You have received your satellite roof report PDF. Now what? If you are new to aerial measurement reports — or just want to make sure you are reading every number correctly — this guide walks through every section of the report so you can use it confidently on every estimate and insurance submission.
Section 1: Property Information
The top of every Satellite Reports PDF displays the property address, report date, and order reference number. Always verify the address matches the property you ordered — especially when processing high volumes during storm season.
This section also includes the report type (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family) which determines the measurement methodology and data structure in the report.
Section 2: Total Roof Area (Squares)
📠What is a "square"?
One roofing square = 100 square feet of roof area. A report showing 24 squares means the roof has 2,400 sq ft of total surface area. This is the single most important number for calculating material quantities.
The total area is listed at a glance near the top of the report summary page. It represents the entire measurable roof surface — every facet, every plane, combined. This is the number you enter into your estimating software as the base for shingle, underlayment, and synthetic material calculations.
Important: Always use the waste-adjusted square total (Section 6) for material ordering — not the raw total area. The raw total does not account for cuts and overlap.
Section 3: Facet Breakdown
Every individual plane of the roof is listed separately as a "facet." Each facet entry includes its label (F1, F2, F3, etc.), its area in square feet, and its pitch. The labeled roof diagram in the report shows you where each facet sits on the actual roof structure.
The facet breakdown is useful for:
- Identifying which areas need steep-slope pricing (facets with 9:12 pitch or higher)
- Calculating material needs for individual sections (partial re-roofs, insurance partial scopes)
- Matching repair areas to the correct facet dimensions for spot-repair estimates
Section 4: Roof Pitch (Slope) Data
📠Understanding Pitch Notation
Pitch is written as X:12, where X is the rise in inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run. 4:12 = low slope. 6:12 = moderate. 9:12+ = steep. 12:12 = a 45-degree angle.
Each facet in the report shows its individual pitch. This matters for three reasons:
- Material quantity: Steeper pitches have a larger actual surface area relative to footprint — affecting shingle, ice-and-water, and synthetic quantities
- Labor rate: Steep slopes (typically 7:12+) require higher labor rates, safety equipment, and staging — these adjustments should be applied per facet
- Insurance documentation: Adjusters use pitch data to verify labor and material scope items in the claim estimate
Section 5: Linear Measurements
This is the section most contractors under-use. Linear measurements tell you the length of every edge and structural feature on the roof — critical for trim and accessory ordering.
Ridge
The peak where two roof planes meet at the top. Ridge length determines how many linear feet of ridge cap shingles you need. Typically covered with cap shingles or a ridge vent system.
Hip
A sloping ridge where two roof planes meet at the side. Hip length also uses ridge cap shingles. Don't confuse hip length with ridge — they are separate measurements on the report.
Valley
The internal angle where two roof planes meet and water drains. Valley length determines the linear feet of valley flashing (open valley metal or woven valley fabric) you need to order.
Rake
The sloping edge along the side of a gable roof where it meets the siding. Rake length is used for drip edge, rake trim, and starter strip calculations along sloped edges.
Eave
The horizontal edge at the bottom of the roof. Eave length is used for drip edge along horizontal edges, gutters, ice-and-water shield (typically applied at least 24" past the interior wall line), and starter strip at the bottom of the roof.
Section 6: Waste Factor
The waste factor is a percentage added to the total area to account for material that will be cut, trimmed, or cannot be fully used due to the roof's geometry. The report calculates a suggested waste factor based on the roof's complexity:
- Simple gable roof (2 facets, no valleys): 8–10% waste
- Moderate complexity (4–6 facets, some valleys): 12–15% waste
- High complexity (8+ facets, many valleys, dormers): 15–20%+ waste
To calculate your waste-adjusted order quantity: Multiply total squares by (1 + waste factor). Example: 22 squares × 1.15 = 25.3 squares to order.
Section 7: The Roof Diagram
The color-coded overhead diagram is your visual reference for the entire report. Each facet is labeled (matching the facet breakdown table), color-coded for easy identification, and dimensioned with its area. Use this diagram when:
- Explaining the scope of work to a homeowner
- Reviewing the report with a crew foreman before the job
- Submitting documentation to the insurance adjuster
- Verifying that a partial repair scope covers the correct facets
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my report numbers don't match my physical measurement?
Aerial reports achieve 98%+ accuracy — minor variances (1–2%) are normal between any two measurement methods. If you find a variance larger than 3%, contact us at contact@satellitereports.com with your order number and we will review the report.
Can I share the PDF directly with an insurance adjuster?
Yes. The PDF is formatted for professional distribution and is accepted by major carriers as claim documentation. It includes all data an adjuster needs: measurements, pitch, diagram, and property information.
What is the difference between "area" and "squares" in the report?
Area is expressed in square feet. Squares are the same measurement divided by 100 (the standard unit in roofing). The report typically shows both — use whichever your estimating software requires.
Ready to Order Your Report?
Now that you know exactly how to read it — order with confidence. Starting at $10, delivered in 6–8 hours.