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RHAD Architects
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What Is Metal Siding?

Metal siding is an exterior cladding alternative that appeals to many homeowners because of its ease of installation, durability, and superior protection from the elements. Metal siding for homes is either made from aluminum or steel, both of which have specific advantages and drawbacks. Both aluminum and steel siding first appeared as commercially available products around the 1940s. However, the "metallic" roof-like appearance of the unfinished metals was not appealing to many homeowners. In the 1980s, manufacturers began experimenting with embossed coatings to the metal. These coatings helped prevent rust and allowed the siding design to simulate the appearance of natural wood. 

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What are the Cons of Metal/Aluminum Siding?

On the downside, both aluminum and steel siding have incredibly high energy footprints. Manufactured metals have one of the highest embodied energy ratings of all building materials. This only increases if long-distance shipping is also required. However, homeowners can reduce this negative environmental factor by opting for metal siding products that incorporate large amounts of recycled material.  

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Tobias Roberts

Rise Writer

Expert. Practical. Sustainable.

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Tobias Roberts

Tobias runs an agroecology farm and a natural building collective in the mountains of El Salvador. He specializes in earthen construction methods and uses permaculture design methods to integrate structures into the sustainability of the landscape.

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