Roofing Area Calculator: How do I calculate the roof area?
To calculate the area of your roof:
- Begin with calculating the area of your house in a plane parallel to the ground.
- Determine the roof pitch of your house.
- Once you know these values, you will be able to calculate the roof area. Begin by converting the roof pitch to an angle expressed in degrees using the following formulas:
pitch(%) = x / 12 × 100%pitch(deg) = arctan[pitch(%)] - Then, use the following equation to find the total area of the roof:
roof area = base area / cos[pitch(deg)]
Estimating the cost of the roof
Once you know the area of the roof, you have to decide on the scope of work. Do you want to build the roof from scratch or maybe replace the old layers? You also need to decide on the finishing material. For example, asphalt shingles will be less expensive than clay tiles.
After you’ve made all of these decisions, it’s best to contact your local contractor and ask about the cost of both materials and labor per square meter or square foot of roof area. Remember that this unit price should include all additional elements such as fasteners, as well as the cost of removing all layers and disposing of them (if applicable).
The most typical cost of roofing falls between $2 and $4 per square foot (including labor). If the price proposed by your contractor deviates from these values, it is advisable to check with other contractors before starting the work.
If you cannot contact any contractor, calculate the cost of materials (for example, by going to the nearest construction store) and multiply this price by 2.5. You will obtain an approximate price including labor, assuming that 40% of the cost is taken by the materials and 60% by the labor.
The last thing you have to do is to multiply this cost by your roof area and voilà, you now know the total cost of your roof! Remember that the real cost might differ from this value a bit due to waste, so plan ahead and assign more funds to this construction work.
Roofing Area Calculator:
