- On your computer, open Google Earth.
- Search for a place, or select a location on the globe.
- On the left, click Measure.
- Click the map to set measurement points.
- To remove a point, on the right, click Undo.
- To complete your line measurement, double-click on your last point, or click Done.
How To Measure A Roof Using Google Earth
To begin, go to Google Earth and click to “Launch Earth.” Search for your home’s address and you’re ready to go!
- Use the scroll wheel on your mouse to zoom in and out.
- Left click and drag to move the image around.
- Rotate the camera by clicking on the scroll wheel and dragging on the mouse.
Step One: Printing a Top View Of Roof With Google Earth
You should start measuring by printing out a top view of your home. To do this, simply line up your house and click on the top corner to print.
Be sure to print multiple angles and views. The more roofing details you provide, the more accurate your estimate will be.
Step Two: Begin Measuring Your Roof
- Frame your home back to the top shot. NOTE: You’ll want to be directly above and zoomed in as much as possible.
- Click the ruler icon on the left side of your screen.
- Switch the unit of measurement to feet.
- Click on a starting and stopping point to get an estimated measure of distance.
- Start logging in your measurements.
NOTE: The measurement tool won’t be as accurate with slopes as it is with straight runs. Angle the camera and get various measurements to compare.
It’s always best to go outside and check a few measurements to make sure what you’re estimating on Google Earth is in the ballpark.
Step Three: Using Your Sketch To Get A Metal Roofing Quote
When complete, you’ll have a general idea of the size of your roof to send to a metal roofing supplier for an estimate. Click Here for more details.
Google Earth also offers a perimeter tool to measure out the edges or area of a roof, lawn, fencing, and more. Factor in that satellite images may be outdated or miss minor structural changes.
Calculate the Surface Area of the Roof
As an area is drawn, the area and perimeter results are displayed in the bottom right corner. A single pitch roof will return one area result related to the total footprint.
Multiply the area result by the pitch multiplier (or slope correction factor) to get the roof’s surface area. For multi-pitched roofs, total all areas together using appropriate pitch multipliers.