How is the gross area of siding typically calculated?

Calculating the gross area of siding mainly involves measuring the exterior wall's length and height. This method is essential as it provides a straightforward way to determine the total surface area that needs to be covered by siding. By multiplying the wall's height by its length, you obtain the gross area, which is critical for estimating the amount of siding material needed for installation.

Other measurement methods, such as considering the total area of windows or relying solely on perimeter measurements, do not yield an accurate estimate of the siding area. Windows are typically subtracted from the gross wall area during the final calculation to ensure that the final figure reflects only the surface requiring siding. Therefore, focusing just on perimeter measurements or factoring in specific materials used does not directly relate to determining the gross area for siding, reinforcing why calculating from exterior wall dimensions is the most effective method.