AreaCalc Take-Off Tool

Calculating the areas of the building components (e.g. windows, doors, exterior walls) is easily the most time consuming step in energy code compliance. This process (usually referred to as a building take-off) can now be simplified by using a new tool called AreaCalc.

AreaCalc is packaged with the REScheck™ (formerly MECcheck) code compliance software for Windows. It can be accessed by selecting the AreaCalc Take-Off Tool from the Start button. A spreadsheet-like interface is used to calculate window, door, skylight, roof, wall, and floor areas. These areas can then be transferred directly into REScheck where the code compliance results for those assemblies can be displayed.

AreaCalc also allows you to construct a library of commonly used windows, skylights, and doors. Including a window, for example, is as easy as selecting the window from a menu and indicating how many windows of that type are to be installed. The areas of all windows are summed, and the total is displayed.

The input screen can be customized to display information such as window-to-wall ratio, gross/net wall area, and a variety of other totals. A window schedule can also be created using AreaCalc. Windows not needed for energy code compliance (e.g. garage windows) can be excluded for compliance purposes.

For more information on AreaCalc, see our AreaCalc FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).