BidMagic Construction Estimating Software-- Roof Height & Overhang

Estimating Roof Heights & Overhangs

NOTE-- We retired the BidMagic construction estimating software in 2001. It has been replaced by Goldenseal construction estimating software.

We still include this BidMagic estimating software manual as a convenience for die-hard users of our older program.

The BidMagic construction estimating software includes additional roofing dimension fields for roof heights, overhangs and parapets.

Roof Heights

For mansard and gambrel roofs, enter the height difference, measured vertically from the lowest point that has roofing materials (at the eaves) up to the point where the slope changes (Example 1).

For arch and dome roofs, enter the height difference, measured vertically from the lowest point that has roofing materials (at the eaves) up to the highest roof point (Example 2).

Other roof types do not use this measurement.

Overhangs/Parapets

Turn on the Has Parapet checkbox if the building has any raised parapets at the junction of roof and walls. Turn the checkbox off if the building has no parapets.

Turn on the Has Overhang checkbox if the building has any roof overhangs. Turn it off if not.

If you have parapets, enter the average height of the parapet, in feet, measured vertically from the roof surface to the top of the parapet.

If you have overhangs, enter the average amount of overhang, in feet, measured horizontally from the outside of the wall to the point where the roofing ends at the eaves or rake. Also enter the slope of the overhang, measured in inches rise per foot run.

NOTE: If the roof has several overhang amounts or several parapet heights, enter a weighted average.

If you lock the overhang slope, it will be equal to the slope of the main roof. You should only unlock the overhang slope on those rare occasions where the roof overhang has a slope that is different from that of the main roof.

HINT: Treat a roof with three different slopes as a gambrel or mansard roof. Enter two of the slopes for the main roof, and the third slope for the overhang.

If only parapets are used, they'll be figured in on all sides of the roof (Southwest style). If only overhangs are used, they'll also be figured in on all sides. If both parapets and overhangs are used, BidMagic will use overhangs at the eaves, and parapets at the rakes (townhouse style).