Siding Calculator
Estimate materials and costs for your home siding project. Get accurate quotes for vinyl, fiber cement, wood, and more.
Calculation Results
Cost Estimate Range
How to Measure Your House for Siding
Step 1: Measure the Perimeter
Start by measuring the length of each wall of your house from corner to corner. Add all four measurements together to get the perimeter. For example, if your house is 40 feet wide and 30 feet deep, your perimeter would be (40+30+40+30) = 140 linear feet.
Step 2: Determine Wall Height
Measure from the foundation (or ground level) to the bottom of the roof (eaves). This is your wall height. For a typical one-story home, this is usually 8-10 feet. For two-story homes, it's typically 18-20 feet.
Step 3: Account for Gable Ends
If your roof has gable ends (triangular sections), measure the height from the roof line to the peak. The width is the width of that wall.
Step 4: Subtract Openings
Subtract the area of doors and windows. Standard doors (3'x7') are approximately 21 square feet. Standard windows (3'x4') are approximately 12 square feet. If you have different sized openings, measure and calculate their areas individually.
Formula
Wall Area = (Perimeter × Wall Height) + Gable Area - (Doors + Windows)
For example: (140 ft × 9 ft) + 60 sq ft - (2 × 21 sq ft) - (8 × 12 sq ft) = 1,260 + 60 - 42 - 96 = 1,182 square feet
Siding Types Comparison
Compare different siding materials based on cost, durability, maintenance, and performance characteristics.
| Siding Type | Cost per Sq Ft | Lifespan | Maintenance | R-Value | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $4-7 | 15-25 years | Low (occasional washing) | 0.6-1.5 | Budget-conscious, low maintenance |
| Fiber Cement | $7-12 | 25-40+ years | Medium (periodic painting) | 0.8-1.0 | Durability and aesthetics |
| Wood/Cedar | $6-15 | 20-40 years | High (regular staining/painting) | 0.8-1.0 | Natural beauty and warmth |
| Engineered Wood | $5-10 | 15-25 years | Medium (occasional painting) | 0.6-0.8 | Wood appearance, moderate cost |
| Aluminum | $5-8 | 20-30 years | Low (occasional cleaning) | 0.0-0.6 | Coastal areas, modern look |
| Steel | $8-12 | 20-40 years | Medium (watch for rust) | 0.0-0.8 | High wind/impact areas |
| Stone Veneer | $10-20 | 40+ years | Low (very durable) | 1.0-2.0 | Premium aesthetic, high durability |
| Brick Veneer | $8-18 | 40+ years | Low (very durable) | 1.5-2.5 | Classic look, excellent durability |
When to Replace Siding
Signs Your Siding Needs Replacement
- Visible Damage: Cracks, holes, buckling, or warping that can't be repaired
- Rot or Decay: Soft spots, mold, or mildew growth indicating moisture damage
- Fading and Discoloration: Significant color fading or staining that won't clean
- High Maintenance: Constant need for painting, staining, or repairs
- Energy Loss: Increased heating and cooling costs due to poor insulation
- Age: Siding near the end of its expected lifespan
- Interior Water Damage: Water stains on interior walls or ceilings
- Pest Damage: Evidence of termites or other wood-eating insects
Lifespan Guidelines
Most siding materials last between 15-40 years depending on the type, climate, and maintenance. Vinyl and engineered wood typically need replacement after 15-25 years. Fiber cement, wood, and metal sidings can last 20-40+ years. Masonry (brick and stone) can last 40+ years with minimal maintenance.