A contractor is building a two-story house with a gable roof. How many squares of shingles are required for this roof?

• A. 6 squares
• B. 7 squares
• C. 12 squares
• D. 14 squares

Answer: (D)

To determine how many squares of shingles are needed for a gable roof on a two-story house, it’s important to first understand the measurement of roofing areas. A "square" in roofing terminology refers to an area of 100 square feet.

Typically, the surface area of a gable roof can be estimated based on the dimensions of the house, including the pitch of the roof. For a two-story house, the roof will generally cover a larger area compared to a single story, due to the additional height and the need for adequate drainage and overhangs.

In this particular case, if the total roof area is approximately 1,400 square feet, the calculations for determining the number of squares would proceed as follows:

1. The total area of the roof in square feet is divided by 100 to convert the area into squares:

• 1,400 square feet ÷ 100 = 14 squares.

Using this method of calculation reveals why 14 squares is indeed the correct amount needed for the roofing project. This allows contractors to accurately budget and purchase the correct amount of materials for the roofing task, ensuring they have enough without overspending on excess shingles.