If your metal roof needs a repair, it’s best to hire a roofing professional to handle it safely. Stay tuned to learn about cost factors for metal roof repair.
How to Measure for a Metal Roof
Nail down the numbers before you screw down your metal panels
Get quotes from roofers near you
No obligation · 100% free
Get quotes from roofers near you
No obligation · 100% free
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SKILL LEVEL
Simple
COMPLETION TIME
1 hour
COST
$0
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- 100-foot tape measure
- Ladder
- Roofing harness
- Pencil
- Calculator
Whether you’re thinking about installing a metal roof yourself or you just need a more accurate estimate for your metal roof cost, your first order of business will be to get precise roof measurements. In this guide, we’ll explain how to measure for a metal roof and mistakes to avoid throughout the process.
Sketch Your Roof
Photo: JJFarquitectos / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesA little planning goes a long way when it comes to measuring for a metal roof, so the first step is to create a rough sketch of your roof. Look at your roof from the ground and draw each slope, including the primary slopes and smaller slopes over doghouse dormers. Don’t worry about keeping your drawing to scale—your goal is just to make sure you don’t miss a slope once you’re on top of your home.
Label the slopes on your drawing, and then make a numbered list of all of the slopes below. Do the same thing for each of the ridges.
Install Safety Equipment
Photo: batuhan toker / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesIt’s time to get up on your roof, which is inherently dangerous, especially if your current roof is made of slick metal panels. It’s best to install a roofing harness before you start moving around on the slopes. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for installation, and check all connection points on the safety line before putting the harness on and connecting it. If you’re not comfortable getting up on the roof, hire a professional roofer to do it for you.
Measure Each Roof Slope
Photo: mokee81 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesWith your safety gear set up, it’s time to use your tape measure to start measuring your roof slopes. To keep things organized, start with the slope you labeled as “1” and continue through the list in order. Don’t worry about roof penetrations like chimneys and roof vents for now. Instead, record the length and width of just the slopes.
Measure for Flashing
Photo: balticboy / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesBefore you get your feet back on solid ground, measure the ridges you numbered in order on your sketch. If you’re going to install gable-end flashing, measure each slope edge that ends at a gable, as well.
Adjust for Overhang and Calculate Square Footage
Photo: LSOphoto / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesNext, look at your sketch and add 1 to 3 inches for metal roof overhang at the bottom of each slope. If you have a gable roof and don’t plan on installing gable-end flashing, add 1 to 3 inches to each gable-end measurement, as well.
Convert the measurements to feet and multiply the lengths and widths to get the square footage of each slope. Don’t add the numbers together. Unlike with an asphalt shingle roof, metal roofing panels are large, and you should install them with as few gaps as possible. Ordering based on total square footage will lead you to buy fewer panels than you need to minimize seams.
Calculate the Materials You Need
Photo: fizkes / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesUse your measurements to figure out the materials you’ll need to cover all of the ridges and slopes. For the slopes, assume you won’t be cutting any of the panels, as using cut-offs will create unnecessary seams that increase the risk of leaking. Calculate the number of whole panels and pieces of ridge flashing and gable-end flashing you need for each part of your roof.
Most metal roofs have furring strips spaced at 2 feet apart across the length of each slope and along each slope edge. Use your sketch and measurements to make sure you order the proper number of 2-by-4 material for furring strips.
Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring for a Metal Roof
The process is relatively straightforward if you follow the steps above. Still, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid.
Forgetting to account for panel overlap: Metal roof panels overlap by several inches at every seam. Failing to account for this across an entire roof slope can leave you with fewer materials than you need.
Measuring for total square footage: It might seem like adding the area of all slopes together is helpful. This will leave you with enough material, but only if you make use of cut-offs from one slope on others. Order materials for each slope individually to ensure you order enough panels.
Not accounting for roof overhang: Metal roofs should overhang the bottom of each slope by 1 to 3 inches and the gable ends of slopes by 1 to 3 inches if you’re not installing gable-end flashing. Make sure to account for overhang in your measurements.
Failing to consider roof pitch: If you’re planning on installing a metal roof over asphalt shingles or replacing a different roofing material, measure your roof pitch, too. The minimum roof pitch for a metal roof is 1/4:12, but this only applies to a standing seam metal roof. For other types, make sure you have enough slope for a metal roof to be an appropriate option.
Not considering metal roof gauge: For the most accurate roof installation cost estimate, consider what metal roof gauge is best for your climate. The roof gauge plays an important role in your material costs.
When to Measure for a Metal Roof
Getting up on any roof can be dangerous, but accessing a metal roof is especially dangerous when the material is wet. Check the weather before you begin to make sure there’s no rain or snow in the forecast. Let your metal roof dry for at least 24 hours after precipitation, as well.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Measuring for a metal roof is a relatively straightforward DIY project, and with the proper tools and safety equipment, most homeowners can get accurate measurements. If you’re not comfortable or confident in your ability, hire a professional roofer to measure for you.
When it comes to installation, you should leave the work to a metal roofing installer near you. Most roofers will offer free estimates that include accurate roof measurements, so you can save yourself some time and reduce the risk of injury by calling in a pro from the get-go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roofing services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.3★ avg. • 120 total reviews
- Chance R.
D1 Roofing delivers outstanding service from beginning to end, backed by a strong warranty and expert teams. I highly recommend them for their excellence in meeting and surpassing expectations with unmatched communication. Choosing D1 Roofing was flawless decision
Division 1 Roofing LLC - Jeremy P.
This place took $25,000 for a flat roof job with a five-year warranty and never returned to fix the leaks that were caused by their work. These people are not professionals and should not be doing this type of work. They incorrectly changed the pitch of the roof, and caused more damage than...
- David B.
The technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimney - Kevin S.
I am really impressed with their timeliness and turnaround. Mitchell came out, and we decided to move forward with their pricing. Our roof was on within a week, and we could not be happier with their team! Amazing company, great prices and honest, dependable craftsmanship. I highly recommend...
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio - Rob B.
Manuel Calvillo is the best option in the area for roofing and you won't be disappointed.
- Julie K.
They damaged multiple items on my property, including a marble slab used as a table top, tried to hide it, and refused to pay or replace. Arrived day one without a ladder to access roof & delayed a day. Left a mess in back yard; didn't wear face masks; no show by owner to property to see damages
Grants Tree Service - Marcia L.
I've hired Gary/Cherokee Roofing for two different homes, work quality, responsiveness, and completion have been great both times. And the prices quoted were very competitive. I would definitely hire again.
- Paul F.
Lyle did a great job removing asbestos shingles from our front porch roof. They worked together with our roofer to make sure that the new roof was able to be installed on the same day that Lyle removed the asbestos shingles.
Lyle Environmental - Paul F.
Bradley Builders did a good job replacing the roof on our front porch. They color-matched the existing shingles on the rest of the house and installed a metal ridge roll since we live in a historical neighborhood. They did the job while we were out of town. When we got back, everything was...
Bradley Builders, Inc. - Madison B.
I would absolutely recommend this business. They offer a variety of services, including: painting, roofing, and refinishing wood flooring. I hired them to refinish the original hardwood flooring in my home built in 1874. The job was quite challenging, as the floors were extremely aged and...
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