You’re considering giving your home a fresh look with new siding. Maybe you’ve heard some buzz about metal siding and want to learn more. Whether you are picturing sleek, modern panels or rustic, corrugated sheets, there’s a lot to consider when weighing the metal siding pros and cons. Let’s walk through the good, the bad, and everything in between so you can confidently decide if metal siding is the right fit for your home.
Advantages Of Metal Siding
First up, let’s look at why metal siding is a popular choice for a siding option. Here’s a breakdown of some of its key advantages:
Exceptional Durability
Metal siding is a champion for standing up to the elements. It won’t rot like wood siding or crack like vinyl siding. Metal siding can withstand strong winds, heavy rain, and even hailstorms. A properly installed metal siding system can easily last 40-60 years.
Low Maintenance Requirements
Tired of constantly repainting, scraping, and treating your siding? This is where the beauty of metal siding shines through. Aside from the occasional wash to remove dirt and debris, it requires minimal maintenance. Unlike wood siding, metal doesn’t need to be treated for pests or rot. Metal siding truly gives you freedom to spend more time enjoying your home and less time maintaining it.
Fire Resistant Qualities
If you live in an area prone to wildfires, metal siding provides valuable peace of mind. Because it’s non-combustible, it can serve as an added layer of protection for your home. While it can’t make your home entirely fireproof, it significantly reduces the risk of exterior flames.
Impressive Aesthetic Appeal
Let’s be real, curb appeal matters. You want a siding type that protects your home and makes a statement. Metal siding comes in a stunning array of colors, styles, and finishes to compliment any architectural style, giving homeowners endless design flexibility.
Whether you want a contemporary feel with your wall panels or something with more rustic charm, metal siding can bring your vision to life. Some metal siding can even mimic wood, so you can get that warm wood aesthetic without the drawbacks of traditional wood.
Energy-Efficiency
Thinking about those energy bills? Well, metal siding with proper insulation can help regulate your home’s temperature and keep those costs down. It reflects heat away from your home in the summer and helps insulate it in the winter.
Although adding insulation beneath the siding is necessary, this combo delivers notable energy savings over time, which is attractive to homeowners.
Metal Siding Drawbacks: What You Need To Know
While metal siding boasts numerous advantages, it’s crucial to understand its limitations. As with any siding materials, there are some potential downsides, which we’ll discuss here:
Higher Initial Cost
Metal siding can be more expensive upfront than other options, like vinyl siding. However, this long-lasting product might save you money in the long run.
Since it can last for decades, metal siding is often more cost-effective over its lifespan compared to siding that needs replacing more often. This means metal siding is less of an expense and more of an investment.
Susceptibility To Denting
While metal siding is incredibly durable, it’s not indestructible. Depending on the gauge of the metal, dents from hailstorms, fallen tree limbs, or even accidental bumps are a real possibility.
Don’t let that discourage you, there are ways to lessen this risk. Selecting a lower-gauge (meaning thicker) metal siding or panels with reinforced ribs will offer more protection. You can even get warranties that offer protection from denting.
Noise Factor During Storms
It’s something to consider: rain and hail can sound a bit louder with metal siding than with other building materials. But guess what? Many homeowners report that with proper insulation and installation, the noise is significantly minimized.
You may need to spend more on better installation, and a layer of insulation underneath can act as a noise buffer, too. Many find that the other advantages outweigh any minimal sound concerns.
Potential For Rust In Coastal Areas
Standard steel siding panels aren’t the best choice for coastal living because they can be vulnerable to rust in the salty air. However, for oceanfront homes, look for siding made of aluminum, copper, or even galvanized steel that offer more protection from saltwater corrosion.
In the end, you’ll want to select the material most suitable for the location and conditions your siding will be facing.
Choosing the Right Gauge for Your Metal Siding
When it comes to metal siding installation, one crucial decision is selecting the proper gauge. The gauge measures the thickness of the metal—the lower the gauge number, the thicker and heavier the panel. Metal siding typically comes in gauges ranging from 29 to 22, each offering varying levels of durability and dent resistance.
Lower gauge numbers signify greater thickness and strength. If you’re aiming for the utmost resistance to impacts and denting, going with a lower gauge, such as 24-gauge, would be a smart move.
A higher gauge, such as a 26 or 29-gauge, might be a good option if cost-effectiveness is your main priority. However, remember that thicker panels generally cost more due to increased material use.
Think about the following factors to select the ideal gauge:
- Climate Considerations: Do you live in an area that sees frequent hailstorms? In that case, opt for a lower gauge to better withstand potential impacts. A higher gauge is perfectly suitable if your location is mild in weather extremes.
- Desired Longevity: Do you plan on staying in your home for a long time and want a long-lasting product? A lower-gauge panel can give you greater confidence in the durability and longevity of your siding.
- Aesthetic Preferences: Keep in mind, thinner panels may exhibit more oil canning, an effect of wavy or buckling appearance. Thicker panels are generally flatter and tend to have a smoother overall look. However, these aesthetics don’t impact structural integrity or performance. Some even embrace a touch of oil canning for its distinctive, textured look.
To see and compare the different gauge options available and see how they fit with your budget and needs, talking with a reputable metal siding supplier or installer is advisable. Getting the guidance of an experienced professional will help you make a smart and informed decision.
FAQs About Metal Siding
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about metal siding to provide additional insights and address any lingering uncertainties you may have:
Is Metal Siding Difficult To Install?
Installing metal siding can be a more complex task than installing other types of siding. This is because proper handling of the material and precision cutting is required.
For best results, hiring a qualified professional for your siding installation is recommended to ensure the panels are correctly installed and any challenges are addressed effectively. They have the tools, expertise, and safety equipment to tackle the job smoothly, providing you with a durable and visually appealing finished product.
Can You Put Metal Siding Over Existing Siding?
Sometimes yes, it’s possible to put metal siding over existing siding. It depends on the condition of your existing siding. It must provide a structurally sound and stable base for the metal siding. In most cases, rotted or damaged siding needs to be replaced first.
For a professional to assess your specific situation and give advice on whether installing metal over existing siding is a viable option, they’d need to inspect the surface and make sure it is clean, flat and free from issues.
How Often Does Metal Siding Need to Be Painted?
The great thing is that properly coated metal siding typically boasts long-lasting color that can last for 20-30 years without needing to be repainted. High-quality paint finishes used for metal siding are formulated to provide superior UV and fade resistance, which maintains the siding’s vibrant appearance.
This makes metal siding a truly minimal maintenance option, saving you money, time, and effort in the long run. Regular cleaning with a simple hose down will help maintain its look over the years.
Does Metal Siding Increase a Home’s Value?
Metal siding does increase a home’s value. This is because it is a long-lasting, energy-efficient option with excellent curb appeal. It not only provides a desirable visual upgrade but also protects the structure from weather conditions.
This is a combination that is highly attractive to buyers, signaling lower maintenance costs and potential energy savings down the line. As a result, it often gives sellers a higher asking price and may even attract buyers who appreciate the strength and durability it represents.
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect siding is a big step for any homeowner, as it significantly impacts your home’s visual appeal, maintenance needs, and even energy costs. After learning about all the metal siding pros and cons, you may decide it is the right choice for your home.
We covered metal siding’s long lifespan, its resistance to damage, its variety of looks and colors, and its ability to help with energy savings. These advantages make metal siding an option that makes many homeowners very happy with their homes for years to come.
