What are the Pros of Metal/Aluminum Siding?

On the plus side, both aluminum and steel siding is extremely durable. After installation, both of these types of metal siding require virtually no maintenance. Also, metal siding can increase the fire resistance of your home. This additional protection might be a significant advantage for homes located in the western States and Provinces, where extreme wildfires are becoming increasingly common. 

Aluminum siding has the added benefit that it simply will not rot, rust, or blister. Of course, both aluminum and steel siding is also resistant to termites and other pests. 

What Are The Differences Between Steel and Aluminum Siding?

Aluminum siding can dent or scratch easily, potentially leading to costly repairs. Steel siding is generally sturdier and more robust than aluminum siding. This feature allows it to resist dents and scratches better. However, when not properly taken care of, steel siding is prone to rust and corrosion. 

Another main difference between aluminum and steel siding is related to the ease of installation. Aluminum is generally much more lightweight than steel. This quality makes it easier to install and can often be done by homeowners with essential tools. The extra weight of steel siding will generally require professional help to install correctly. Steel siding may require additional sealants to protect from corrosion. 

What Does Metal Siding Look Like?

Both steel and aluminum siding panels are similar in appearance to vinyl siding. In many cases, you might not be able to tell the difference until you get close enough to touch the siding. Some manufacturers have also begun to make steel and aluminum siding that mimics the look of natural wood grains. Quality Edge, one of the leading manufacturers of steel siding, has a massive inventory of siding in dozens of different colors and versatile woodgrain appearances.  

Suppose you like the look of wood but prefer the durability of metal. In that case, you can also find metal siding that comes in 12-by-36 inch or 12-by-48 inch panels, made to look like natural cedar shakes. You can also find aluminum or steel siding manufactured in the typical board and batten style to mimic farmhouses or barndominiums.  

Where to Buy Metal Siding?

You should be able to find metal siding at most major home improvement stores. However, vinyl, composite, and wood siding are significantly easier to find at these retailers. If you cannot find what you are looking for at chain stores, there are several manufacturers you can find online. Three of the most popular metal siding companies online include: 

• Quality Edge: Their Vesta steel planking system offers a sleek aesthetic and weather-tight performance of shiplap. You can choose from eight interchangeable solid hues and four versatile and variegated wood grains. 
• McElroy Metal: This company also has an impressive variety of metal siding to choose from. Their website offers a helpful color chart and an interactive visualizer so you can envisage what the panels would look like in your own home. 
• Bridger Steel: This company makes recycled steel wall panels that meet the requirements of a LEED-certified project. Their cold-rolled steel can be composed of up to 50 percent recycled content.

What Home Styles Suit Metal Siding?

Because metal siding comes in a wide variety of colors, wood grains, and designs, it can be made to suit virtually any home. However, metal siding that mimics wood is a great option for barn-style houses. Solid color metal panels go well with modernist style homes that incorporate geometric architectural shapes.

Does Metal Siding Add an Insulation To Your Home?

Because of their thinness, neither metal nor aluminum siding offers any insulation capacity on their own. However, rigid foam insulation can be easily applied to the home's exterior before adding the siding. You can find aluminum and steel siding panels that come with a pre-applied, sprayed-on foam insulation backing.