Why does every estimate I get mention the term “squares?” What does that even mean? If this is your first time getting a new roof installed on your property, you’re probably asking yourself the same questions. Well, wonder no more because this article will offer you a brief, yet very enlightening explanation on what the term”squares” means, how they are related to roofing, and why they are important.
In a nutshell, “squares” are important because they help you pin-point the exact number of shingles you’ll require. Surfaces are measured in this manner, with one square being equivalent to 100 square feet of the roof. To help you understand it well, here’s a quick example.
Let’s say your roof has a total area or square footage of 24,000 sq. ft. To determine the number of squares on your roof, you should divide the total square footage by 100 (24,000 ÷ 100 = 240). This means you will need 240 squares of shingles for your roof. Meanwhile, if you’re going to get the most common type, which is called the three-tab, or strip shingle, take note that it is usually offered in three bundles per square.
Squares are also used to identify the amount of underlayment your roof requires. So, using the same example and formula above, you’ll also need 240 squares of underlayment for a roof with a square footage of 24,000. Most—if not all—companies that offer residential roofing in Naperville, Illinois and in other cities in the U.S. offer underlayment in rolls of four (4) squares each. As such, if your roof requires 240 squares, you will need 60 rolls (240 ÷ 4 = 60) of underlayment from roofers.
Always remember that it is always helpful and quite useful to have basic knowledge of the different terminologies used in roofing estimates. In this way, you can better understand what the roofers, like A+ Roofing, are talking about whenever you ask them to install a new roof or gutter guards in Naperville, IL. Having an understanding will also help ensure that you are being quoted properly for the work you want done on your property.