Confused on How to Measure Your Home for Siding Replacement?

Thinking about replacing your home’s siding? New siding can not only solve problems with high utility bills and moisture damage, but it also increases your property’s curb appeal. You may have noticed that you need new siding because of cracking, fading, or peeling or because of interior wall damage. Replacing your siding will protect your home’s structure from future damage, and may save you money in the long run.

How can you get the best siding estimate on your own?

You can get your own siding estimate by calculating the square footage of your exterior walls. You’ll need a pencil, paper, a tall ladder, and a measuring tape or other measuring tool. To get the most accurate estimate, complete the following steps:

1. Create a sketch on every surface of your home that needs new siding. Breaking each area into either a rectangle or triangle.
2. Start with the rectangles. Measure the height and width of each and note it on your sketch. Then multiply the height and width of each. This is how we find the square footage for our rectangles.
3. Move on to the triangles. Measure the width at the base of the triangle and divide that number in half. Then multiply that number by the height of the triangle from the top to the base.
4. Now add together all the areas you calculated in steps two and three.
5. You may have large areas that aren’t going to be covered in siding. These could be walls with brick or stonework, or you may have a large picture window or a garage door. You should measure those areas, again multiplying height and width. Add them all together, then subtract them from your total in step four.

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Technology can help

Estimating your own siding cost can be a big project. Luckily there are new technologies that can make the task easier.

Apple’s Measure app for iOS

If you have an iphone or ipad, you already have the measuring tool you need. Apple's Measure app for iOS uses augmented reality technology to turn your device into a measuring tape. Simply open the app then move the device around to give a frame or reference. If it recognizes that the object you are referencing is rectangular, it will automatically give the square footage.

Other apps

If Apple’s Measure isn’t for you, there are plenty of other apps out there. Smart Measure for Android measures distance using the device’s camera.

If you’re trying to measure the angle of a gable or dormer, there are apps that can act as a protractor. Angle Meter 360 for iOS or Protractor for Android both quickly and accurately measure angles.

Other Tools

Tape measures are the classic tools used for determining lengths, but laser measuring devices can be easier and more accurate, especially for large areas like buildings. These tools, also called laser measures or laser distance meters, use a pulse of laser light that they send to the target. The device then measures the time it takes for the reflection to return.

To use a laser measuring device, first place the tool on one end of the object you are measuring and aim the laser so it hits an object at the far end. If you are using this tool for a siding estimate, that far object may be the eaves of your roof.

What to do now that you have your square footage

Now that you have the numbers you need, you’ll want to decide if you want to replace the siding yourself or hire a professional. While replacing it yourself will save money, a professional contractor will complete the job efficiently and catch other potential issues, so you can stop them before they occur or get worse.

Planning a DIY siding job

Vinyl siding is manufactured in 100 square foot units called "squares." To discover how many squares you need, divide your sum from step five by 100. You will want to order a little extra to cover any mistakes. Typically, ten percent more than you calculated is recommended.

Hiring Professional

Ecoside offers professional siding replacement in the Seattle area. You can estimate your siding costs using EcoSide's cost calculator. Just enter your square footage. This tool can estimate costs for both standard HardiePlank lap siding and ColorPlus siding. ColorPlus technology by James Hardie helps ensure that siding resists fading and retains its vibrant color for as long as possible.

We can help

Is the thought of estimating your own siding still a daunting task? Don’t sweat it. Our siding professionals are ready to help. EcoSide provides free, no-obligation siding estimates in the Seattle area. Call (206) 235-1275 or visit EcoSideSeattle.com today. We use only the finest quality James Hardie fiber cement siding to give your home lasting weather protection and great curb appeal. EcoSide has been making siding easy since 2009 and we’re happy to serve your needs.

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