How can I measure a roof without climbing on it?

Question

Please serious answers only. I would like to know if a measuring wheel will help or is there something else I can use.

Answer 1

you need to know:
the length and
width of the "box" it covers

and pitch,

pitch can be stated as a ratio between rise over run and can be estimated from a distance using a ruler and holding it at the same distance from your eye

then post the numbers and question in the math homework section

Answer 2

That depends on whether it is a simple gable roof or more complicated.

Try this: Measure the base along the front of the house, add both overhangs. To get the vertical measurement, there are several ways. First, put a ladder up so you can get to the edge of the roof. Count the number of shingle courses and multiply that amount by 5. Most standard shingles have a 5" exposure. Now, divide that by 12 and you will have the height in feet. Multiply the height times the length and get square feet. Divide by 100 to get "squares".
Another way to get the height is to use a long string with a weight attached to one end. Throw the weighted end over the peak, let it slide down to the edge of the roof on the opposite side, tie a knot in the string (while on the ladder) at the edge in front of you, cut the string and let the weight pull the string down to the ground in the rear of the house. Now, measure the string, divide by two, and multiply that measurement by the length of the roof.

Triangulation method: Go to the gable side of the house. Measure the exposure of the siding, (commonly 6" to 8").
Assume for the sake of discussion, that it is 6" wood lap siding. Count the courses from the top of the gable,down to a line level with the roof overhang, (soffits). Measure the width of the base, at the foundation, add the width of the soffits. Divide by two, multiply the course exposure by the number of courses to get the height in feet. Now, go inside and draw a triangle to the scale of 1/4" to the foot. Measure the slope of the triangle and multiply by 4. That gives you the height of one side of the roof.
Find the pitch: Put the ladder up against the house next to the soffit box. Measure the angle. Measure the base line plus the soffits. Draw a triangle using the angle you got at the soffit box . To the scale of 1/4" to the foot, draw a horizontal line, 1/2 the base line. Draw a 90 degree vertcal line, and the angle line to meet it. Measure the angle line and multiply by four.

Answer 3

Measure the lower side along the edge. Then set up a ladder in the center of the pitched part and get a measurement. If it is good sized, you may need to measure from the peak to the distance your tape measure will handle, make a mark, and measure the rest. All can be done from the sides and not going onto the roof.

Answer 4

multiply length x width of house.