Whether you are building a new house or looking to replace what you currently have, choosing what siding to use is a big decision. If you look around a few of the neighborhoods in your local area, especially those with houses that were built over 30 years ago they will likely feature steel siding. Known for its durability and aesthetically pleasing design steel siding is one of the best values you can add to your home.
Steel Siding Styles
As steel siding evolves it has been designed to look and feel just like many natural elements such as wood, stone, and brick. Like most siding, steel siding is also available in shingles or board styles. This gives you a wide variety of shapes and configurations.
Corrugated Steel
Standing Seam
Metal Shingles and Wall Tiles
What Are The Benefits of Steel Siding?
Strength and Durability – Steel has been known for its durability for over 100 years. It has the strength to withstand baseballs, tree branches, rock from lawn movers, and a lot of life’s other surprises. It’s also great for places with unpredictable weather patterns as steel is resistant to large hailstones, windblown debris, and bitterly cold temperatures. It is also a great option as it doesn’t become weaker or brittle with age.
Requires Little Maintenance – Because of steel’s strengths, it requires very little maintenance as most accumulated dirt and debris can be washed away by rain, a hose, or a pressure washer.
Insect and Decay Resistance – Due to the fact that steel is an inorganic material it is resistant to decay. Another benefit is that rodents and insects are not attracted to it because they are unable to penetrate it.
Fire Resistance – Steel was made to be almost completely resistant to fire and heat. It will not catch fire or burn, and in most circumstances will not melt.
Color Retention – Unlike aluminum siding that will fade and become weathered after many years, steel will not fade. Its color will remain intact for decades.
What Are The Drawbacks?
Energy-Inefficient – Compared with non-metal sidings, such as engineered wood siding, fiber-cement siding, or vinyl siding, steel can easily transfer heat between the interior living area and that outside. This makes it very challenging to regular the heat, generating higher energy costs.
Corrosion or Rust – In the more humid climates where homes are exposed to moisture for long periods of time. Rust can become an issue. Once Steel siding begins to rust it can be very difficult to counter-act this issue. Once it begins it will leave your home susceptible to insects, moisture, or debris.
Expense – Steel siding is the most expensive upfront siding cost. However, it also lasts longer than any other siding. Steel siding has been known to last the entire lifetime of the house and usually comes with a 50-year warranty. Another benefit of enduring the steep upfront cost is the dramatic increase in your home’s value once you install steel siding.
Difficult Installation – Installing Steel siding is rarely a DIY project; it requires an experienced team of installers that have special and expensive tools that can cut the heavy and large pieces of steel. Steel siding is also not cut into small individual pieces like many other types of siding when you need to replace or repair a damaged piece of siding you will need to replace the entire metal sheet.
Picking the right type of siding for you can be one of the most important decisions to make when it comes to keeping your home safe. At Weather-Tite Exterior we are siding experts and can help you choose what type of siding is the right option for you and your home. Call us today for more information on steel siding or to request a quote.
Steel Frequently Asked Questions
Steel Siding can last anywhere from 20 to 40 years. It is one of the most durable and low maintenance products on the market.
You do not need to paint steel siding, but factory coating does have a tendency to chalk or erode which can lead to the fading of the color. At this time, you can paint your Steel siding but you will want to use a latex-bonding primer instead of a regular metal-paint primer.
