RoofScope estimates from aerial data. It does not replace an on-site measurement — it's for fast bidding and for the customer. Always check these points before using it.
Rule of thumb: the reliable numbers are
area and
pitch (measured by Google's 3D model). The roof
drawing is a guide. If something is off, fix it with the
Adjust measurements button on the report itself — no credit is used.
1. Cover
- Roof covering — shingle / tile / metal correct? If not, pick it when generating or in the edit panel.
- Predominant pitch — does it match what you see on site or in photos? (e.g. 4/12, 6/12).
- Net squares — compare with your manual takeoff. Expected difference: ±5-10%.
- Skylights / Chimneys — it sometimes mistakes a vent pipe for a chimney. Correct it in the form or the edit panel.
2. Aerial view — the red outline
- The red line is the roof outline the system detected, drawn on the photo.
- Check that it covers the whole roof — including wings, garage, additions.
- If it leaves part out, or grabs too much (yard, neighbor's house), the area is wrong → adjust it in Adjust measurements → Net roof area.
3. Pitch & area by facet
- Pitch breakdown — pitch split from Google's model (e.g. 5/12 = 64%, 1/12 = 36%). This is where you see if there's a low-slope section.
- Diagram — a schematic of the facets, not an exact plan. Use it to count planes and see the overall shape.
- 3D view — each plane is lifted by its pitch, to compare slopes at a glance.
4. Linear measurements
- Ridge, hip, valley, eave, rake lengths — they drive ridge cap, valley metal, drip edge, etc.
- On complex roofs these lengths are approximate. If you have the real ones, correct them in the edit panel and materials recompute.
- Squares by waste factor — the highlighted row (7% shingle / 15% tile) is what the takeoff uses.
5. Material takeoff
- Quantities by roof type. Any low-slope area (≤2/12) is split out as modified bitumen.
- Prices = Icon's configured pricing (calibrated to real ABC quotes). If a price changed, flag it.
- Brand comparison — field material cost by brand (GAF / OC / CertainTeed…). The highlighted row is what the total uses.
- Not included: chimney cricket, counter-flashing detail, special flashings → confirm on site.
6. Ventilation & quote
- NFVA at 1/300 (recommended) and 1/150. Ridge vent vs box vents depending on available ridge length.
- Project quote = materials with margin + labor (configured $/square). Budgetary; final price after inspection.
How to send a correction
On any report, the Report a problem button. Fill in:
- What's wrong (area / pitch / shape / type / materials / ventilation)
- What RoofScope says and the correct value (from your takeoff or the supplier quote)
- Comment. If you have a roof photo or real quote, email it separately.
It goes straight to the project owner. 10-15 real corrections are enough to tune the formulas and prices.
Questions?
Use the same Report a problem button with category "Other" for any usage question, or contact the project owner.