How to measure a roof for Christmas lights

Steps

1. Search the address and zoom in until the roof fills the screen. AcreRuler zooms past the satellite limit (to level 22), which most apps can't do.
2. Tap Distance. Put the crosshair on one end of the eave and tap Add point; add a point at every corner along the line you want to light.
3. Tap Finish. Repeat for ridges, peaks and gables as separate lines; each one shows its length.
4. Open the project sheet to see each line. Add 10% for drops to the outlet and corners.

Lights and clips

• Light strings: total feet × 1.1, rounded up to your string length.
• Clips: one every 12 in on gutters (about 1 per foot), so the same number as feet.
• Peaks on a satellite view are seen from above: a gable rake is longer than it looks. For a 6/12 pitch multiply the rake length by 1.12; for 8/12, by 1.20; for 12/12, by 1.41.

FAQ