When estimating the cost of a roofing job, what measurement tools do you use? If you’re still using manual tools like tape measures, it can cost you more in the long run.
Here’s why:
Reduced accuracy: Manual measurements tend to be less accurate, which makes estimates less accurate. Errors down the line can also cause leaks and structural damage.
Increased risk: Manual tools require your techs to spend more time on the roof, which increases your team’s risk of accidents.
Increased cost: Manual tools may be cheaper upfront. But they’ll increase the costs of projects that aren’t as well organized, whether from ordering too many materials on the shelf or realizing halfway through your project that you need to order more.
To streamline the process, use digital roof measuring tools. Below, we’ll review some of your best options—plus a few other ways digital tools can add value to your roofing business.
What Are the Different Types of Roof Measuring Tools?
If you’re used to manual measurements, you probably use roofing tools like tape measures, levels, and chalk lines. But there are many ways to upgrade to digital measurement tools that save time and streamline your workflow.
Aerial measurement tools
Drones and satellite imagery can give you accurate data from above.
Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and LiDAR remote sensing technology can create accurate 3D models of roofs and provide detailed information about damage to shingles and other issues.
Satellites use large-scale geospatial data to measure rooftops, which can be accessed remotely before visiting the property. However, satellites tend to be slightly less accurate than drones and may not give you enough information about roof issues when obstructions block imagery.
Laser measurement tools
Laser distance meters use laser technology to give precise measurements. They can be used from the ground in most weather conditions and often calculate measurements like roof area and pitch.
You can also get tripod-mounted meters for larger projects. They offer more detailed, precise measurements on larger sites where long-range accuracy is crucial. These are ideal for complex roof structures and commercial roofs where an inaccurate measurement costs a lot more.
Smartphone Apps
Smartphone apps are another option that uses photogrammetry and augmented reality (AR) to measure roofs. They can create 3D models with photos you take from your smartphone camera.
AR can display measurement markers directly on the screen as you move the camera, while photogrammetry calculates dimensions from multiple images. Like laser measurement tools, they let you take measurements from the ground, but this method might not be ideal for larger projects.
Software Solutions
Software like ServiceTitan can integrate measurement with estimating and project management. You can connect measurement data with pricebooks and project management for fast estimates in the field.
This helps you understand exactly what you’ll need for each job, how long it will take, and when you can complete it. That way, customers get all the information they need to decide immediately—helping you book more jobs faster.
Now that you know the basics, here are our picks for some of the top roof measuring tools on the market.
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What Are Some of The Best Roofing Measuring Tools?
The best roofing measuring tools help roofing contractors do their jobs well. What that means will depend on the scale of your business and whether you work for homeowners or on commercial roofs.
Below, we’ve selected some of the best tools on the market for different jobs and weighed the pros and cons of each one.
1. EagleView
Overview: This comprehensive measuring platform combines drone and satellite technology for highly detailed roofing data. Most roofing contractors use its Bid Perfect™ reports for accurate roof measurements, including area and pitch distribution. It can also identify structural damage with AI.
Pros:
High-quality, detailed reports
One-off roof and siding reports for residential and commercial construction
Reports delivered in PDF, XML, JSON, and DXF formats
Integrates with industry CRM tools
Cons:
Reports start at $18 each, making them pricey for large-scale use
Reports take 3 hours or more to come through, so they have to be done ahead of time for estimates
Might be too complex for smaller-scale or simple jobs
Ideal for: This tool is best for contractors working on large commercial roofs or who need a detailed, one-off report for a complex project.
2. RoofSnap
Overview: RoofSnap lets you measure a roof in 30 minutes using drone and satellite images. It can also be used to build estimates and create contracts inside the platform. Like EagleView, it offers one-off reports or subscription-based pricing at $105 monthly per user.
Pros:
Includes an estimate builder that lets you build branded estimates and contracts based on your measurements
Affordable DIY option that lets you measure with your drone
Pricing starts at $13 per report with special subscription pricing
Includes gutter measurements for eaves, gutters, and gutter toppers
Cons:
Only two integrations with MarketSharp and Angi
Doesn’t include advanced features like AI-enabled damage tracking or solar analysis
Some customers say images are unavailable for some locations
Ideal for: Roofers who want a simpler, less expensive drone and aerial imagery option and don’t need solar analysis or advanced AI tools to detect damage.
3. Hover
Overview: A measurement solution that can measure roofs, siding, windows and doors, and interiors from on-site smartphone photos. It can also upload blueprints for new roofs and, like RoofSnap, and automatically calculate materials needed.
Pro tip: Starting in the fall of 2024, the ServiceTitan and Hover integration will let contractors and homeowners leverage Hover’s 3D modeling, measurement, and material list capabilities in conjunction with ServiceTitan. Learn more here.
Pros:
Upload measurements instantly from mobile photos
Use for work on siding, interiors, and other projects in addition to roofing projects
Creates mockups of new roofs to show homeowners the final look
Allows you to export to PDF, XLS, XML, and BIM
Cons:
Pay-as-you-go plans start at $25 per roof
Photogrammetry from the ground can prevent you from spotting issues on rooftops
Important features like proposals and estimates only on the premium tier
Ideal for: Roofers who want to show customers design mockups of how roofs will look or roofing contractors who also do painting and interiors.
4. Measure
Overview: Measure is a free app from Apple that takes measurements based on photos. It’s not a specialized tool for the roofing industry, but it can get the job done if you want a rough estimate.
Pros:
Free app that you can download from the Apple App Store
Simple and easy to use
Will measure anything you can take a picture of
Cons:
Measurements will be less accurate than drone or satellite imagery
You won’t spot roof damage; you’ll still need a manual inspection
No integrations or other features
Won’t calculate roof pitch, slope, or area
Ideal for: Roofers who are just starting and need a simple tool to help them create estimates or as a tool to use in tandem with other measurement methods.
5. Laser Distance Meters (e.g., Leica, Bosch, Hilti)
Overview: Laser distance meters are small, handheld devices you can use to make accurate measurements from the ground. You can get models with smart measuring functions, common calculations, and integrations with apps that create visualizations.
Pros:
Instant, accurate measurements from the job site in most weathers
It is a one-time purchase, making it cheaper over the long run
Useful for measuring as you work
Durable, heavy-duty tool designed for contractors
Cons:
Won’t spot roof damage; you’ll still need a manual inspection
Won’t calculate the cost of roofing materials on its own
Many models have limited memory for storing measurements
Ideal for: Any roofing contractor who wants a quick, easy way to make instant measurements.
Remember that you can always choose to go with a few of these options. For example, you can use laser distance meters for simpler projects and purchase pay-as-you-go reports for more complex ones.
What Are the Key Features to Consider When Choosing Roof Measuring Tools?
There are so many different options on the market that it’s tough to weigh the pros and cons of each one. Your ideal tools will depend on the type of roofing business you have.
Here are some key features to consider when choosing measuring tools:
Accuracy and precision: Roof measurement tools should be as accurate as possible to ensure your material orders cover the job with minimal waste.
Ease of use and learning curve: Buying a roof measurement report is one of the easiest ways to get accurate roof measurements, while there’s more of a learning curve with handheld tools.
Integration with other software: Roofing measurement apps that integrate with cost and materials tools and your CRM can save much time on estimates.
Cost and subscription options: You can get high-quality measurements from laser distance meters without a subscription, but sometimes, the additional features in aerial roof reports and apps are worth it.
How it fits your growth strategy: Many roofing contractors are expanding their services to offer remodeling (47%) and other new services (32%). If you’re considering doing the same, consider how your new measuring tool will (or won’t) support that growth.
Another important factor is the tools you already have. For example, you might not need a measurement tool that helps you create contracts if you already have roofing management software like ServiceTitan.
Beyond Just Tools: Streamline Roofing Operations with ServiceTitan
Accuracy shouldn’t stop at roof measurements. The more organized your whole business is, the better your roofing jobs will go from start to finish.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive solution that helps you address operational challenges as you grow your roofing business. From your first job site visit to your last invoice, here’s how ServiceTitan can help:
Integrated estimating and proposal software
Once you have accurate roof measurements, simply input equipment, location, and cost details into ServiceTitan for instant estimates and proposals.
With the Field Service App, your techs can do this while still at the job site. They can access up-to-date pricebooks to build estimates in a few taps so homeowners can compare estimates on the spot.
Customers can sign and pay with credit cards or checks on the mobile app, so your techs can start negotiating contracts immediately.
Smart scheduling and dispatching
ServiceTitan’s dispatching tool coordinates your techs’ schedules. Your calendar shows a top-down view of all jobs to ensure they are extended and rescheduled as necessary.
The scheduling tool lets you track jobs months in advance and tag jobs so techs always show up with roofing materials on hand.
Accurate job costing and invoicing
With ServiceTitan’s Contractor Payroll software, your techs can track time directly in the app. You can automate payroll and invoices to ensure techs get paid on time and customers get professional, timely invoices with all the details—plus a link to online payment.
You’ll also get interactive, real-time reports on the current labor costs of each job so you can stay on top of profitability.
Enhanced customer communication
Communication is vital in roofing, especially when jobs last for days or even weeks. Most roofing CRM software lets you track customer information, but many apps on the market miss a vital piece of the puzzle: helping customers communicate with you.
Make appointment booking quick and effortless with Call Booking software that gives reps customer information the moment the phone rings.
During the call, reps can choose services from drop-down menus and see key opportunities for upsells to streamline the sales process. Once the appointment is booked, ServiceTitan’s Customer Experience software lets you send appointment reminders over SMS.
Customers can text back to communicate with techs and even track technicians’ trucks on the road to know exactly when they’ll arrive.
More impactful marketing
ServiceTitan’s marketing software also helps you keep your name in front of new customers. With software that ties ad performance directly to revenue, you can set up ads and track the ROI of every campaign.
You can also see roofing revenue by location, allowing you to target the areas that generate the most revenue for your business.
When you choose your measuring tool, remember that having a single source of truth on all your projects is ideal. With ServiceTitan, your roofing measurement data is connected to the rest of your business information to keep jobs on schedule and on budget.
The Bottom Line
Investing in the right roof measuring tool is a crucial first step for any roofing contractor.
But it’s important to scale that efficiency throughout your business to grow and stay profitable. As Lori Swanson of Guardian Roofing says, ServiceTitan was a “must-have” to manage their roofing business as it took off: “[...] in order to grow and scale, we needed efficiencies and information to help facilitate that.”
Think outside of your toolbox, and you’ll be able to scale in no time.
ServiceTitan is an all-in-one roofing business software solution built to help roofing contractors consolidate their business operations, boost revenue, and drive growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000+ contractors across the country.
ServiceTitan Software
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and substantially elevate the trajectory of their business. Our comprehensive, cloud-based platform is used by thousands of electrical, HVAC, plumbing, garage door, and chimney sweep shops across the country—and has increased their revenue by an average of 25% in just their first year with us.
