Roofing Square
A unit of measurement equal to 100 square feet of roof area. Roofing materials, labor, and pricing are typically quoted per square.
A unit of measurement equal to 100 square feet of roof area. Roofing materials, labor, and pricing are typically quoted per square.
Why Roofing Squares Matter for Insurance Claims
The roofing square is the fundamental unit of measurement for roof estimates. Every material quantity, labor cost, and pricing comparison in the roofing industry is based on squares. An accurate square count is essential for a correct insurance estimate. Overstating squares inflates the claim, while understating them leads to underpayment. The square count comes from the roof measurement (either manual or satellite/drone) and must account for the actual roof area including slope, not just the building footprint.
Calculating Squares in Xactimate
In Xactimate, the roof sketch calculates the total roof area based on the dimensions and slopes entered by the estimator. This area is converted to squares for material line items. The sketch must include all roof planes, including dormers, crickets, and small sections that are easy to miss. After the total area in squares is established, a waste factor is added to account for cutting and fitting. The waste factor varies by roof complexity.
Squares, Waste Factor, and Material Ordering
The raw square count tells you the net roof area, but contractors need to order more material than the net area to account for waste. Simple gable roofs may have 5 to 7 percent waste, while complex roofs with hips, valleys, and dormers can require 12 to 15 percent. Xactimate has a waste factor setting that adds this percentage to material quantities. Setting the waste factor correctly is important for ensuring the estimate covers the actual material needed for the job.
Frequently asked questions
Three bundles of standard 3-tab shingles cover one roofing square. Architectural shingles vary by manufacturer, but most also require 3 bundles per square. Heavy-duty or specialty shingles may require 4 or 5 bundles per square.
Total roof area in squares is the actual measured area of all roof surfaces (accounting for slope) divided by 100. A 2,000 square foot roof is 20 squares. The waste factor is then added on top, typically 5 to 15 percent depending on roof complexity.
Pricing per square is the industry standard for roofing. It simplifies material ordering, labor estimating, and cost comparison across different roof sizes. Xactimate uses the roofing square as the default unit for most RFG shingle line items.
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