1. What is Exterior Square Footage?

Exterior square footage measures the total surface area of a home's exterior walls. It's calculated by multiplying the perimeter by height and subtracting areas of openings like windows and doors.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Perimeter \) — Total length around the house (ft)
• \( Height \) — Height of exterior walls (ft)
• \( Openings \) — Total area of windows and doors (sq ft)

Explanation: This calculation gives the paintable or siding-required area of a home's exterior.

3. Importance of Exterior Square Footage

Details: Knowing exterior square footage is essential for estimating paint requirements, siding materials, insulation needs, and construction costs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure the perimeter by walking around the house. Measure height from foundation to eaves. For openings, calculate window/door areas and sum them.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I measure perimeter accurately?
A: Use a measuring wheel for best results. For irregular shapes, break into rectangular sections.

Q2: Should I include gable ends in height?
A: For painting calculations, include gable areas separately. For siding, measure wall height only.

Q3: What about irregular wall surfaces?
A: For textured surfaces (like stone), add 10-15% to account for additional surface area.

Q4: How accurate should opening measurements be?
A: Measure each window/door individually. Standard sizes can be used for estimates but actual measurements are better.

Q5: Does this work for multi-story homes?
A: Yes, calculate each floor separately (using appropriate heights) and sum the results.