How to Measure a Roof for Tar Paper
- 1). Set a ladder securely against the roof or have someone hold it for you. Climb the ladder and measure every section of your roof in feet. Measure the width, length and height of each section. Measure twice to make sure you have the correct measurement.
- 2). Draw a model of your roof on paper and write in the measurements for each section. Break each part down into a rectangle or triangle shape to make them easier to calculate in square feet.
- 3). Multiply the length by the width for every rectangle on the roof and write down the numbers. Multiply the height by the base of every triangle on your roof and divide that number by two. Calculate the square footage for every triangle and rectangle section of your roof.
- 4). Add all the numbers together to get the total square footage of roof area. This is the amount of tar paper needed.