What is Metal Siding and What Are the Benefits

The siding materials you choose for your home will impact your home’s protection. But it will also change your curb appeal. And the right siding choice can mean that you don’t have to go through siding replacement for several decades.

Metal siding has many great benefits, including outstanding durability, fire resistance and low maintenance.

If you’re considering this type of siding, we’ll outline more about what it is, your options and the benefits you’ll experience with choosing metal siding.

What Is Metal Siding?

Metal siding provides a popular, durable alternative to vinyl or wood. Generally, metal siding is made from steel or aluminum, both of which are fire-resistant and low maintenance.

This type of siding dates back to the 1940s, but it really started to grow in popularity in the 1980s. It provides a more sophisticated and glossier look than wood or simulated wood.

About Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding won’t rot, blister or rust. Termites cannot harm this type of siding, which is another great benefit of it. But aluminum can corrode, and it is susceptible to dents and scratches.

The look and style of this type of siding are similar to that of vinyl. When you care for your home well, aluminum siding can last for 40 years or even the entire lifetime of your home.

You can easily hose off your home and remove surface stains to keep your siding looking great. Plus, you can paint aluminum siding, which means you can do color touchups or do a full home refresh with a new coat of paint.

About Steel Siding

Much like aluminum siding, steel siding is impenetrable for insects and fire-resistant. But what you should know about steel siding is that it can rust and be scratched. You’ll find that this material is stronger than aluminum, which means it’s less likely to dent.

You can choose from a broad range of colors baked into the siding from the factory. And just like aluminum siding, steel siding comes in long strips and looks a great deal like vinyl siding. You can even choose steel siding that looks like a wood grain to get the appearance of a wood home without the maintenance.

Maintaining steel siding is simple. And if the color begins to show wear and scratches, you can prime the area and apply a fresh coat of paint to make it look great once again.

What Are the Benefits of Metal Siding?

Metal siding provides many great benefits, whether you’re evaluating it for your home or a commercial building. Here’s a look at what some of those benefits are so you can make an informed decision about how to side your building.

1. Eco-friendly

As far as siding materials go, metal siding is among the most eco-friendly options on the market. There are two big reasons that this siding is so eco-friendly.

First, it’s because you can use recycled steel to manufacture the siding and then the siding can be recycled when it’s no longer needed. Secondly, manufacturers don’t need to use any harmful chemicals, which means the manufacturing process does not leach pollution into the air.

Because it’s so low maintenance, you also won’t need to repaint or stain it like some other siding types, which is also better for the environment

2. Durability and Value

You’ll get great value out of steel siding. Your upfront costs will be higher, but thanks to a long and durable lifetime, the per-year expense of this siding is outstanding.

With such great durability, it also isn’t susceptible to insect and wildlife damage. This strong material stands up well to storms and tough conditions. Abrupt temperature changes won’t negatively impact the materials.

3. Holds Up Well in Different Areas of the Country

For businesses looking to create a consistent look for buildings across the country, metal siding is a great option because it holds up well in a variety of weather conditions. Whether you use metal siding in Seattle, Washington, or Boston, Massachusetts, you’ll see great results.

4. Excellent Soundproofing

Metal siding is thicker than other types of siding, which makes it more soundproof. Additionally, your siding contractor can insulate your siding easily to make it more temperature resistant too. Urban areas are a great place to use steel siding to reduce the noise from busy roadways and foot traffic.

Is Metal Siding Good for a House?

The most common place to see metal siding is on commercial buildings. But it’s a great material for homes too and manufacturers are producing great products for residential use. This includes an expanded color palette to choose from so you can choose the perfect exterior look for your home.

If you’re looking for a low-cost siding option, metal siding will not be the cheapest option for your home if you look only at the initial expense of the materials and installation. However, when you look at the lifetime and maintenance requirements of metal siding compared to other materials, the total cost of ownership is great.

The upfront cost will be higher, but the lifetime cost will be lower, which helps balance out the total cost of ownership.

Which is Better Vinyl or Metal Siding?

Metal siding beats vinyl siding on many fronts, including durability, moisture protection, and decreased likelihood to fade. But when evaluating siding options, you’ll need to factor in your budget and style preferences.

We cannot achieve all exterior style options using steel or aluminum siding. You might find that fiber cement siding provides the modern exterior look you’re going for.

You can easily touch up the paint on metal siding in a way you can’t with vinyl. And your metal siding will keep its glossy, stunning overall color for many years to come, while vinyl will start to fade with time.

How Long Will Metal Siding Last?

Steel and aluminum siding will last 50 years or more, according to Home Logic. You’ll need to care for it well, but when you do, it provides a stunning exterior for your home for many decades.

How Much Does It Cost to Put Metal Siding on a House?

Metal siding materials and labor cost about $5.66 to $9.79 per square foot with $7.72 being the national average. In comparison, vinyl siding with installation costs $4.55 to $8.20 per square foot, making metal siding a fairly comparable option for your home.

The cost of siding your home will vary based on your color and design choices as well as the manufacturer you choose for your materials. 2FL Windows, Siding & Roofing can make recommendations for the best products to fit your budget while still providing your home the protection it needs.

The best way to learn about the cost of siding installation for your home is to get a free estimate. During the estimate, you can discuss with our specialist your design goals and what type of siding you’d like. We’ll use that information to draft an accurate quote that same day. And if you like it, we can work with you to get your service scheduled.

Schedule your free estimate today to learn more about what siding might be right for you.

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