Get a Long-Lasting, Durable Exterior With Steel Siding

While steel has higher upfront costs, it’s a worthwhile investment and undoubtedly the better option when thinking about longevity and home protection. While vinyl is more affordable initially, your home could potentially decrease in value, especially if your home is historic or if you ever plan to sell. Steel siding increases the value of a home and lasts 2 – 3 times as long. Plus, vinyl siding’s harmful impact on the environment is impossible to overlook, and if sustainability is a priority for you, steel siding is the way to go.

Both siding options can provide a beautiful look and curb appeal. However, steel siding is a much more classic and durable option. Aluminum siding has started to go out of style aesthetically due to its limited style and color options, and since it’s a soft metal, its quality can deteriorate quickly. Aluminum is generally considered less desirable than the newer, modern forms of exterior cladding that offer traditional styles. Steel siding is on the up and up, proving to be a great investment for homeowners in all regions of the United States.

While steel may cost more upfront than some lower-quality options, it’s well worth the cost. It is very low maintenance, can increase the value of a home and costs less in the long run due to its longevity, strength and energy efficiency.

According to Roofing Calculator, steel siding has one of the highest ROI’s. The average nationwide ROI is 86% while the northern parts of the country and their cold climates have an even higher average of around 95%. On average, homeowners should expect to pay between $4 to $9 per square foot to install steel siding. Depending on your local labor rates, metal siding installers often charge between $55 and $90 an hour, averaging $2 to $10 per square foot depending on the size of the house, the number of stories, insulation needs, disposal of old siding and complexity of the architecture of the home.

While it may feel better to choose a cheaper option such as vinyl, it’s important to keep long-term performance, maintenance and replacement costs in mind.

Thanks to its superior durability, steel siding can last up to 50 years or more. To ensure further longevity and protect your investment, your steel siding warranty is an important piece as well. Klauer’s limited lifetime warranty covers normal weather wear and tear, such as cracks, blisters and flaking, as well as hail protection.

Make sure you store the steel siding correctly, use the right equipment and know your processes before you begin. The product should be stored flat to protect everyone from sharp edges. Lift pieces rather than slide them to prevent scratching.

You should have tools such as a circular saw, twin cutter, electrical scissors, tin snips and more depending on your manufacturer. Follow your manufacturer’s manual for the best results.

For Klauer Residential Steel Lap Siding, individual panels can be cut with tin snips. Start by drawing a line across the panel using a square. Begin cutting at the top lock first and continue toward the bottom of the panel. Break the panel across the butt edge and snip through the bottom lock.

Use a screwdriver to reopen the lock, which may become flattened by tin snips. Aviation shears are sometimes used to cut the top and bottom locks, and a utility knife can score and break the face of the panel. For straight cuts, the best choice is duckbill snips.

Remember to wear suitable eye protection and protect exposed skin.

For more information on installing steel siding, check out our blog.

Steel siding is not maintenance-free, but it does require much less maintenance than other siding materials. Steel siding can and should be cleaned approximately once a year. You won’t need any special cleaning agents or extra equipment. A mild detergent and bucket of water will work just fine.

While cleaning it with a pressure washer is great for heavy grime, you can get by with a regular garden hose at any temperature for normal maintenance. Make sure you rinse it completely to avoid any soap spots. Unlike wood, stucco and other materials, you do not need to stain or paint steel siding.

Not necessarily. Sometimes steel siding is used interchangeably with metal siding, but there are technically multiple types of metal siding: steel, aluminum, corrugated metal, box rib metal siding and more. Aluminum and steel siding are the most popular types of metal siding. Steel siding is more durable than aluminum siding and is also recyclable, making it one of the most environmentally friendly options on the market.

Looking at upfront costs, no. Vinyl is one of the cheapest options on the market, so if you have a limited budget, it’s a great option for a first-time homebuyer. However, while vinyl is an affordable option, it isn’t the most durable option. It’s estimated that vinyl siding should be replaced every 10 – 15 years, and it’s not resistant to most types of damage. Vinyl siding’s harmful impact on the environment is also impossible to overlook, so if sustainability and longevity are a priority for you, steel siding is the way to go.

While steel has higher costs upfront, it is a worthwhile investment and undoubtedly the better option when thinking about longevity and home protection. While vinyl is more affordable initially, your home could potentially decrease in value, especially if your home is historic. With this being said, if you’re planning to sell your home, you might want to consider a different option. Steel siding increases the value of a home and lasts 2 – 3 times as long.