Aluminum and Steel Metal Siding: A Complete Guide

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. 

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 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.  

How Long Does Metal Siding Last? 

With proper maintenance and care, metal siding can easily last for 50 years or more. You will most likely need to repaint your siding every 5-10 years, depending on the product's quality and its level of exposure to the elements. For comparison's sake, vinyl siding can last 50-60 years, while cedar siding can last up to 40 years with proper care. 

How to Seal Metal Siding? 

All metal siding (both aluminum and steel) will come with some sealant to better protect the metal from corrosion and rust. In the specific case of steel siding, most manufacturers will apply a thin coat of zinc (known as galvanizing the steel) to improve its rust resistance drastically. Many types of aluminum siding will be powder coated to increase the attractiveness of the panel. Powder coatings better adhere to the metal and add an extra layer of protection.  

After panel installation of your siding, you can use a simple caulking gun to seal small cracks where panels meet and around windows and doors. After the metal siding is up and sealed, the only real maintenance is to wash the siding gently once a year to remove dust and debris. Suppose you notice that your siding is beginning to rust. In that case, you can use a metal wire brush to remove the rust and then paint with a rust-inhibitive primer before restoring the original color. 

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.