What does gross LF calculation involve?

The gross LF (length factor) calculation involves summing the lengths before any openings and overlaps. This means that when calculating the overall length of a structure or material, one must consider the entire unmodified length without adjusting for any features that may interrupt or alter that length, such as openings for doors or windows, which are typically accounted for later in a more detailed calculation.

In catastrophe estimatics, accurately determining this initial gross length is crucial for assessments, as it lays the foundation for subsequent calculations and estimations regarding material requirements and costs. The gross LF serves as the fundamental measurement from which more precise adjustments can be made, ensuring that estimators have a complete view of the dimensions they are working with before accounting for any modifications that would affect the final estimates.