Not checking local permit requirements
  • Ignoring ventilation requirements
  • Starting in extreme weather
  • Not inspecting decking before re-roofing
  • Skipping ice and water shield in cold climates

Roofing Material Comparison Guide

Type Lifespan Wind Rating Snow Load Warranty Best For
3-Tab Shingles 15-20 yrs 60-70 mph 20-30 psf 20-25 years Budget projects
Architectural Shingles 25-30 yrs 110-130 mph 30-40 psf 30-50 years Most homes
Premium/Designer 30-50 yrs 130+ mph 40+ psf 50+ years High-end homes
Metal Panels 40-70 yrs 140+ mph 40+ psf 30-50 years Durability
Clay/Concrete Tiles 50-100 yrs 150+ mph 40+ psf 50+ years Southwest style
Natural Slate 75-200 yrs 150+ mph 40+ psf 75-100 years Historic homes
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Frequently Asked Questions

For a 2,000 sq ft roof using architectural shingles, you need approximately 20 roofing squares. At 3.33 bundles per square, that's about 67 bundles. Adding 15% for waste, plan on 77 bundles total.
A roofing square is a unit of measurement equal to 100 square feet of roof area. It's the standard unit used by roofing contractors to estimate materials and labor.
A typical residential roof replacement takes 1-3 days for a professional crew. Complex roofs with multiple levels, dormers, or steep pitches may take longer. DIY projects typically take much longer.
Removing old shingles (tear-off) is recommended for best results. It allows inspection of the decking, ensures proper installation, and won't void most warranties. Some jurisdictions allow one layer of overlay, but it adds weight and may hide problems.
Signs you need a new roof: shingles are curling, cracking, or missing; granules in gutters; roof is 20+ years old; visible daylight through attic; water stains on ceilings; sagging roof deck.
Cold climates benefit from impact-resistant architectural shingles with ice shield. Hot, humid areas need algae-resistant shingles. Hot, dry climates do well with tile or cool roofs. Your local building codes may have specific requirements.
A new roof typically costs $5,000-$15,000 for materials and $8,000-$25,000 installed for a typical home. Costs vary by material (3-tab is cheapest, slate is most expensive), roof complexity, and local labor rates.
Metal roofs are ideal for solar panels due to easy mounting and long lifespan (40-70 years). Architectural shingles (25-30 year lifespan) also work well. Avoid installing solar on roofs that will need replacement within 10 years.
Measure 12 inches horizontally from the edge of your roof, then measure vertically from that point to the roof surface. If the vertical measurement is 6 inches, you have a 6/12 pitch. Steeper pitches require more roofing materials.
Underlayment is a water-resistant barrier installed under shingles. It's required by code in most areas and provides secondary protection against leaks. Synthetic underlayment is more durable than felt paper and is recommended for most installations.
Plan for 10-15% waste on simple gable roofs and 20-25% on complex roofs with multiple hips, valleys, and dormers. Ordering extra ensures you have matching shingles for repairs and avoids project delays.
Most jurisdictions require a permit for roof replacement. Permits typically cost $100-$500 and ensure the work meets building codes. Working without a permit can result in fines and problems when selling your home.

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