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Commercial Roofing Estimating Glossary: The Terms That Matter at Takeoff
Disclosure: Sharp Pencil sells commercial roofing takeoffs, so we have a stake in this topic.
Last updated: 2026-10-28. Sources and sister pages checked on 2026-10-28.
In commercial roofing estimating, most terms land in one of four takeoff units. Field areas such as membrane, insulation and cover board are measured in square feet. A roofing square is 100 square feet. Edges and flashings such as coping, counterflashing, ridge and valley are linear feet. Drains, scuppers, curbs and penetrations are counted each. Tapered insulation and spray foam add board feet. Anything the set leaves open goes on the Questions tab.
What is a roofing square?
A roofing square is 100 square feet of roof area. On a commercial takeoff, measure the area in square feet first, with the sheet it came from. Squares are that number divided by 100, a label for products sold by the square, not a second measurement.
What is a cricket in roofing?
A cricket is a small raised, sloped area on the high side of a curb, wall or other obstruction that pushes water around it toward a drain. On a takeoff it is flagged and counted from the roof plan or tapered layout, and its volume belongs to the tapered insulation quote.
What is cover board?
Cover board is a thin, dense board that sits over the insulation and under the membrane. On a takeoff it is measured in square feet, with type and thickness from the spec.
The four units every roofing term turns into
Field areas land in square feet. Edges and flashings land in linear feet. Discrete items land as each. Volume items such as tapered insulation and spray foam land in board feet. Coatings add gallons from the product data sheet. A roofing square is square feet divided by 100, a label, not a second measured quantity.
Square feet (SF). Measure membrane, insulation layers, cover board, vapor retarder, tear-off, recover and coating field by roof area, with the sheet it came from. Keep net installed area on the takeoff. Waste is a separate, stated step.
Linear feet (LF). Coping, counterflashing, ridge, hip, valley, rake, eave, starter, drip edge and similar edges each get their own line from the details. Do not bury them in field SF.
Each (EA). Drains, scuppers, curbs, penetrations, hatches and skylights are counted by type and size, with the sheet cite. Primary and overflow stay separate when the set shows both.
Board feet (BF) and gallons. A board foot is one square foot at one inch thick. Tapered insulation and SPF convert area times average thickness into board feet. Coatings convert field SF and dry mils into gallons from the data sheet.
Keep the units separate. A roof with a large field area and a long perimeter has two drivers, not one blended number. For where each item shows on the set, see the sheets a roofing takeoff has to read. For what a finished takeoff looks like, see the roofing takeoff sample.
Area terms (measured in square feet)
These are measured in SF by roof area, with the source sheet. Squares appear only as a convenience label.
| Term | What it means | How it is taken off | Unit | Read next |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roofing square (SQ) | 100 square feet of roof area. | Measure SF first, with the sheet cite. SQ is SF ÷ 100, a label for products sold by the square. | SF (SQ label) | Asphalt shingle roof takeoff |
| Field area | The main roof surface the membrane and insulation cover. | Roof plan dimensions by area, with sheet cite. | SF | Roofing takeoff drawing sheets |
| Net vs gross | Net is the installed area you measured. Gross adds laps and waste for ordering. | Keep net on the takeoff. Waste is a separate, stated step. | SF | Roofing takeoff vs installed quantities |
| Slope (pitch) | Rise in inches per 12 inches of run, written like 1/4:12 or 6:12. | From roof plan notes, sections or elevations. Never assumed. | ratio | Standing seam metal roof takeoff |
| Low slope / steep slope | Low slope is commonly treated as about 3:12 and under. Steep slope is above that. Follow the set and the specified system. | Read from the set. Decides which system and line set applies. | n/a | Mixed-system commercial roof takeoff |
| Pitch factor | The factor that turns flat plan area into the real sloped surface area. Geometry: √(rise² + 12²) ÷ 12. Examples (geometry only): 4:12 ≈ 1.054 and 6:12 ≈ 1.118. | Plan area × pitch factor for each sloped plane. Slope from the set. | multiplier | Asphalt shingle roof takeoff |
| Roof plane | One sloped face bounded by ridge, hip, valley, eave or rake. | Measure each plane on its own, slope aware. | SF | Standing seam metal roof takeoff |
| Membrane (TPO, EPDM, PVC) | The single-ply sheet that keeps water out. Thickness is in mils from the spec. | Field SF net. Roll layout and waste are separate. | SF | How to price a TPO roof |
| Base sheet, ply, cap sheet | The layers of a modified bitumen or built-up roof. | SF per layer from the spec. SQ label where rolls are sold by the square. | SF (SQ label) | Modified bitumen / built-up roof takeoff |
| Insulation layer | Each layer of flat board insulation in the assembly. | One line per layer and thickness, from sections and spec. | SF | Modified bitumen / built-up roof takeoff |
| Cover board | A thin, dense board that sits over the insulation and under the membrane. | SF. Type and thickness from the spec and sections. | SF | Modified bitumen / built-up roof takeoff |
| Vapor retarder | A sheet that limits moisture vapor rising from the building into the roof. | SF when the spec or sections call for it. | SF | Roof plan and details conflict |
| Wind uplift zones (field, perimeter, corner) | Roof areas the design loads differently for wind, so fastening or adhesive density changes by zone. | SF by zone from the roof plan. Density per zone from the spec and manufacturer. | SF by zone | Commercial roof wind uplift zones takeoff |
| Tear-off | Stripping the existing roof down to a stated layer. | SF when the set dimensions or keys removal. Otherwise Questions tab. | SF | Commercial re-roof takeoff |
| Recover | A new roof laid over the existing one, often with a recover board. | SF of recover board when the set calls for overlay. | SF | Commercial re-roof takeoff |
| Coating (restoration) | A liquid coat brushed or sprayed over an existing roof, specified in dry mils. | Coat field SF, then gallons from dry mils and the product data sheet. | SF, gal | Roof coating restoration takeoff |
Volume terms (board feet)
Tapered insulation and spray foam are bought by volume. A board foot is 1 SF at 1 inch thick.
| Term | What it means | How it is taken off | Unit | Read next |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Board foot (BF) | One square foot of material, one inch thick. | Area × average thickness in inches. | BF | Tapered insulation takeoff |
| Tapered insulation | Insulation boards cut to a slope to move water to drains. | Usually priced from the manufacturer's taper quote. The takeoff supplies areas, slope, drains, crickets and sumps, then checks the quote. | BF (flag on takeoff) | Tapered insulation takeoff |
| Cricket | A small raised, sloped area on the high side of a curb, wall or other obstruction that pushes water around it toward a drain. | Flag and count from the roof plan or taper layout. Volume belongs to the taper quote, or to foam volume on SPF. Missing cricket slope goes on the Questions tab. | EA flag, BF in quote | Tapered insulation takeoff |
| Saddle | A small sloped patch that steers water toward drains, often between two drains. Many sets use cricket and saddle for the same thing. | Follow the label on the set. Do not rename. Same unit as cricket. | EA flag, BF in quote | Tapered insulation takeoff |
| Sump | A low pocket around a drain so water can reach it. | Count with the drain. The taper quote carries the board. | EA | Tapered insulation takeoff |
| SPF (spray foam) thickness | Spray polyurethane foam applied in place to a specified thickness. | Foam field SF × average thickness = board feet. Taper and crickets add volume. | BF | SPF roof takeoff |
Linear terms (measured in linear feet)
Edges, flashings and steep-slope trim are LF, each on its own line, from the details.
| Term | What it means | How it is taken off | Unit | Read next |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parapet | The wall that sticks up above the roof line. | LF of wall run. Membrane up the inside face is a separate SF line. | LF, SF | Commercial roof parapet membrane takeoff |
| Coping | The cap that covers the top of a parapet, usually metal. | LF from the wall detail, separate from the membrane wrap. | LF | Commercial roof parapet membrane takeoff |
| Base flashing | Membrane turned up from the roof onto a wall or curb. | LF of run along walls and curbs. Vertical membrane area in SF when the height is shown. Default only when the set is silent, and say so. | LF, SF | Commercial roof parapet membrane takeoff |
| Counterflashing | Metal that covers the top edge of the base flashing. | LF from the detail. | LF | Commercial roof parapet membrane takeoff |
| Termination bar | A metal bar that clamps the top edge of the membrane. | LF from the detail. | LF | Commercial roof parapet membrane takeoff |
| Wood nailer (blocking) | Wood at edges and walls that metal and membrane fasten into. | LF with size from the detail. Taper can change the height. | LF | Commercial roof parapet membrane takeoff |
| Edge metal | Metal trim at the roof edge, such as gravel stop or fascia. | LF by profile from the edge detail. | LF | No guide yet |
| Gravel stop | Edge metal with a raised lip that holds gravel or the membrane edge. | LF from the edge detail. | LF | No guide yet |
| Fascia | The vertical face piece at the roof edge. | LF from the edge detail. | LF | No guide yet |
| Ridge | The top line where two sloped planes meet. | LF from the roof plan, own line. | LF | Asphalt shingle roof takeoff |
| Hip | The sloped outside corner where two planes meet. | LF, own line. | LF | Asphalt shingle roof takeoff |
| Valley | The sloped inside corner where two planes meet. | LF, own line. | LF | Standing seam metal roof takeoff |
| Dead valley | A valley that stops at a wall or another roof instead of running out to an eave. | LF, own line, only when the set labels it. | LF | Asphalt shingle roof takeoff |
| Rake | The sloped edge at a gable end. | LF, own line. | LF | Standing seam metal roof takeoff |
| Eave | The lower, level edge of a sloped roof. | LF, own line. | LF | Standing seam metal roof takeoff |
| Starter | The first course or strip along the eave. | LF, own line, separate from drip edge and eave. | LF | Asphalt shingle roof takeoff |
| Drip edge | Metal at the eave or rake that kicks water clear of the fascia. | LF, own line. | LF | Asphalt shingle roof takeoff |
| Endwall and sidewall flashing | Flashing where a sloped roof meets a wall at the top (endwall) or along the side (sidewall). | LF each, separate lines. | LF | Asphalt shingle roof takeoff |
| Transition | Where a steep-slope roof meets a low-slope membrane. | LF, own line. Which overlap applies comes from the manufacturer detail. | LF | Mixed-system commercial roof takeoff |
| Gutter | The trough along the eave that catches runoff. | LF. Downspouts per the set. | LF | Asphalt shingle roof takeoff |
| Expansion joint | A joint that lets the roof and building move without tearing the membrane. | LF from the roof plan and details. | LF | Roofing takeoff drawing sheets |
| Walkway pads | Pads or walkway membrane that protect the roof on service paths. | LF or SF per the spec. Often only in the spec. | LF or SF | Roofing bid items not on the roof plan |
Counted terms (each)
Discrete items are counted EA, by type and size, with the sheet they came from.
| Term | What it means | How it is taken off | Unit | Read next |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roof drain | A drain in the roof field that dumps water into piping. | EA from the roof plan and plumbing sheets. Check one against the other. Primary and overflow as separate lines when shown. | EA | Roofing takeoff drawing sheets |
| Scupper | An opening through a parapet or roof edge that lets water leave the roof. | EA with size and location from the roof plan and elevations. Overflow or primary from plumbing. | EA | Roofing takeoff drawing sheets |
| Curb | A raised frame that holds rooftop equipment or a skylight. | EA by size. Curb perimeters add to base flashing LF. Missing curb sizes go on the Questions tab. | EA, LF | Roofing takeoff sample |
| Penetration (pipe, conduit, support) | Anything that goes through the roof, such as a pipe, conduit or support. | EA by type and size from the roof plan, mechanical and plumbing sheets. | EA | Roofing bid items not on the roof plan |
| Roof hatch | A hatch that opens for roof access. | EA from the roof plan. | EA | Roof plan and details conflict |
| Skylight | A glazed opening in the roof. | EA by size. Flashing follows the detail. | EA | Roofing bid items not on the roof plan |
Thickness and material terms
| Term | What it means | How it is taken off | Unit | Read next |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mil | 0.001 inch. Used for membrane and coating thickness. | From the spec. Never assumed. | mil | How to price a TPO roof |
| Dry mils (DFT) | Coating thickness after it cures. | Spec or warranty states it. Gallons come from the data sheet. | mil, gal | Roof coating restoration takeoff |
| Gauge | Sheet metal thickness stated as a gauge number. Lower gauge means thicker metal. | From the spec or detail. | gauge | Standing seam metal roof takeoff |
Bid and process terms
| Term | What it means | Where it matters | Read next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Takeoff | The measured quantities from the drawings. Each one carries its source sheet and its basis. | Comes before pricing. | AI roofing takeoff vs estimating |
| Estimate | The takeoff with your labor, material and markup applied. | You apply your own costs. | AI roofing takeoff vs estimating |
| Waste factor | The extra material after roll or panel layout, stated separately from net quantity. | An output of layout, not a number copied from the last job. | Single-ply waste factor and roll layout |
| Alternate | A priced option on the bid, taken off as its own scope. | Base bid first, then each alternate on its own. | Roofing bid alternates and unit prices |
| Unit price | A price per unit for work whose quantity is unknown at bid, such as deck repair. | Use the unit the bid form states. | Roofing bid alternates and unit prices |
| RFI | A written question to the architect about something the set leaves open. | Sharp Pencil drafts these on the Questions tab. | Roofing RFI register |
| Questions tab | The tab in Takeoff.xlsx that lists what the set leaves open, instead of guessing. | On every Sharp Pencil takeoff. | How it works |
| Addendum | A change to the bid documents issued before bids are due. | Re-read the changed sheets. Quantities follow the latest set. | Roof plan and details conflict |
| Division 07 | The spec division that covers roofing, waterproofing and insulation. | Often where products, thickness and walkway pads live. | Roofing bid items not on the roof plan |
| Manufacturer warranty requirements | What the manufacturer requires for the warranty named in the spec. | Can add lines such as extra fastening, cover board or flashing. | Commercial roof warranty requirements takeoff |
FAQ
What is a roofing square?
A roofing square is 100 square feet of roof area. On a commercial takeoff, measure the area in square feet first, with the sheet it came from. Squares are that number divided by 100, a label for products sold by the square, not a second measurement.
What is a cricket on a commercial roof?
A cricket is a small raised, sloped area on the high side of a curb, wall or other obstruction that pushes water around it toward a drain. On a takeoff it is flagged and counted from the roof plan or tapered layout, and its volume belongs to the tapered insulation quote.
What is cover board, and how is it measured?
Cover board is a thin, dense board that sits over the insulation and under the membrane. On a takeoff it is measured in square feet, with type and thickness from the spec.
Is coping measured in square feet or linear feet?
Linear feet, from the wall detail. The membrane that wraps the parapet under it is a separate square-foot line.
How do you count scuppers and drains on a takeoff?
Count each by type and size from the roof plan, elevations and plumbing sheets. Primary and overflow are separate lines when the set shows both. If the sheets disagree, it goes on the Questions tab.
Need a printable miss list before the bid goes out? See the commercial roofing takeoff checklist.
Why send your takeoffs to Sharp Pencil
New to estimating, or short on time this week? Send the set.
- Usually within one business day. Delivered within 48 hours*. A takeoff stuck in a week-long queue does you no good when the bid is due sooner.
- Every page gets read. Roof plan, details, sections, elevations, plumbing and the roofing spec. The terms on this page turn into lines on the takeoff.
- Every quantity names its sheet. Every quantity carries its source sheet and its basis, so you can check it against the drawings.
- Questions instead of guesses. If the set leaves something open, it goes on the Questions tab in Takeoff.xlsx, not into the number as a guess.
- Checked before it goes out. Every paid takeoff is checked before delivery.
- Four files, one package. START HERE, marked-up drawings PDF, Takeoff.xlsx with a Questions tab, and the material order list.
- Your plans stay yours. A plan set you send us will never be used to compete with you, and plan sets are deleted whenever you ask. See what happens to your plans.
- First takeoff free, one per contractor, on a job you're bidding or quoting. After that, $395 per new set of drawings, or monthly plans. See what a takeoff costs and how it works.
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