Exterior & Structure Calculators

Exterior work protects your investment and defines your home's curb appeal. Whether you're replacing a roof, building a deck, or installing new siding, get precise material estimates before you start.

About Exterior & Structure Calculators

Exterior construction projects are among the most impactful investments a homeowner can make — a new roof, siding replacement, or deck addition significantly improves both protection and resale value. These projects also involve complex material estimates that depend on geometry: roof area scales with pitch factor, siding coverage accounts for exposure and overlap, and deck boards require waste allowances for end cuts and spacing.

Roofing is measured in "squares" — one square equals 100 sq ft of roof surface. Shingles are packaged in bundles, with three bundles making up one square for standard architectural shingles. The actual roof area is always larger than the house footprint because of the pitch, ranging from a 2% increase on a near-flat 2/12 pitch to a 41% increase on a steep 12/12 pitch.

Deck construction requires careful attention to joist span tables, beam sizing, and post footing requirements — all governed by the IRC building code. Pressure-treated lumber is required for all ground-contact and below-grade applications. Composite decking is priced per linear foot and typically requires hidden fasteners that add to material cost but create a cleaner finished surface.