Siding protects the exterior of a home while giving it the appearance and style that completes its look. So, it’s no wonder that many homeowners go in search of siding materials that are durable, low maintenance, and attractive – something that will last for years, providing the best value possible for the home.
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of metal siding and offer an alternative that might be perfect for your home’s exterior. Let’s get started!
3 Pros of Metal Siding
You might be wondering: is metal siding good for your home? Steel metal siding has gained popularity for its various advantages. However, while it offers some benefits, it’s essential to weigh these against the disadvantages of metal siding before making a decision. Here are three advantages of metal siding.
1. Durability
Metal is known for its durability, standing up well against fire, insects, and rot. It’s a material that can withstand various environmental conditions better than wood. However, you might be wondering: how long does steel siding last? Or maybe you’re thinking less specifically about all metal siding, so the question should be: how long does metal siding last?
It’s important to remember that other factors, such as rust and dents, can compromise its longevity despite its apparent durability. While metal siding does have a long life span that spans several decades, there are problems that can arise to complicate that estimate.
2. Recyclability
One of the eco-friendly aspects of steel siding is that it is fully recyclable. At the end of its life cycle, the material can be reused, reducing the environmental impact. This is a definite plus in the metal siding pros and cons, but it doesn’t necessarily outweigh the practical disadvantages of metal siding in daily use.
3. Low Maintenance (at a Glance)
At first glance, steel siding appears to be low maintenance. It doesn’t require painting or sealing like wood siding, and it’s resistant to many of the issues that plague other materials. However, as you delve deeper, you’ll find that maintaining its appearance and integrity can become more challenging over time.
9 Problems with Metal Siding
Steel siding is one material that has been gaining interest from homeowners who have discovered that vinyl and wood aren’t necessarily the best way to go. Unfortunately, steel siding has several major problems that make it nearly as bad a choice. Here are nine disadvantages of metal siding.
1. Maintenance
One of the reasons that people tend to choose materials other than wood for their siding needs is the attraction to a lower-maintenance product. Wood tends to peel, rot, and warp, and it is vulnerable to issues like insect infestations. Steel does not have these problems, which, on the surface, makes it seem like a better material.
Unfortunately, steel isn’t as truly low maintenance as it seems. Like all metals, steel siding tends to fade over time. This makes the color fade to a chalky appearance. Plus, it will actually rub away from the siding and onto your hands or clothes if you brush up too close to it. The only way to remedy this problem is to put a vinyl-type coating over the steel to protect the finish.
2. Durability
While it’s true that steel is more durable than wood, it still can’t be considered a truly durable and long-lasting product when used in this area of the home. Like all types of steel, this siding does have the ability to rust, particularly if the finish has been scratched or left unpainted for too long. Once the steel begins to rust, it can easily discolor, and its integrity is compromised.
Steel siding may also dent upon impact. While it isn’t quite as dent-prone as aluminum, a stray baseball or some good-sized hailstones can leave the siding with some unsightly marks. The installation is designed to reduce the appearance of flaws in the structure of the home, but it also means that if the siding becomes damaged, the damage is much more apparent than it would be otherwise.
3. Installation
Steel is heavy. It’s one of the heaviest materials available that you can use on the exterior of your home, which in turn means it’s also difficult and expensive to install. Special equipment is needed for cutting and attaching the siding, and it often takes longer to install due to its weight.
Needing special equipment means that your home will take longer to complete, and you’ll be paying for the added time in both labor and temporarily lowered home value while you wait for its completion. It’s also more difficult to find installers who work with steel, which can also increase your costs and timeline.
4. Insulation Problems
Metal is a poor insulator, both from heat and from sound. Many homeowners with metal sidings, including steel, complain of hearing more noise from the outdoors, as well as higher energy bills year-round. While it is possible to insulate behind the steel, this is not nearly as effective as it can be beneath a less conductive material like wood or fiber cement.
Adding insulation behind the steel siding also adds even more the considerable expense and installation issues surrounding the material. Many homeowners don’t find out just how poor an insulator that metal siding can be until after it’s installed, at which time it’s not easy to remedy the situation.
5. Prone to Dents and Scratches
Steel siding is susceptible to dents and scratches, which can occur from hail, debris, or everyday activities. These dents and scratches are not only unsightly but can also expose the metal to rust and further damage. This is a significant disadvantage in the list of steel siding pros and cons.
6. Rusting Concerns
Rust is one of the major disadvantages of metal siding. Even with protective coatings, steel siding can rust if the coating is scratched or wears away over time. Once rust starts, it spreads quickly, compromising the siding’s structural integrity and appearance.
7. Noise
Steel siding can amplify sounds, making your home noisier during rainstorms, hail, or even windy days. This increased noise level is a common complaint among homeowners who opt for metal siding. When considering the pros and cons of metal siding, this noise factor is often a deal-breaker for any homeowner seeking a peaceful home environment that doesn’t have a lot of external disruption.
8. Aesthetics
Steel siding often lacks the warmth and charm of more natural materials like wood or fiber cement. It can look industrial and cold, which might not suit every home’s architectural style. This aesthetic limitation is a significant downside when evaluating the pros and cons of steel siding.
9. Temperature Sensitivity
Steel siding is highly sensitive to temperature changes. It can expand and contract with the weather, potentially causing warping or buckling over time. This temperature sensitivity can lead to issues with the siding’s fit and appearance, making it less reliable than other materials.
Fiber Cement Siding: A Better Alternative
Fiber cement siding offers all the benefits of steel siding with none of the drawbacks. It’s incredibly durable, resistant to rot, fire, and insects, and doesn’t have the same issues with rust or dents. Plus, fiber cement siding provides superior insulation, keeping your home more energy-efficient and quieter throughout the year.
When it comes to aesthetics, fiber cement siding is the best possible choice. It can mimic the look of wood, stone, or brick, giving you a wide range of styles to choose from without the high maintenance of these natural materials. This versatility, combined with its durability, makes fiber cement siding a better investment for homeowners looking for a long-lasting and attractive exterior solution.
Make a Better Choice for Your Home
While there are several good quality, attractive, and low maintenance siding options on the market today, steel isn’t one of them. While metal siding has come a long way since its introduction, its drawbacks still outweigh most of its benefits.
If you’re looking for a truly low-maintenance, versatile option for your home’s exterior, consider fiber cement siding instead and leave the steel for other purposes away from your home.
