Key takeaways
- Start with the width of your house along the eaves
- Add the rakes of each gable and any peaks
- Bulb spacing sets how many bulbs per foot
- A calculator saves time
Measure the eaves
Walk the front of your house and measure the length of the eave. If you have a two-story with a garage, measure each section. Stand back and look for steps or jogs in the roof.
If you cannot measure, use a satellite photo or send us pictures and we will estimate from them.
Add gables and peaks
Each gable adds two sloped lines, called rakes. The steeper the gable, the longer the rake. Dormers add small gables too.
Our Roofline Calculator lets you enter house width, stories, gables and garages and returns a total in feet and a bulb count.
Bulb spacing
C9 bulbs are commonly spaced about a foot apart, while minis are often spaced a few inches apart. The total number of bulbs follows the spacing, so a longer roofline means a lot of bulbs.
A professional design also adds extra length for corners, peaks and connections.
Related services
Quick answers
Can I measure from the ground?
You can estimate from the ground with a measuring wheel or satellite view. We always confirm the final measurements on the roof.
Does a two-story house need more?
Usually, because the roof is longer and higher. Height also affects the equipment we bring.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 800-290-5816.