A linear metre is a length measurement that is used to determine the length of a straight line, used when measuring for flashing and downpipes. It is a one-dimensional measurement that is used across a range of industries including manufacturing and construction.
But what do you need to know about a linear metre? Our expert guide will tell you everything you need to know about linear metres, and more!
How Long Is a Linear Metre?
A linear meter equals a one metre measurement and is the linear measurement that is mostly used in the construction industry.
One linear meter equals exactly 100 cm, or 39.37 inches when measured in imperial units.
When roofing materials, timber, and flooring are measured, linear metres are used to calculate the amount and price of materials required.
Therefore, it is essential that accurate linear measurements are taken to ensure that the correct amount of material is provided. This also ensures that the correct price is charged for those materials.
How Is a Linear Metre Different from a Square Metre?
Linear meters measure for a straight line, for example the length of a downpipe. So, you could measure that 8 linear metres of downpipe is required when completing your roofing structure.
A square metre is a different type of measurement although it is still used in construction. Square metres measure the area of a space where the length and the width of a square are each exactly one metre.
For example, when measuring how much roof sheeting is required, you will measure the area of the roof in square metres. You might find that building materials as well as flooring are sold by each square metre, providing an easy measurement for the homeowner.
How Can I Calculate a Square Metre?
A square metre is the measurement given to the area of a space where the length and the width both measure one metre each in length.
To calculate a square metre, you must measure the length and the width of the space. So, you might find that the length of the space is 3.20 metres and the width of the area measures 3.90 metres.
To calculate the amount of materials needed to cover the space, you find out how many square metres of material is required.
In the example above where the length of a space is 3.20 metres and the width measures 3.50 metres, we need to multiply the two values together to find the area in square metres.
Here is the calculation you need to find the accurate measurements:
- 3.20 metres x 3.90 metres = 12.48 squared metres
This means that when ordering a roofing sheet or flooring for this space, you need to order 12.48 square metres of material. However, it is recommended that you always order an additional 10% of material for any construction or renovation job to account for waste.
In this situation, 10% of 12.48 square metres equals 1.248 square metres, providing the cushion required for an effortless installation.
This amount will be added onto the original measurement of the space in the calculation below:
- 12.48 square metres + 1.248 square metres = 13.728 square metres
How Can I Calculate an Irregular Shaped Room?
When measuring the area of a space that is not a standard rectangle shape, such as an irregular shape, finding an accurate calculation can be difficult.
To combat this issue, split the room into separate sections, so if the room is an L-shape, you can split the space into two rectangles.
You can then calculate the square metres of each rectangle before adding the total sums of each area together.
Take a look at this example below:
- Your space is an L-shaped room.
- You split the room into two sections before you being to calculate square metres.
- The lineal metre measurement of the first shape is 4.20 m x 4.10 m, giving us a square metre calculation of 17.22 squared metres.
- The lineal metre measurement of the second shape is 5.30 m x 4.30 m, providing a square metre calculation of 22.79 squared metres.
- To find the total area, we need to add the calculated square metre results from both shoes. So, 17.22 plus 22.79 equals 40.01 square metres
Final Thoughts on Linear Metres
A linear metre measurement ensures that you calculate linear metre measurement, helping you to calculate square metres with a lineal metre.
Without accurate measuring devices, it would be impossible to purchase the precise amount of materials you need to install roof sheeting as well as numerous other projects.
This would lead to surplus waste when you order too much material, or wasting time if not enough materials have been ordered.
Visit RoofStuff now for more information. You can find a range of products such as flashing to suit any budget, roof repair solutions and ventilation options.
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