How is the quantity of roofing materials estimated and sold to cover 100 sq. ft. of finished roof surface?

The quantity of roofing materials is estimated and sold based on squares, which is a standard measurement in the roofing industry. One square equals 100 square feet of roof surface, making it a convenient unit for estimating the amount of material needed to cover a specific area. This method streamlines the calculation process for both contractors and suppliers, as it allows for easy scaling based on the project's total square footage.

For instance, if a roofing project requires 1,000 square feet of roofing material, you would need 10 squares. This consistent use of squares helps ensure accurate ordering, minimizes waste, and facilitates clear pricing in contracts and quotes.

Other measurement units like gallons, linear feet, or bundles are not appropriate in this context. Gallons are typically used for liquid materials such as adhesives or sealants. Linear feet is a measurement of length, not area, and it's more relevant for items like trim or molding. Bundles refer to packaging for particular roofing materials (like shingles), and while they might relate to the overall quantity needed, they don't provide a direct measurement of area coverage. Hence, using squares as a fundamental unit of estimation is essential for effective roofing material procurement.