Estimate commands (available after roof modelling is complete)
The Estimate set of commands provides you with the tools to estimate metal panels on a roof. This feature is only relevant to metal roofing. You must have already modelled a roof before using these estimation tools.
⚠️ Critical Warning
These different estimating methods ARE NOT interchangeable. If you wish to estimate with a different method, you must completely delete the method just used, then apply the alternate method.
For example – You MUST not apply Gen-Panels over the top of Auto-Blocking.
🧾 How the estimation process works
The estimation process involves two basic steps:
Setting the allowances, such as gutter overhang, rounding up, annotation options, etc.
Determining the panel/sheet estimation method you wish to use and then applying it
This will result in a panel/sheet list. Commands are also provided to insert and change lap-direction arrows so that the installers install the panels as required in your specification.
🔧 The Metal Panel Estimation Methods
There are four panel estimation methods provided:
Method Category | Specific Methods |
Blocking methods | Auto-Block or Block-Cut |
Off-cuts method | Generating Off-cuts |
Panel generation method | Generating Panels – with Linear Nesting (of panels) |
🛠 Method Selection
You would choose the estimation method based on:
The profile of the panel/sheeting material
Your preferred on-site installation processes
Note: Not all methods suit all materials.
🔧 Lap-Direction Arrows
Commands are provided to insert and change lap-direction arrows. These arrows specify how installers should install the panels according to your requirements.