Question 1

How do I calculate roofing squares from blueprints?

Accepted Answer

Multiply the roof plan area by the pitch multiplier, then divide by 100, since a square is 100 sq ft of roof surface. 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 order 23 before waste. MetreMate gives you the plan area. Plan-view lengths of hips, valleys and rakes also need your slope adjustment.

Question 2

What is the pitch multiplier for a 6/12 roof?

Accepted Answer

It is 1.118. The multiplier is the square root of 1 plus (rise / 12) squared, so for 6/12 that is the square root of 1.25, or 1.118. Other common pitches: 4/12 is 1.054, 8/12 is 1.202 and 12/12 is 1.414. Read the pitch from the roof plan note, or check it on an elevation with the Angle tool.

Question 3

How many bundles of shingles are in a square, and how much waste should I add?

Accepted Answer

Typically three bundles per square for architectural shingles, about 33 sq ft each, but check the wrapper because products vary. For waste, add about 10 percent on a simple gable, 15 percent with hips and valleys, and up to 20 percent on a cut-up roof. MetreMate gives you the area; you apply the pitch factor, waste and bundle count.

Question 4

Can I measure a roof without getting on it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you have plans. For re-roofs most contractors use an aerial measurement report. Plan takeoff is for new construction, additions and any job where you have drawings and no building yet. MetreMate measures the PDF, not satellite imagery. Accuracy follows the drawing and the scale, so calibrate off a known dimension and check a second one before you trace.

Question 5

Can I take off gutters and flashing too?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Measure gutters along the eaves in linear feet and count downspouts and corners with the Count tool. Step flashing, wall flashing, drip edge and valley metal are linear feet too, and ridge cap comes off your ridge and hip lengths. Keep each item on its own layer so every line in the bid traces back to the marked-up roof plan.

Question 6

Is it free to try, and do I need to install anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is free to start. There is a free plan with no credit card required, plus a 7-day trial of the paid features. Nothing to install: MetreMate runs in any modern browser on a Windows or Mac computer, including a laptop on the jobsite. Upload the PDF roof plan, set the scale and start measuring.

Roof takeoffs in squares, straight off the plans

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Everything you can measure off the plan

Lengths in linear feet

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Counts

How roofing contractors use MetreMate

Roof area to squares

Ridges, hips, valleys and edges

Flashing and penetrations

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