1. What reveal of steel/metal siding am I being offered? Lap siding, barn ribbed performance panels, board and batten, or contemporary plank style? What brand? What trim package and design is being quoted?
Metal siding comes from many different manufacturers in many different reveals. Just because metal is being quoted doesn’t mean it is the same in quality or style. The contemporary plank style panels and board and batten style panels are typically the more luxury, thicker styles of metal siding. The lap and barn ribbed panels are typically thinner and cheaper. It is crucial to know the exact reveal and design, with trim included, that is being offered prior to initiating the start of the work.
2. What is the warranty and does it cover labor in the case the product fails? Any fine print details I should be aware of in the manufacturer warranty language that could nullify the warranty?
Local metal siding manufacturers only manufacture the barn ripped performance panels (exposed fasteners) and board and batten panels (concealed panels). The lap and contemporary style siding comes from specific larger manufacturers that are typically worldwide. All warranties vary in their language. It is important to know the fine print of the warranty for that specific metal siding product prior to starting the work.
3. What gauge of steel/metal is being quoted for the project? Why is this being quoted?
A lot of contractors mislead homeowners with “metal” siding quotes but don’t review the specifics of the gauge of metal, nor style, being offered. Metal siding comes in gauges of 24, 26, 29, and 31. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the metal, and therefore, the more expensive and durable. 24 Gauge metal siding is extremely durable, shows less signs of “oil canning,” and is more impact resistant.
Knowing the gauge of metal that is being quoted is crucial. The thinner the metal, the more “oil canning” and warping of metal will occur, giving a terrible look.
4. What are the two fastener systems with steel/metal siding?
When fastening metal siding, depending on the type of panel chosen, the fasteners will either be exposed or concealed. Concealed fasteners are better than exposed as they will not be exposed to the elements, and therefore, have a longer lifespan. Exposed fasteners will eventually corrode and leave opportunity for water to get in the holes. UV and the elements cause exposed fasteners to fail. This is why concealed fastener siding products are a better choice.
Contemporary plank, board and batten, and lap metal siding products all have concealed fasteners.
Barn ribbed performance panel metal siding panels have exposed fasteners.
5. What makes steel/metal siding better than wood/James Hardie?
Metal siding requires little to no maintenance, doesn’t require caulking, doesn’t require painting, doesn’t absorb moisture, and is extremely durable, especially the thicker gauges in the 24-26 gauge range. Although it has an initial job cost that is higher than wood/James Hardie, over time, it requires less maintenance and therefore leads to savings as time progresses. Wood and James Hardie both require maintenance and the maintenance costs to re-caulk and repaint can be anywhere from $8-12 a square foot every 7-10 years, sometimes sooner. Therefore, metal siding, overtime, is a much better investment and has a way higher ROI (return on investment) compared to wood/James Hardie.
Metal siding also comes in woodgrain styles to mimic the look of wood and James Hardie's grain aesthetic if it is important to you.
6. What products, if any, are superior to steel/metal siding?
The only siding product that can be considered superior to steel siding is composite, such as Everlast. The reason Everlast is superior is due to it being thicker and has a better impact resistance than metal. 24-gauge metal is close in impact resistance, but Everlast is still stronger in this area.
Everlast only comes in lap and board and batten styles. Therefore, if contemporary plank is wanted, steel is ideal.
7. When capping around windows, doors, and other trim areas, what must be considered when installing metal/steel siding? What material is to be used?
When capping trim, the same type of metal must be used that is used on the siding. Contractors, being unaware of galvanic corrosion, will cap trim with aluminum since it is cheaper and easier to work with, and then install steel as the siding material. Galvanic corrosion is when two unlike metals are touching, causing erosion of the metals. Therefore, it is crucial to make sure the same type of metal is used for the trim capping to prevent corrosion.
