• Roofs come in many sizes and shapes.Roof image by Mohd Haka Khambali from Fotolia.com
  
  Whether building or replacing a roof, having an accurate measurement of the roof area is crucial to the process. Incorrect estimates can end up costing you money, so you want to make sure you get it right the first time. There are many shapes and sizes of roofs so it is important to select the proper measuring tools when calculating the roof area on your home.
  
  

Measuring Wheel

• One of the easiest tools for measuring roof area is the measuring wheel. It is a fast and effective way of measuring large distances. Measuring wheels come in sizes ranging from smaller wheels used for indoor measuring, medium wheels for both indoor and outdoor use and large wheels for outdoor duty. The smaller wheels are generally used for measuring smooth terrains, while larger wheels are employed for rougher terrains. Measuring wheels also offer two basic types of counters, mechanical and electronic. Mechanical counters are used to count single units and electronic counters can measure multiple units, such as inches, yards and feet.
  
  

Tape Measure

• The most common tool used for measuring is probably the tape measure. Tape measures come in different lengths and retract into a coil for convenient storage. Pocket tape measures are made of a metallic ribbon that remains stiff when extended, allowing the user to measure with one hand and make markings with the other. Tape measures are capable of measuring yards, feet and inches, usually down to 1/32-inch. Open reel tape measures can measure distances up to 300 feet, making them an ideal tool for construction and architectural projects.
  
  

Laser Distance Measure

• A laser distance measure is a good tool for calculating length, area and volume. You can take several measurements simultaneously, and view them on a digital display screen that reads multiple units. Laser technology allows for precise measurement and the calculation of distances that cannot be directly measured due to obstructions. A tripod mount allows you to level, align and measure with this one device.