Streamline Vinyl Siding Estimates with This Helpful Guide

Accurate estimates are crucial for exterior contractors to maintain project profitability and client satisfaction. Underestimating can lead to cost or time overruns, while overestimating can result in lost bids. This vinyl siding accessory and panel estimate guide is designed to offer a valuable starting point for your unique project needs and help estimate products from the Ply Gem portfolio.

Estimating Siding Panel Quantities

Siding quantities are typically measured in squares, where one square equals 10 feet by 10 feet, or 100 square feet. To determine the number of individual panels needed, you need to consider the face width of the specific siding profile you plan to use.

Consult Ply Gem brand spec guides for the number of siding pieces required to cover one square. Here are some examples:

• Vertical siding (7″ Board & Batten): 17 panels = 1 square
• Double 4″ siding: 12 pieces = 1 square
• Double 5″ siding: 10 pieces = 1 square
• Double 4-1/2″ siding: 11 pieces = 1 square

3 Steps to Calculate the Number of Siding Panels Needed

1. Determine the total square footage of the walls to be sided.
2. Divide the total square footage by 100 to find the total number of squares.
3. Multiply the total number of squares by the number of pieces per square for your chosen siding profile.

Estimating Exterior Home Accessories

The Ply Gem brand estimate guide provides per-square values to simplify your accessory calculations. To determine the estimated quantity of each accessory, simply multiply the total number of siding squares by the corresponding factor.

Vinyl Siding Accessory Factors

For example, if your project requires 25 squares of siding:

• Starter Strip: 25 squares × 0.8 = 20 pieces of starter strip.
• “J” Channel: 25 squares × 2.0 = 50 pieces of “J” channel.
• Outside Corner Post: 25 squares × 0.2 = 5 pieces of outside corner posts.
• Utility Trim: 25 squares × 0.5 = 12.5 pieces of utility trim. Round up to 13 pieces.
• Inside Corner Post: 25 squares × 0.1 = 2.5 pieces. This suggests needing around three pieces. However, many homes may not require inside corner posts. As an alternative, consider substituting an inside corner with two pieces of “J” channel.
• Finish Trim: 25 squares × 2 pieces/square = 50 pieces of 12-foot finish trim. For every 100 square feet — or one square — of siding, you’ll typically need two pieces of 12-foot finish trim.
• Soffit Channel: 25 squares × 0.8 = 20 pieces of soffit channel.
• Nails: A general guideline is 1/3 pound of nails per square of siding. For a more precise estimate, use these formulas based on the total square footage of siding:
  • Aluminum Nails: Total square feet × 0.005 = Estimated pounds required.
    25 squares × 100 = 2,500 square feet.
    2,500 square feet × 0.005 = 12.5 pounds.
  • Roofing Nails, Staples and Screws: Total square feet × 0.01 = Estimated pounds required.
    25 squares × 100 = 2,500 square feet.
    2,500 square feet × 0.01 = 25 pounds.

Remember that installation is unique to each crew, and a crew’s efficiency in minimizing scrap can significantly affect material usage. These formulas are rules of thumb and should not be considered an exact estimation for any specific job. Factors such as complex architectural features, window and door openings, and the cutting preferences of your installation team will influence the final quantities needed.

Use this guide as a starting point and adjust your estimates based on your team’s experience and the specific complexities of each project. By understanding these fundamental estimation principles, you can improve your bidding accuracy and material ordering processes, ultimately contributing to smoother and more profitable vinyl siding projects.

Check out this siding estimation tool that provides simple calculations for estimating exterior home accessories.

Create Your Vision

From durable, beautiful, low-maintenance vinyl siding to all the finishing touches, the Ply Gem Portfolio of Brands has everything you need to create lasting curb appeal. Explore the options at PlyGem.com.