In roofing, a “square” is a term used to describe an area of 100 square feet. This term is commonly used by roofing professionals to measure the amount of roofing material needed for a project.
To understand this concept, let’s imagine a roof with a surface area of 1,500 square feet. To determine the number of squares needed to cover this roof, we would divide the total surface area by 100. In this case, 1,500 square feet divided by 100 equals 15 squares.
Knowing the number of squares needed is important because it allows contractors to accurately estimate the amount of roofing material required for the job. Different types of roofing materials come in different sizes and shapes, so knowing the number of squares needed helps to ensure that the right amount of material is ordered.
Furthermore, understanding the number of squares needed is also important for calculating the cost of the roofing project. The cost of roofing material per square varies depending on the type of material used, so knowing the number of squares needed helps to determine the total cost of the project.
Why Use Squares Instead of Square Feet?
Roofers use squares instead of square feet for a few reasons:
- Simplicity: Measuring a roof in squares is a simple way to describe its size. It is easier to say that a roof is 20 squares than to say it is 2,000 square feet. Using squares makes it easier for contractors to communicate with one another and customers.
- Standardization: Using squares as a standard unit of measurement helps to avoid confusion and mistakes. When everyone in the industry uses the same unit of measurement, it makes it easier to compare prices and materials.
- Efficiency: Measuring a roof in squares is a quick and efficient way to estimate the amount of materials needed for a job. Roofing materials are often sold by the square, so using this unit of measurement helps contractors easily calculate the amount of material needed for a particular job.
- Tradition: The use of squares has been a long-standing tradition in the roofing industry. It is a system that has been in place for many years and is widely understood by contractors and suppliers.
What Roofing Materials Measure In Squares?
Several roofing materials are commonly sold in square units, including:
- Asphalt shingles: Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials and are typically sold in bundles of three or four. A bundle of asphalt shingles typically covers about one-third of a square (approximately 33 square feet).
- Metal roofing: Metal roofing is sold in panels or sheets that typically cover one square (100 square feet) of roof surface area. The size and shape of the panels can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific type of metal roofing being used.
- Clay and concrete tiles: Clay and concrete tiles are often sold in boxes that cover one square (100 square feet) of roof surface area. The number of tiles in a box can vary depending on the size and shape of the tiles.
- Synthetic shingles: Synthetic shingles, such as those made from rubber, plastic, or composite materials, are sold in bundles or boxes that typically cover one square (100 square feet) of roof surface area.
In general, any roofing material that is sold in a standard size or unit of measurement can be purchased in square units.