The siding on your home faces a lot: wind, rain, snow, and sometimes hail. Siding needs to be tough, durable, and most of all, look good! With a variety of different siding materials out there, it may be hard to decide which is best for your home.
Metal siding is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners everywhere, and for good reason. With its strength, ability to last a long time, low maintenance, and many different styles, homeowners are turning to residential steel siding to make a big impact on their home.
If you’re considering redoing the siding on your house, or if you’re looking to add siding to a new build, here’s everything you need to know about residential metal siding.
What are the Pros of Residential Metal Siding?
- Durability: Residential Steel Siding is strong and extremely durable. It easily acclimates to any weather conditions, and resists cracking, warping, and corroding. Its ability to withstand tough weather like high-speed winds and heavy thunderstorms make residential steel siding one of the toughest materials on the market.
- Low Maintenance: Maintenance on any part of your home usually equals draining your savings and your time. Unlike other residential siding materials, metal requires very little maintenance. Residential steel siding doesn’t absorb heat or moisture unlike other materials, therefore there is no mold or fungus growth, or need to clean your siding annually. Just install and enjoy!
- Energy Efficient: Much like metal roofs, residential metal siding is energy efficient. It is able to divert the sun’s UV rays away from your home due to its reflective properties. This helps homeowners save money on energy bills.
- Style: Residential metal siding has come a long way. With tons of color and style options, you can find a metal siding option that works with your home’s aesthetic. Since metal can last for over 50 years, you’ll want to make sure you choose a siding option that is visually appealing too!
- Pests Hate It: If you’ve ever had a pest problem, you know they love to hide under siding. Unlike other materials like wood, residential steel siding is unattractive to pests like termites. You can avoid spraying for pests with metal siding.
What are the Cons of Residential Metal Siding?
- Dents: Depending on the metal material and thickness you choose, metal siding may be more susceptible to dents. If you choose a thinner gauge material for your residential steel siding, denting may occur, so it's recommended that you use a thicker gauge to avoid this issue. (The gauge of steel is the thickness, therefore the thicker the gauge, the more strength the panel will have.)
- Higher Upfront Cost: Although metal siding may cost a bit more upfront compared to other materials, many homeowners find the investment to be well worth it. Since it’s strong, requires little maintenance, and lasts a long time, the upfront cost is usually only a minor drawback for most!
- Replacement: If one part of your residential metal siding needs replaced, it can sometimes be difficult. Mainly due to metal’s ability to change color, it can be a little tricky to exactly match a replacement panel.
Corrugated metal siding is a popular siding choice for all kinds of homes across the country. With four different profiles, using corrugated metal for siding is now easier than ever before!
Standing Seam Metal Siding
Standing Seam siding has crisp, clean lines that make it a favorite among homeowners. It requires very little maintenance, is secured together with raised, interlocking systems for weather tightness, and creates a seamless, modern look. This residential steel siding comes in many different forms, like Tru Snap or Nail Strip, which means there’s a style that fits any homeowner’s design tastes.
Batten Steel Siding
Batten panel metal siding creates a more traditional look that comes together beautifully with hidden fasteners, meaning the look is clean and uninterrupted. Batten metal siding is usually used by homeowners that are aiming for a more traditional look, however, the look of the wide, flat panels are becoming more popular in contemporary designs. Their bold rib designs are a big reason why so many homeowners are choosing Batten for their Residential Steel Siding.
Box Rib Metal Siding
The strong, bold lines that Box Rib metal siding creates makes it an easy choice among homeowners who are looking for an option that’s both strong and aesthetically pleasing. Box rib siding uses a box-shaped pattern and exposed fasteners, which makes installation easy. Their unique look will make your home stand out.
All Purpose Steel Siding
DIYers are always attracted to All Purpose metal siding because of how easy it is to install. All purpose panels are designed to last a long time, stand up to harsh weather conditions, and with the many different styles, they can easily adapt to the design of your home. These panels are the perfect choice for residential steel siding.
Flat Metal Siding
Flat metal siding creates a flush, modern look that draws the eye. These metal panels create lines that are crisp and clean. With Shiplap, V Groove, and custom flat options, these panels are able to create multiple different looks. Whether you love the classic shiplap look or you’re looking for a wood plank appearance, flat metal siding is a great way to add depth and a modern touch to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Steel Siding
If you’re considering metal as your residential siding material, you may have a few questions. Here are the most frequently asked questions about residential metal siding:
1. Is Metal Siding Fireproof?
While metal siding proves to be one of the most fire-resistant options on the market, it is not 100% fireproof. It does not ignite or spread fire, but depending on how long and how hot the fire burns, it can be damaged. As a non-combustible material, it is one of the best choices to resist fire up to a certain point.
2. Is Residential Metal Siding Hard to Clean?
Unlike materials like vinyl, metal siding is extremely easy to clean (and only requires a good, bi-annual cleaning!). A good rinse with a power washer can clean most dirt away, but if your siding is extra dirty, you can follow these 5 simple steps to clean your metal siding. It’s easy - we promise!
3. Can You Paint Steel Siding?
Although the answer is technically yes, metal siding can be painted, we do not recommend it. Painting your metal siding voids any warranty you had in place. The only exception to this is Bonderized metal, which is designed to be painted. Bridger Steel specializes in custom colors, so if you’re looking for a very unique or specific color, we can make it happen. This usually takes a little longer to organize, but is well worth it to see your vision become a reality!
4. Does Metal Siding Attract Lightning?
This is a very common misconception about both metal roofs and metal siding. Since metal is a non-combustible material and a conductor of electricity, it’s not anymore susceptible to lightning strikes than other materials. When lightning strikes, it searches for the path of least resistance — meaning it’s more attracted to whatever’s closest to the sky, rather than the material. Read more about this metal myth here.
5. How Difficult is Steel Siding Installation?
When it comes to metal siding installation, the difficulty level depends on your level of experience and the type of panel you choose. Exposed fastener metal siding can be a bit easier and more DIY friendly compared to concealed fastener systems. If you've worked with metal siding installation before, using panels like Corrugated or All Purpose can be relatively easy. However, if you've never done any metal siding installation, we highly recommend looking into hiring a professional. That way, you take all the guesswork out of your metal siding installation!
By offering homeowners long lasting material, the ability to withstand harsh weather, and look amazing while doing it, metal siding is becoming an increasingly popular choice for residential siding materials.
If you have questions about how residential metal siding can improve your home, get in touch with our team at Bridger Steel. We can match you to the perfect color, style and material needed for your metal siding project.
Topics: Metal Siding, residential, Home Advice
Ken Lerner
Just breaking ground on a new home. Architect
Specd gavalume corrugated metal siding to meet our low maintenance & contemporary home style.
Saw pic of corrugated metal on Internet and not excited. Before giving up on metal (our builder has not used metal) we thought we’d reach out to learn more.
Kaylee Beattie
Hi Ken! We'd love to chat with you more about the benefits of metal and give you some product recommendations. Please call 1-833-STEEL-US or reach out to us via the Contact Us button in the upper righthand corner of the page. Thanks!
Jim Drouillard
How do you trim out metal siding? How is the siding attached? How is the thermal expansion treated?
Kaylee Beattie
Hi Jim! The trim and attachment methods all depend on the style of metal panel you choose. As far as thermal expansion/contraction, we offer floating and slider clips to help the panels "breathe." If you have a project you'd like some more specific answers on, please reach out to us via the Contact Us button in the upper right hand corner, or call 1-833-STEEL-US.
William Anderson
Just getting started on a new build and wasn’t to use metal roofing and siding. What about soffit and facia products?
Kaylee Beattie
Hi William! We'd love to get some more details about your project so we can suggest the best soffit & fascia products. Give us a call at 1-833-783-3587 or select the Contact Us button in the upper righthand corner. Thanks!
Mary Frederick
Very interested for siding our home out in the country. We would not be doing a DIY project but would be hiring expert installers.
Jack knorr
If I use metal vertical siding, can I install directly onto the wall studs and eliminate the sheeting?
If so, will the metal add stability to the walls
Kaylee Beattie
Hi Jack! We do produce certain panels that have the ability to span, or have a span rating. Specifically for walls, our 7/8” Corrugated & our 7.2 Structural panels are the best options. If you want to use some of our other options, like Standing Seam, you will have to sheet the wall. For more information & details, you can contact a Product Specialist by selecting "Contact Us" in the upper right hand corner, or calling 1-833-STEEL-US. Thank you!
Bryan Luke
Im looking for metal siding that has a wood look to it.
Im in honolulu, HI
Please let me know where to look for these products.
Currently have masonlite to be replaced.
aloha
Bryan Luke
808 594-3135
Kaylee Beattie
Hi there! We have some amazing metal panel products that replicate the look of wood. The great thing about them is that they'll provide the strength of steel that you need with the aesthetic of wood that you want! Browse through our Charred Wood, Weathered Wood, and other finishes here: #textures . If you're ready to talk to a team member about one of these products, give us a call at 1-833-STEEL-US!
Paulita Pomales-Dawson
I recently purchased a home in Ohio. The home appears to have vinyl siding and it is in bad condition along with the gutters and down spouts . I am interested in replacing it along with replacing the shingle roof with steel siding and steel roof. The house is ranch style, has a breezeway, and a 2 car garage.
Do you service Ohio? If so, can you refer me to local contractors that use your product? Also, need assistance in design & product options for a ranch style home. Regards, Paula P. Dawson
Kaylee Beattie
Hi there Paulita! Congrats on your new home and we'd be happy to assist you. Please give our National team a call at 1-833-783-3587. We can help you with product selections, design recommendations and more. We look forward to hearing from you. Thanks!
James ALCOTT
I have a rustic cabin sided with thick rough cut lumber vertical (I think they meant for battens to be installed but they never did. Can I just attach horizontal purlins and hang metal siding? Would house wrap on purlins trap moisture and cause wood underneath to rot?
Kaylee Beattie
Hi James, great question! Our team will always recommend that you tear off and completely remove any old material before installing new. This is for a variety of reasons such as catching any underlying issues, avoiding voiding your warranties, and to answer your question, yes, to avoid getting moisture trapped underneath the new material. You can read more about the reasoning and pros & cons of doing this on our blog "Roof Overlay Vs. Tear Off: Which Should You Do?" as the same rules will apply to siding as they would roofing. If you have anymore questions, please reach out to us at 1-833-783-3587.
Damon Roundtree
Can you provide a price for siding for this project?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vvgdvxpcwhdoz0g/RESIDENTIAL%20option%202%20P-2%20%2011-15-2021.pdf?dl=0
Kaylee Beattie
Hi there, Damon! We would be happy to give you prices on our products. Please give us a call at 1-833-783-3587 or fill out our Get a Quote form. Thank you!