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Metal siding, once confined to commercial and industrial applications, has now gracefully transitioned into the residential scene. Professionals and homeowners have come to appreciate its qualities, making it a popular choice for many exterior designs.
At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, we’ve created this guide for homeowners to shed light on the exceptional features, styles, and pros and cons that come with this exciting siding option.
Pros and Cons of Metal Siding: Enhancing Your Home with Confidence
Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and considerations that come with embracing metal panels for your home’s exterior siding.
Pros
Metal panel siding comes with benefits that aren’t common in other traditional siding materials, such as wood and vinyl.
1. Longevity: An Incredible Lifespan
With a lifespan spanning 40 to 60 years or more, metal panels offer a sense of longevity that is unparalleled. Plus, this siding will never compromise on resilience, even after all those years.
2. Low Maintenance: More Leisure Time
Imagine spending more time enjoying your home and less time worrying about its upkeep. Robust metal can bring this vision to life. Unlike some other materials, it requires minimal maintenance, allowing you to relax instead of laboring over your home.
3. Versatility in Design: Tailored to Your Taste
Your home should reflect your personal style, and metal panel siding is the versatile option you’ve been looking for. The vast range of styles and finishes available ensures that you can tailor the look of your home precisely to your aesthetic taste. From modern chic to timeless elegance, there is an option for everyone.
4. Sustainable Choice: A Greener Path
In an era where sustainability is important to most homeowners, metal siding shines bright. This siding choice is environmentally conscious, as metals are highly recyclable. By opting for this eco-friendly alternative, you’re not just investing in your home but also in a greener future.
5. Weather Resistance: Defying the Elements
Nature can be unpredictable, but sturdy metals stand strong against all types of weather. Whether it’s relentless rain, heavy snow, or hail, your home remains secure and beautiful amidst the elements.
Cons
Along with these impressive benefits, you should also know about the potential concerns of this siding choice.
1. Initial Cost: A Wise Investment
The upfront cost can be higher compared to traditional materials. On average, installing metal siding costs between $8 to $10 per square foot. However, it’s important to view this as a wise investment. Over the years, the longevity and durability of these materials significantly offset the initial expense, proving that quality is worth every penny.
2. Denting: A Cosmetic Concern
Metal panels, while incredibly durable, can bear marks if struck with significant force. These marks, though, are a cosmetic concern and will most likely not impact the effectiveness of the siding. With thick panels and corrugated designs, this concern is minimized.
3. Installation Complexity: Not DIY Friendly
Metal siding installation generally requires specialized skills, adding a layer of complexity to the process. However, partnering with a seasoned siding contractor in your area ensures a smooth and efficient installation, giving you peace of mind and boosting home value.
4. Susceptibility to Corrosion: The Importance of Care
Without proper maintenance, certain types of metal panels can be susceptible to corrosion and visible dents. Yet, with durable panels and proper maintenance, this concern is easily mitigated, allowing your siding to maintain its integrity and beauty over the years.
A metal exterior isn’t just a functional option, it can look great too, as this siding offers an abundance of materials and designs.
Exploring Materials and Designs: Unveiling the Beauty of Metal Exteriors
As we go over some of the materials and designs available, you’ll discover how these choices not only enhance aesthetics but also ensure the durability of your metal siding.
Types of Metal Used For Siding
Galvanized steel is the most popular metal used to make siding panels, followed by aluminum.
1. Galvanized Steel: Strength Meets Elegance
Galvanized steel is steel protected with a coating of zinc, a corrosion resistant metal. With its inherent strength and timeless allure, galvanized steel stands as a cornerstone in the house siding market. It embodies a perfect blend of durability and elegance, giving your home a lasting sophistication that turns heads for years to come.
2. Aluminum: Lightweight and Durable
Imagine a material that is not only strong, but also lightweight and resistant to rust. That’s the essence of aluminum siding. Its sleek appearance adds a luxurious touch to your home, making it a favorite amongst those seeking a contemporary, low maintenance exterior.
3. Copper: Ages With Grace
Copper siding is a deluxe option, with its natural color and aging patina giving your home a sense of grandeur and tradition. While it is a premium choice, the strength and beauty it lends to your home are unparalleled, making a statement of sophistication that will keep on increasing your home’s value.
4. Tin: A Classic Choice
Much like copper, tin develops an appealing patina over time, shifting from shiny silver to various shades of gray, enhancing the siding’s appearance. Tin’s durability and malleability make it a classic choice in construction, as it is suitable for both roofing and siding. Beyond its vintage elegance, tin aligns with modern sustainability goals, making it a preferred material in contemporary architecture.
Exterior Metal Siding Styles
Let’s dive into some of the design possibilities with metal panels:
1. Board and Batten Siding: Stand Out With Vertical Siding
Metal board and batten siding exudes a sense of grace, adding an architectural dimension to your home, as the vertical panels can make your home seem larger. This is a classic yet unique choice for homes, as most siding styles are horizontal.
2. Metal Lap Siding: A Sleek Finish
The beauty of this design lies in its seamless, horizontal orientation, providing a polished, elegant look. The term “lap” refers to the way the panels overlap during installation, creating a cohesive and smooth surface. This overlap not only enhances the visual appeal but also offers functional benefits, including added weather resistance and protection against moisture.
3. Shingles or Shakes: Rustic Charm Reimagined
The look of wooden shingles or shakes, traditionally associated with wood, is also available in metal forms. This design choice brings a hint of rustic charm to your home, all while preserving the durability and low maintenance characteristics of your chosen metal.
The beauty lies in the versatility and adaptability that metals offer, allowing you to create the exterior of your dreams. Also, remember that metal siding isn’t just about enhancing your home, it’s a smart financial choice, too. Homeowners choose metal, not only for its longevity and versatility, but for the tax incentives and the potential insurance savings it offers.
However, before making a final choice, you should also compare it with other types of house siding materials, such as fiber cement.
If you are looking to upgrade your house siding in Pennsylvania, let us help you bring your vision to life.
Discuss Custom Metal Siding Installation with Our Experts in Pennsylvania
At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, we understand the significance of securing your home with the finest exterior solutions. Our extensive experience in Pennsylvania equips us with unparalleled knowledge of local architecture and weather challenges. With a commitment to top tier craftsmanship and utilizing industry leading materials, we stand prepared to transform your vision of a perfect home into a reality. Discover the blend of durability and aesthetic appeal that your home deserves. Reach out to us at (412) 353-5660 for a free consultation on your house siding project in Pennsylvania.
