Measuring Guide for Residential Siding Projects

Measuring a home for vinyl siding involves calculating the total square footage of the exterior walls that will be covered. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you measure your home for vinyl siding:

Sketch the Home: Draw a rough sketch of your home’s exterior, breaking it down into basic geometric shapes (rectangles, triangles, etc.). This will help you organize your measurements.

Measure Rectangular Sections:

• Measure the height and width of each rectangular section.
• Multiply the height by the width to get the square footage for each section.
  Example: If one side of your home is 30 feet wide and 10 feet tall, that section is 300 sq ft (30 x 10).

Measure Triangular Sections (common for gable ends):

• Measure the base and height of the triangle.
• Multiply the base by the height and then divide by 2 to get the square footage for each triangular section.
  Example: If a gable end is 30 feet wide (base) and 10 feet tall (height), that section is 150 sq ft (30 x 10 ÷ 2).

Subtract Windows and Doors:

• Measure the height and width of each window and door.
• Multiply the height by the width to get the square footage for each window or door.
• Subtract the total square footage of all windows and doors from your overall square footage. This will give you the net square footage that needs siding.

Add a Waste Factor:

• It’s always a good idea to purchase a bit more siding than your exact measurements to account for mistakes, cuts, and future repairs. A typical waste factor is around 10%.
• Multiply your net square footage by 1.10 to account for this 10% waste.

Total Square Footage:

• Add up the square footage of all sections (after subtracting windows and doors) to get the total square footage.
• Apply the waste factor to get the final amount of siding you’ll need.

Consider Other Factors:

If your home has unique architectural features, odd-shaped areas, or other complexities, you might need to adjust your measurements or consult with a professional.
Some vinyl siding products might have specific installation requirements that could affect the amount you need.
Once you have the total square footage, you can use this number to estimate the amount of vinyl siding you’ll need and the cost of the project. Always consult with a siding professional or contractor to ensure accuracy and get a comprehensive estimate.

If you would like further information or advice on any of your upcoming projects, feel free to call us at 508-297-0635 or email us at bossservicesinc@comcast.net any time!