Auto-Block creates rectangular panel layout areas across your roof shape to generate accurate sheet/panel cutting lists. These blocks represent how panels will be positioned during installation and help calculate material requirements.
Menu path
Icon menu:
Auto-Block
or
Auto-Block2
Pull-down menu: Cover > Estimate Panels > Auto-Blocking > Auto Block (1 or 2)
🧾 What it does
Auto-Block constructs rectangular blocks across a roof shape using the roof geometry to automatically generate the sheet/panel cutting list. There are two blocking methods available, each using different algorithms that produce varying results depending on your roof shape and market requirements.
The algorithms assume the same pitch on all planes to auto-block. If the roof has different pitched areas, you will get the warning message:
Go to Modify-Block to manually layout the required blocked areas.
🔧 How to use it
Choose your blocking method:
Auto-Block 1: Cover > Estimate Panels > Auto-Blocking > Auto Block 1
Auto-Block 2: Cover > Estimate Panels > Auto-Blocking > Auto Block 2
Select your optimisation preference in the dialog box
Click [OK] to generate the blocks
🛠 Understanding the two methods
Method | Algorithm | Best for |
Auto-Block 1 | Divides roof into triangles based around hip ends, then combines triangles into rectangles | General roofing projects, standard profiles |
Auto-Block 2 | Breaks entire roof area into rectangular areas directly | Simplified block sequences, experienced estimators who understand installer impact |
⚠️ Important warnings
Existing blocks will be deleted: If there are blocks already on the roof, they are automatically deleted when you run Auto-Block.
Profile compatibility: This method only works with certain profiles that may be split and flipped. It is not practical for profiles such as standing seam.
Auto-Block 2 expertise required: Only use Auto-Block 2 if you understand the process and how the result will be employed by your installers.
🧾 Block annotations and display
After blocks are generated, they are automatically annotated with:
Number of sheets required
Sheet length measurements
Roof pitch information
Hatching pattern for identification
Coverage direction (shown by highlighted side with fatter orange line, and indicated by the hatching pattern representing the sheets)
Annotation:
The annotation of the block areas created are controlled by settings in Panel Allowances described separately.
Before:
Auto-Block 1
After:
Auto-Block 2
After:
💡 Tips for best results
Experiment with both methods: Each method produces different results depending on roof shape. Test both to see which works better for your specific jobs and market requirements. It is wise to discuss the options with your installation team.
Use Modify Block tools: The blocking tools give the right result for most jobs, but you should expect to intervene on some projects. Use the Modify Block options to adjust results to your satisfaction.
Manual blocking option: For complex jobs, you may decide to manually draw blocks across the entire roof. The tools support this approach when automatic methods don't meet your needs.
🛠 Results comparison
The cutting list results between Auto-Block 1 and Auto-Block 2 can be dramatically different on some jobs, and almost identical on others. This variation reflects different estimation methods used across various markets.
Auto-Block 2 often creates much simplified block sequences and in many cases further reduces waste and the number of panel/sheet lengths required.