Homeowners who get in touch with roofing contractors may have heard the term “roofing square.” What is a square in roofing and how do contractors measure it? What other factors will influence the cost of a roofing project? The experts of Brava Roof Tile have answers.
What Is a Roofing Square?
To put it simply, the term “roofing square” refers to 100 square feet of roof. For instance, a 2,000-square-foot roof equals roughly 20 roofing squares. These numbers are useful to know because many contractors use the term “cost per square” when they give a project estimate. The number of roofing squares also determines how much material your roof replacement project requires.
Total Square Footage vs. Number of Squares
The number of roofing squares is simple enough to calculate in standard gable roofs. In many cases, all a roofing contractor needs to do to find out the pitch of your roof is measure the length and width of each plane, which form two sides of a triangle. The third side, the roof slope, is easy to find by using the Pythagorean Theorem. However, some roofs have an intricate mansard or gambrel design that includes ridges, turns, and valleys, not just a plain sloping roof deck. In such projects, calculating the number of roof squares may be more complicated.
Headlap and Amount of Roof Tiles
When calculating the amount of materials for a project, roofing contractors need to consider headlap. Headlap occurs when a row of shingles overlaps with the next row, a technique that makes roofs more resistant to water penetration. Headlap means that a square of roofing will likely need a little more than a square of shingles to cover it. Experienced contractors know how to estimate headlap and translate it to the correct amount of shingles. Shingles typically come packaged in bundles, and three bundles are usually enough to cover one roofing square. A 2,000 square foot roof that translates to 20 squares would thus require 60 standard bundles.
Should I Measure My Roof Myself?
If you don’t already know your roof’s exact size, it is best to let professional contractors calculate the roof pitch and determine the number of roofing squares. Reputable contractors can give you a precise measurement quickly and efficiently, without taking any unnecessary risks.
What Influences a Roofing Project’s Cost?
Although a roof’s size is always a major factor in calculating project costs, other elements may influence a contractor’s quote, such as:
- Your location and the average roofing project prices in your area.
- Your choice of roofing material
- Roof accessibility and ease of installation
- The contractor’s certifications and level of work
- Project timeline (urgent roof replacements may cost more)
- Season (some contractors may offer discounts during off-season)
Why Homeowners Choose Brava Composite Roofing
More and more homeowners who need to replace their old roofs are choosing the premium, composite roofing products of Brava Roof Tile. Brava composite tiles offer:
- Natural beauty: In most cases, high-quality Brava tiles look exactly like traditional slate, shake, or barrel tiles.
- Excellent performance: Brava products can endure extreme climates and harsh weather conditions, including wind, hail, snow, and high UV radiation.
- A wide range of color: Brava tiles come in all colors thanks to a patented multi-coloring process.
- Lightweight design: Roofing contractors can install Brava’s products on structures that can’t support heavier materials like clay tile.
Although Brava tiles cost more per square than traditional roofing materials, they save homeowners money in the long run thanks to their resilience and low maintenance properties. Brava tiles can last for decades with comparatively little upkeep. All Brava products have a 50-year limited warranty.
Leading Manufacturer of Composite Roof Tiles and Shingles
We hope that with the above information, we’ve answered your question “What is a square in roofing?” If you are considering synthetic roofing materials, Brava tiles give roofs an authentic look, unrivaled performance, and unmatched durability.
Lightweight, versatile, and long-lasting, our composite roofing products are a top choice for homes in all climates.
Enjoy the elegant appearance of traditional tiles combined with all the benefits of eco-friendly, recyclable, easy-to-install composite roofing.
To request a sample, call Brava Roof Tile at 844-290-4196 or fill out our contact form!
