Building a Home? Why You Want Your Home to Have Steel Siding

You have several options when choosing exterior siding for your new home. The most common choices are wood, vinyl, composite boards, and metal. Metal siding for homes commonly includes aluminum and steel.

While steel is not the most widely used siding option available, there are several advantages to steel that make this material worth looking at more closely. Steel roofs are making a big comeback in new home construction, so it makes sense that steel siding is also gaining in popularity. Let’s explore the positive aspects of steel siding for your new home.

Durability

Steel is a very strong material. It will stand up to the damaging effects of high winds, driving rain, sand storms, hail, and salt spray admirably. The ability to endure temperature extremes is another quality. It will not crack, wrack, or warp due to seasonal temperature changes. Steel is naturally insect repellant and rot resistant.

Fire-resistant

Steel is a non-combustible material. It will not ignite in the event of a fire. Nor will it emit dangerous toxic fumes when in exposed to high heat. Therefore it is safer than most homes when it comes to natural or other kinds of outside hazards.

It is Built to Last

One of the nice things about steel siding is that it lasts longer than other siding. It will hold a color much longer while being resistant to weather and seasonal changes. The only real down side is that steel siding can be more expensive, but think of it this way, you are paying for what you get, and you are paying for something that is built to last.

Easy to Maintain

Steel has less of a tendency to produce a chalky film than other common metal siding. Steel siding should be coated with a rust inhibiting compound and checked periodically for any scratches of the coating that might need repair. Steel will hold its color quite well. PVC coated steel responds well to damaging UV rays from sunlight. By speaking with a siding professional, such as Allstate Gutter and Siding, you can obtain more detailed information on available coating and color options.

Eco-friendly

Using steel siding is more sustainable than other siding materials. It is 100 percent recyclable. In fact, you can request steel siding that is composed of recycled content. Your siding contractor can advise you on the availability of recycled products.

Steel siding is more expensive than aluminum siding, both in material and installation. There really is no perfect siding out there. It is just what is perfect for you and your needs and wants at the time of building your home. Similar to metal roofing, the initial expense is offset by the incredible longevity of the material.

When planning your new home, take the time to research and weigh the pros and cons of the materials used on the exterior. The siding, roofing, trim, and windows may be the most important decisions you make when it comes to protecting the interior of your home and your family. As with any major project, consult with the professionals who are helping you with the design and construction.