Metal siding has long been used as a covering for houses thanks to its durability and aesthetic properties. Metal is often a preferable alternative to the standard vinyl, wood, or composite choices on the market.
If you’re considering metal siding options, this post is your comprehensive guide. We’ll explore the different types of metal siding, their pros and cons, and their cost. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision about the best type of metal siding for your home.
Why Choose Metal Siding
Metal siding is not just durable; it’s a long-term investment for your home. When installed correctly, it can last homeowners anywhere from 15 to 100 years, depending on the exact metal you choose. This longevity, coupled with its recyclability at the end of its life, enhances its eco credentials. In comparison, wooden siding is often sourced unsustainably, and vinyl and composite siding use non-recyclable plastic. So, while the initial cost of metal siding may be higher, its long lifespan and eco-friendliness make it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Metal siding is perfect for areas that experience drastic weather conditions. It can sustain high heat while reflecting sunlight and withstand even the harshest winters. In addition, metal siding is extremely low-maintenance and resistant to bugs, rot, pests, and even fire.
Now that you know more about the benefits of metal siding, let’s examine the types available to help you make the right choice for your home.
Types of Metal Siding
There are 5 main types of metal siding you can choose for your home. However, the most popular metal for siding for homes is galvanized steel. Galvanized steel has been used for many years for commercial uses; however, its strength and durability have made it an ideal material for metal siding options for domestic properties too. It is robust and resistant to sun damage, water, mildew, and fading. These factors, plus its durability and ability to be manipulated in different shapes, make it the top choice for metal sidings for homes. But it’s not the only choice.
Aluminium Siding
Aluminium siding has become a popular choice for homeowners looking to add siding to their homes. As far as durability goes, it is right up there with steel; however, it does have a few drawbacks, most notably its audible “ping” when the climate changes.
Aluminum siding, a popular choice for coastal homes or those in wetter climates, offers a unique set of benefits. Its ability to withstand constant moisture and sea salt and prevent mold growth or rot makes it an ideal choice for damp areas. Despite its drawbacks, such as the potential for noise and aesthetic issues over time, aluminum siding remains a durable and practical option for homeowners.
While these benefits trump other siding options, such as wood and vinyl, you don’t need to compromise on the aesthetic aspect of metal siding. Aluminum siding can be installed in both horizontal and vertical forms and is available in a range of different patterns and textures.
Despite these amazing benefits, some drawbacks, alongside the noise factor, of aluminum siding are that over time, it can lose its luster and become dull with an almost chalky appearance. On top of this, aluminum is also more prone to dents and scratches, meaning if anything is heavy enough to damage the siding, it will leave its mark.
Aluminium siding has a lifespan of around 50 years and costs from $3 to $18 per square foot.
Copper
Copper is one of the more expensive metal siding options you will find, as it is considered to be a high-end material. The reason is the cost of copper, its durability, and ROI. Copper is naturally one of the more malleable metals, making it ideal for shaping homes, and its stunning color can enhance the exterior of your home to no end. For instance, imagine a bay window adorned with copper siding or a small wall covered in this rich, vibrant material.
Copper’s durability as a siding option is a key selling point, and it’s directly related to the thickness of the metal. The thicker the copper, the more durable it becomes, ensuring a long-lasting investment for your home.
While the cost and color of copper siding can be intimidating, it’s essential to consider its benefits. Opting for copper in small areas, such as bay windows or smaller roofs, can help manage costs and prevent the vivid color from overwhelming the senses.
One major thing to bear in mind is that while copper siding can last you for around 100 years when installed properly and of greater thickness, over time, in certain climates, that reddish brown hue will oxidize, a natural process that can result in a green-hued appearance. This can add a unique charm to your home, bringing the property to life while offering protection. If this is not your preference, then you might be best off considering other options for your siding.
If you decide on copper for your metal siding, you can expect to pay around $20 to $35 per square foot; however, copper is more complex to fit, and while it does last 100-plus years, it offers a greater ROI than other types of metal siding. For comparison, aluminum siding typically costs around $3 to $18 per square foot, while steel siding can range from $4 to $16 per square foot.
Steel
Steel, once predominantly used for commercial buildings such as warehouses and barns, has now emerged as a popular choice for domestic siding. Its strength and durability are unmatched, and it can be a stunning addition to your home’s exterior. Steel siding can mimic the look of wood logs, for instance, and blend seamlessly with your home’s surroundings, ensuring it doesn’t feel like you’re living in a steel box.
While steel may not be the best choice for areas with high rainfall or coastal regions due to its susceptibility to rust, it offers a significant advantage in other aspects. Steel is highly resistant to fire and pests, making it an excellent option for homeowners in dryer climates. This resilience can provide a sense of security, knowing that your home is protected from potential threats.
If you’re seeking a more budget-friendly alternative to copper siding (steel siding comes in around $4 to $16 per square foot), steel siding could be the answer. With a lifespan of 50 years, it can be a cost-effective way to enhance your home’s appearance and protect its structure. However, it’s important to note that steel can rust if its protective coating is damaged, so regular maintenance is key to ensuring its longevity.
Tin
Tin, a highly affordable siding option, offers effective protection against hail and storm-related damage. It’s often used for accents or roofing due to its shorter lifespan and susceptibility to dents and rust over time. However, its affordability and unique aesthetic appeal make it a popular choice for homeowners.
When people choose tin siding, it’s because they want metal siding for a lower cost and are aware of its imitations, or they’re looking for a specific look for their home, and tin fits that need.
Tin is arguably one of the cheaper metal siding options, costing around $1 to $3 per square foot. Despite its low cost, it can be a great option if you don’t mind its short lifespan and tendency to become damaged more quickly than other options.
Zinc
From the affordable tin to the higher-end zinc, which is on par with copper in terms of cost, zinc is a nonferrous metal that’s extremely eco-friendly. It’s immune to corrosion and UV rays and is what is described as a ‘self-healing’ metal, meaning it can recover from scratches and damage over time. This durability and low-maintenance nature of zinc make it a long-lasting and cost-effective choice for homeowners.
Homeowners who opt for zinc metal siding can watch the metal change hues during its lifetime, which is an estimated 80 to 100 years. The metal will change from dark grey to a lighter gray/blue color, giving your home a distinctive appearance.
If you are happy with its color-changing properties and can afford its high-end cost of approximately $15 to $25 per square foot, zinc is the correct type of metal siding for your home.
As you’ve discovered, there are various pros and cons to the types of metal siding on the market for domestic use. From the affordable tin, which has a shorter lifespan but can be a cost-effective choice, to the more costly yet stunning copper and zinc, finding the right siding for your home depends on the environment you live in, the style of siding you want, and your budget. Understanding these factors empowers you to make an informed decision about metal siding options for your home.
Each metal has its qualities, and the more you know about what each one offers for your home, the more informed a decision you can make when it comes to metal siding options for your home.