Satellite Roof Measurements by Address
BuildFolio uses Google Solar API imagery to measure roof area, pitch, and segments from an address, with no per-report fees. Confirm the building shown and check the measurements on site before your final bid.
Quick Answer
BuildFolio measures roofs from Google Solar API imagery. Enter a U.S. address and, where imagery covers the building, get roof area, a pitch estimate, and the imagery used. It is included in BuildFolio plans with no per-report fees. Confirm the building and check the measurements on site before a final bid or material order.
How satellite roof measurements work
Getting roof measurements through BuildFolio is simple. Here’s the process:
Enter Address
Type the job address
API Query
BuildFolio queries Google Solar API
Get Results
Review area, pitch, and imagery
Use in Estimate
Embed directly in Living Estimates
What you receive
- Total roof area: Square footage of all roof surfaces
- Roof segment breakdown: Individual sections with measurements
- Pitch estimate: Slope calculation for pricing adjustments
- Satellite imagery: High-resolution aerial photo of the property
- Building outline: The structure that was measured; confirm it is the one you are quoting
No per-report fees
Roof measurement by address is included in BuildFolio plans: within 5 AI estimates a month on Free, and with no monthly limit on Pro. There is no charge per property.
What is Google Solar API?
Google Solar API is a service from Google that provides rooftop data for many buildings, including much of the United States. Originally developed to help solar installers assess roof suitability, the API provides, where it has coverage:
- Roof geometry and dimensions from high-resolution satellite imagery
- Sun exposure data and shading analysis
- Building outlines
- The imagery date and quality
Coverage is broad but not complete: some addresses return no usable roof data, and imagery can be out of date. The data changes as Google refreshes its imagery.
Why Google Solar API?
We chose Google Solar API because:
- Coverage: Broad U.S. coverage, strongest in suburban and urban areas
- Speed: Results depend on address coverage and response time
- Accuracy: Results vary with roof shape, imagery, and building selection
- Reliability: Backed by Google’s infrastructure
- Cost: Volume pricing allows us to include it in subscriptions
Measurement accuracy
For source limitations, see Google’s building and roof guidance and Google’s imagery FAQ.
Roof measurements are planning estimates. Check the selected building and imagery date, and have a qualified contractor verify dimensions before a final quote or material order.
Factors affecting accuracy
- Roof complexity: Simple hip and gable roofs measure most accurately
- Image recency: Newer satellite imagery provides better results
- Vegetation: Tree cover can obscure roof edges
- Building age: Very new construction may not be mapped yet
When to verify on-site
For complex roofs, precise material ordering, or commercial properties, we recommend verifying measurements on-site. Satellite data is ideal for quoting but may need adjustment for final material calculations.
Comparison to alternatives
Here’s how BuildFolio’s satellite measurements compare to other roof measurement options. Check each vendor’s site for its current pricing, turnaround, and features.
| Feature | BuildFolio | EagleView | RoofSnap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per-report cost | $0 (included) | See their site | See their site |
| Integrates with estimates | Yes (Living Estimates) | Check current features | Check current features |
| Includes CRM | Yes | Check current features | Check current features |
| Includes estimating | Yes (AI) | Check current features | Check current features |
Integration with Living Estimates
The real power of BuildFolio’s satellite measurements is how they integrate with the rest of your workflow. When you pull roof measurements, they automatically feed into:
Living Estimates
Satellite imagery embeds directly into your Living Estimates. Customers see their own roof and understand exactly what you’re quoting.
AI Estimating
Roof measurements feed into BuildFolio’s AI estimating engine, which calculates material quantities and generates pricing automatically.
Material Calculations
Square footage, waste factor, and estimated pitch can inform material planning; verify measurements on site before ordering.
Job Records
Measurements are stored with the job record for reference during production, change orders, and warranty claims.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate are satellite roof measurements?
Roof measurements are planning estimates. Check the selected building and imagery date, and have a qualified contractor verify dimensions before a final quote or material order.
What areas does Google Solar API cover?
Coverage varies by address and is strongest in suburban and urban areas. Rural properties and very new construction may have limited or no coverage; check that usable data comes back for the building you are quoting.
Is there a cost per roof measurement?
No per-report fee. Roof measurement by address is included in BuildFolio plans: within 5 AI estimates a month on Free, and with no monthly limit on Pro.
How fast do I get results?
Results come back from the address lookup, usually within the same visit. Timing varies with the property and data availability; check the building shown before you use the numbers.
Does it work for commercial buildings?
Google Solar API is optimized for residential buildings. Commercial buildings may have coverage, but accuracy can vary for large, complex structures. We recommend verifying commercial measurements on-site.
Can I see the satellite image?
Yes. BuildFolio displays the satellite imagery alongside measurements. You can also embed this imagery into your Living Estimates so customers can see their own roof.
What if a property isn’t covered?
If usable roof data does not come back for the building, measure on site or use a drone or specialist report, and enter those measurements in your estimate.
How does this compare to EagleView?
BuildFolio measures from an address with no per-report fee and feeds the result into your estimate. EagleView publishes its own pricing and turnaround, and its specialist reports may suit complex roofs. See our EagleView comparison for details.
Related Roofing Resources
Try a Free Roof Report
Enter an address for a free roof measurement: total area, pitch, and sections where imagery covers the building.
Ready to measure your next roof?
Start using satellite roof measurements today. No per-report fees: type the job address, then check the measurements on site before your final bid.
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