Question 1

How do I convert a roof plan to squares?

Accepted Answer

Multiply the plan area by the pitch multiplier, then divide by 100. MetreMate gives you the plan-view square footage off the PDF, then you apply the factor. A 2,000 sq ft plan area at 6/12 is 2,000 x 1.118 = 2,236 sq ft, or 22.4 squares, so quote 23 before waste. Hip and valley lengths measured in plan view need your slope adjustment too.

Question 2

What are the pitch multipliers?

Accepted Answer

The multiplier is the square root of 1 plus (rise / 12) squared. Common values: 4/12 is 1.054, 6/12 is 1.118, 8/12 is 1.202 and 12/12 is 1.414. MetreMate does not apply it for you. It gives you the plan area, and the Angle tool can read the pitch off an elevation when the roof plan has no pitch note.

Question 3

How many bundles per square?

Accepted Answer

Typically three bundles per square for architectural shingles, each covering about 33 sq ft. Always check the wrapper, because coverage varies by product. A 23 square roof is 23 x 3 = 69 bundles before waste. MetreMate gives you the plan area, then you apply the pitch factor to get squares and the bundle count for the shingle you are quoting.

Question 4

How much waste should we quote?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the roof. Add about 10 percent for a simple gable, 15 percent with hips and valleys, and up to 20 percent for cut-up roofs. MetreMate gives you the measured area, then you apply the waste. On the 22.4 square example, 10 percent brings it to 22.4 x 1.10 = 24.6 squares, so quote 25.

Question 5

Do we still need aerial reports, and how accurate is a plan takeoff?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for existing roofs. For re-roofs most contractors use an aerial measurement report, and MetreMate does not measure from satellite imagery. Plan takeoff is for new construction, additions and any job where you have drawings and no building yet. There, accuracy matches the PDF and your calibration. Set the scale off a known dimension, since an 11 x 17 print of a 24 x 36 sheet is about 46 percent, not half.

Question 6

Is there a free plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can start on the free plan with no credit card, and a 7-day trial is available. MetreMate runs in any modern browser on a Windows or Mac computer, so there is nothing for your counter staff to install. Paid Pro and Team plans are there when you need them, and Team is billed per seat for your whole inside sales team.

Roof area to squares, plus every edge in linear feet

The slow way, or the smart way

Everything you can measure off the plan

Lengths in linear feet

Areas in sq ft

Perimeters

Counts

How roofing supply distributors use MetreMate

Plan area to squares

Ridges, hips, valleys, eaves and rakes

Accessories list

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Auto Scale

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Auto Snap

Layers Manager

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Questions roofing supply distributors ask

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