How many metal tiles are needed for an exact order?
How many sheet metal tiles are needed if there are bends, a chimney, and two dormers?
In this text, we will go through a simple area calculation, reasonable waste, and ridge caps. I will also give you a quick checklist before you press “order”.
The most important in 20 seconds
- Calculate the area of each slope separately, not the floor area.
- Check the useful coverage of the chosen profile, then convert squares into sheets.
- Add waste according to complexity and number of details.
- Measure the ridge and plan overlap for ridge caps.
- Add details to the cart: claddings, fasteners, gutters.
Calculation for sheet metal tiles by area
First clarify what you are buying. Some metal roofs have long sheets. Others have modules. In both cases, there is “useful coverage”.
If you are still choosing, check Metal Tiles. There you will also see different profiles that feel different in person.
The area is of the slope, not the floor
The slope is inclined. That’s why it is almost always larger than the horizontal area. Measure along the slope if you can.
Work with actual lengths. Eaves length and slope length. Multiply and you get the area for that slope.
Repeat for each slope. Then add all results. This is the basis for all “roof materials”.
Convert squares into sheets without guessing
Many people are misled by the “price per square meter” here. The price is important, but you also need coverage. The useful width is different from the total.
Look at the product description and “useful coverage”. If you hesitate, ask for a calculation. It saves money and nerves, honestly.
As a reference, you can compare profiles like Metal Tiles Clasic with another style. The difference is often in geometry and overlap.
When you get the number of sheets, round up. The roof does not forgive “a little shortage.”
Then also calculate the lengths for claddings. They are not a whim. They protect the most vulnerable places.
Want to see alternatives? Sometimes it’s more logical to use Roof sheet metal for a canopy or auxiliary building.
Act with a clear goal: the roof should be dry and tight. Then come aesthetics and “the best metal tiles.”
Waste with iron tiles and cutting by details
Waste is normal. There is cutting, overlapping, cutting around chimneys. If the roof has breaks, the waste increases.
The most common mistake is to calculate only the square footage and order exactly that much. Then you search for “metal tiles price per square” in panic.
When the waste is small
- Gable roof, without valleys and without dormers.
- Long straight eaves, without many interruptions.
- Identical slopes and clear dimensions.
When the waste becomes serious
- Valleys, gutters, many bends, and short slopes.
- Chimney, dormers, roof windows, ventilation outlets.
- Crooked walls, old construction, non-standard geometry.
For complex roofs, it’s worth adding a little reserve. This is not waste. This is peace of mind.
And no, the reserve is not “to buy double.” The reserve is smartly planned waste and stock for details.
If the project has many finishing elements, also open Accessories for metal tiles. There you usually find solutions for edges, ridges, and joints.
For reliable installation, you also need the right screws. Don’t take “whatever is available.” Get Fasteners according to the system.
If you cut, you need a tool. Not every disc is a good idea for thin sheet metal. See Tools and save yourself crooked cuts.
In the middle of the project, the question arises again: How many metal tiles are needed if you add a new window? The answer is simple. Recalculate the detail and add reserve only there.
Ridge caps and finishing flashing for the roof
Ridge caps close the top. They channel water and protect against drafts. Without them, the metal roof looks unfinished.
The calculation starts from the length of the ridge. Measure along the line, from end to end. If you have several ridges, add them up.
Overlapping is part of the calculation
Each cap overlaps with another. This is normal. The actual coverage is slightly less than the length of the detail.
Therefore, do not divide only by “catalog length”. Add space for overlapping and end pieces.
Details around eaves and edges
The eave is a place that absorbs a lot of water. There come sub-gutter edges and front flashings. These things keep the system tight.
Check out Eave claddings and plan quantities per meter.
If the roof is long, also consider the gutters. Without them, the facade suffers. You have a choice between Classic drainage system and more specific solutions.
For a straighter line and clean look, also see Seamless gutters. Especially if you want fewer joints.
Now you have a real list. Sheets, ridge caps, claddings, gutters. This is a set, not a single product.
Under-roof layers and thermal insulation
Even the best metal tiles do not replace the under-roof layer. The membrane protects against condensation and minor leaks. This is silent protection.
If you are renovating an old roof, pay attention to heat loss as well. This includes Thermal insulation and the correct layering.
For faster execution of some projects, sandwich panels are also sought. Different calculations and fasteners apply there. See Thermopanels, if the project allows it.
For flat roofs and waterproofing details, voile or bitumen membrane is often sought. You can check Voile and compare options.
If instead of a metal roof you want a classic look, there are also Bitumen Tiles. The waste is calculated differently there, but there are still details.
Delivery, installation, and repair without unnecessary hassle
Good calculation is half the work. The other half is logistics. LATIVA has specialized transport for Sofia and all of Bulgaria.
For larger orders, delivery directly to the site from the factory may be available. There is also delivery with a transport company, regardless of quantity.
For smaller shipments, a courier like Econt or Speedy is used. The details are described in Delivery Information.
If you are at the beginning and wondering what to choose, there is a free consultation. Sometimes a photo and dimensions are enough. Sometimes more details are needed.
For execution, professional roofing installation can be requested. If you want a repair offer, open Roof Repairs.
Before you finalize, take a look at Warranties. That way you know what the system covers.
Is the cart ready? If yes, drop by Contact and send the dimensions. It's faster than long explanations over the phone.
Questions people ask out loud
How many metal tiles do I need for a 120 square meter roof? Answer: first calculate the slopes, then add waste according to the details.
How many sheet metal tiles should I order including waste? Answer: order with a reserve for cutting and critical areas.
How many ridge caps are needed for a gable roof? Answer: measure the ridge and calculate the overlap between the caps.
Where can I see the price per square meter of metal tiles? Answer: in the catalog of Metal Tiles and in the specific product.
How to install metal tiles without mistakes? Answer: follow How to Install and don't skip the details.
Where are the installation instructions for the details? Answer: see Installation Instructions.
Do you have roof windows and accessories? Answer: yes, check Roof Windows and choose by size.
Final check before you order
Here is a short checklist. If you go through it, the chance of error drops sharply. I repeat, the small details make the big difference.
- Do you have the area of each slope, measured along the incline.
- Do you know the useful coverage and number of sheets.
- Have you accounted for waste for cutting and complex areas.
- Have you calculated the ridge and the number of ridge caps.
- Have you added claddings, fasteners, and a gutter system.
- Have you checked the delivery and deadlines for the site.
If something is holding you back, open Frequently Asked Questions and see the most common answers.
And lastly, don't force yourself to "guess" the quantity. Better calculate once more. How many metal tiles are needed is decided by measuring, details, and a quick request for a quote.
