Siding your home is not just an aesthetic enhancement but a crucial protective measure. The first step in this important project is accurately calculating how much siding you’ll need. This process involves assessing the total exterior surface area of your home. In this guide, we’ll discuss the steps needed to measure each wall accurately, account for windows and doors, and estimate the amount of material required.
Understanding Your Home’s Exterior
Assessing Surface Area
The key to determining how much siding you need starts with calculating the total exterior surface area of your home. This involves measuring the height and width of each exterior wall, then multiplying these dimensions to get the area. Don’t forget to subtract the areas occupied by windows, doors, and other openings.
Example Calculation:
- Measure the height and width of each wall.
- Calculate the area (Height x Width).
- Subtract the area of windows and doors.
- Add up the total area for all walls.
Using a Siding Calculator
Online siding calculators can simplify this process by allowing you to input your measurements and automatically calculating the total siding needed. These tools are particularly helpful for those who may not be confident in their math skills.
Types of Siding and Their Coverage
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is a popular choice due to its durability and low maintenance. Vinyl panels typically come in 12-foot lengths, covering about 100 square feet per box.
Example:
A house with 2,000 square feet of exterior wall space would need approximately 20 boxes of vinyl.
James Hardie Siding
Known for its fiber cement composition, James Hardie offers exceptional durability and a variety of styles. It usually comes in 12-foot planks, with each plank covering roughly 7 square feet.
Example:
For a 2,000 square foot exterior, you would need around 285 planks of James Hardie.
Factors Affecting Quantity
Home Design Complexity
Complex home designs with numerous corners, angles, and gables can increase the amount of siding you need. Each additional feature requires more cuts and adjustments, leading to increased material usage.
Waste Factor
It’s essential to account for waste when ordering siding. Typically, you should add an extra 10% to your total siding calculation to cover mistakes, off-cuts, and any future repairs.
Tips for Accurate Measurement
Use a Professional
Hiring a professional to measure your home ensures accuracy and can save you money by preventing over or under-ordering materials. Professionals have the experience and tools to provide precise measurements.
Double-Check Measurements
Always double-check your measurements before ordering. A small mistake in calculation can lead to significant cost overruns or project delays.
In Summary
Knowing how much siding you need is fundamental to the success of your project. By accurately measuring your home’s exterior, considering the type of siding, and accounting for waste, you can ensure that your project runs smoothly and stays within budget. Utilize online calculators, consider hiring a professional, and double-check your work to avoid common pitfalls.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help and guide you through every step of the process.
