How to Measure for New Siding

Choosing new siding is a smart way to protect your home while boosting curb appeal. But before you can install it, you need accurate measurements. Whether you're planning a DIY estimate or preparing to consult professionals, learning how to measure your home’s exterior is essential. This guide will walk you through each step, offering practical exterior measurement tips to ensure you calculate your siding dimensions correctly.

Why Accurate Siding Measurement Matters

Getting your siding measurements right saves time, money, and frustration. Without accurate square footage, you risk underordering or overordering materials. Even a small miscalculation can lead to added waste, rushed orders, and installation delays. For homeowners in Central Minnesota, understanding how to assess your wall surface area is a proactive step toward a smooth project and a more beautiful home.

Tools You’ll Need Before You Start

Before diving into measurements, make sure you have the right tools:

Tape measure or laser measuring tool
Pencil and notepad (or a printed siding measurement worksheet)
Calculator
Ladder for second-story walls and gables
Camera or smartphone for reference images

Having these tools ready will streamline the process and help you stay safe and accurate.

Understanding Your Home’s Exterior Surfaces

Common Siding Surface Types

Homes aren’t just made up of four flat walls. You’ll need to measure:

Flat wall surfaces, which make up the bulk of your siding area
Gables and dormers located under rooflines
Soffits, fascia, and other overhangs

Special Features That Affect Measurements

Don’t forget about architectural features that interrupt the siding surface:

Bay or bow windows
Chimneys
Garage bump-outs
Decorative columns or extensions

You will need to subtract or account for these areas to ensure a correct material estimate.

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring for Siding

Step 1 - Measure Wall Height and Width

Start with each exterior wall:

Measure the width from corner to corner
Measure the height from the base to the eaves
Multiply width by height to get the square footage

Example: A wall that’s 30 feet wide and 10 feet tall equals 300 square feet

Repeat this for each wall of your home.

Step 2 - Account for Windows and Doors

To avoid overestimating material:

Measure the height and width of each window and door
Multiply for square footage (for example, a 3-foot by 5-foot window equals 15 square feet)
Subtract these totals from the wall area

Pro tip: Round up slightly to allow room for trim and fitting.

Step 3 - Calculate Gables and Triangular Areas

For gables or angled walls:

Measure the base width and the vertical height to the peak
Use this formula: (Base × Height) ÷ 2 = Square footage

Repeat this calculation for each gable and include the results in your total.

Step 4 - Add for Waste and Overlap

Siding installation requires a buffer to allow for trimming and fitting:

Add 10 percent for simple home layouts
Add 15 percent or more for homes with multiple angles or cutouts

This margin prevents delays from running out of materials.

Siding Calculators and Estimation Tools

Once you have your totals:

Use an online siding calculator to check your math
Input total wall area, gables, and waste percentage
Select the correct siding material type for accurate estimates

Zablocki Roofing & Exteriors encourages homeowners to use these tools but also recommends a professional review to ensure precision.

Exterior Measurement Tips from the Pros

Measure twice before ordering to ensure accuracy
Sketch each wall and label all dimensions and features
Include every section, even small ones, as they can affect your order
Stay consistent by using the same unit of measurement throughout
Always prioritize safety when using ladders or working at height

These exterior measurement tips help you avoid common mistakes and prepare for a smoother project.

When to Call in the Experts

Some homes are too complex for basic measurements. Consider calling in professionals if:

Your home has more than one story or complex architectural details
You want guidance on materials or energy efficiency
You're short on time or unsure about your numbers

Zablocki Roofing & Exteriors provides free consultations and detailed assessments tailored to your home’s specific needs.

What to Do with Your Measurements

After your measurements are complete:

Review and double-check your calculations
Compare siding material options based on total square footage
Request contractor quotes using your consistent data
Begin planning your installation with confidence

Your accurate measurements are the foundation of a successful siding upgrade.

Plan Your Siding Project with Zablocki Roofing & Exteriors

Located in St. Cloud and proudly serving Central Minnesota, Zablocki Roofing & Exteriors brings 25 years of experience to every siding project. With a 10-year workmanship warranty and a reputation for expert service, our team is ready to help you measure, select, and install the perfect siding for your home.

Whether you're refreshing an older home or starting new, our local team is here to guide you through the process.

Ready to Upgrade Your Home’s Exterior?

Contact Zablocki Roofing & Exteriors today for a free, accurate siding estimate.

‍