Modelling in 3D is the most powerful and reliable way to estimate roofing, primarily because it affords the opportunity to check that you are correct. The checking process is important and if applied to every job, it will highlight errors at an early stage.

The checking tools are all conveniently grouped under the Tools menu.

At AppliCad, we do NOT consider this process an option – it is compulsory.

Tools

Work through the following checks on every job, in order.

Check the last two dimensions against your plan or sketch. This is usually the most appropriate way to close out the wall/eave outline.

Note that this is not used if you import the 3D model via RXF or XML files where geometry has been constructed by others.

This allows you to check the model geometry from four standard points of view. You should also change to an ISO view and spin it, especially on complex models. If it doesn't look right, it probably has something wrong with it and deserves closer scrutiny.

If all the planes are present, then roofing material will be applied.

The line type determines the flashing and trim material that will be applied to the roof edges. The actual material is not applied to the line until Cover stage. If a line needs to be changed, use the Change Line Type function – eg Fascia to Box Gutter.

Simply left click on the button again to turn them off.

Applies dimensions to the overall perimeter. This includes eave overhang if applied. Compare with the drawings/sketches supplied.

Inserts the actual length of each line, up the slope of the roof.

The appearance of line dimensions can be set to match the line colour and the distance off the line. Set these in your Preferences > Set Line Styles.

This allows you to insert a dimension between parallel lines, typically ridge to eave. It inserts a dimension that is effectively the rafter length and approximate sheet length for a metal panel roof.

You can also insert a dimension from the eave line to the apex of a hip end. Select the eave line first (d1) as this sets the position for the dimension. Then select the ridge line (d2).

The reminder message is displayed, giving you the option to accept the dimension, in case you selected lines in error.

Found under Tools > Dimension Roof > Insert Pnt to Pnt Dim on the top menu, or Tools > Dimension-Roof > Insert-Pnt-Pnt on the right menu.

In this case, you first locate the two points you wish to dimension, usually by 'snapping' to an existing point using the middle mouse button at (d1) and (d2), followed by the position for the dimension (d3) with the left mouse button.

Inserts the pitch of the roof, and if set in your preferences, will also display the roof storey (individual roof level within a multi-level structure) and the slope direction.

The inclusion of the slope arrow and the storey number is optional. This is set in your Dimension Defaults.

This function automatically checks for corrupt or damaged roof geometry. This is especially important for jobs imported or models that you have spent a lot of time 'adjusting'!

If the job passes the Model Integrity test, a message is displayed in the Prompt Area similar to the display below:

Corrupt records will be deleted automatically, thus 'cleaning' the model. Occasionally, if the model geometry was corrupted in any way, and parts have been deleted, you may have to put some lines and planes back in using your Smartlines functions. Don't panic, this is easy to fix.

Displays the geometric quantities, areas and lengths for the entire roof and all roof features. It includes the volume of the attic space and the length of each line type by storey and total. Note that this is the length of each line, not the length of material to be applied or ordered.

You can also verify each of the line type groups to confirm that you have the correct line type assigned. Select the […] button and the selected line types will flash on screen. Check that they are the correct lines.

These steps are not an option and will help you get the correct result every time. Remember to check your job. If the model is correct, the take-off will be correct. The accuracy of the final result is a measure of your success.