If You’re Thinking About Purchasing Metal Siding, Then You’ve Come To The Right Place.
Purchasing siding is a major investment. Whether you're considering metal siding for its durability, energy efficiency, or aesthetic appeal, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. This definitive guide will teach you about every aspect of metal siding.
Everyday at Western States Metal Roofing, we are asked the same questions from customers just like you that are looking to purchase metal siding. It’s our goal to have all of your questions answered by the end of this guide so you’ll be better prepared to choose your new siding.
We want you to be confident and excited with the siding you choose. In this guide, we will explore the advantages of metal siding, the different types available, the installation process, maintenance requirements, and the cost so you’ll be thoroughly informed about your choices when deciding if metal siding is right for your project.
Before you can even consider what the cost of something is, you first have to understand what you’re paying for. We think it’s beneficial to start by discussing the pros and cons of metal siding. By pointing out these key features, it will help you decide whether the investment in metal siding is worth it to you or not.
Metal siding is a unique product that is unlike any other type of siding. In this chapter, we will discuss the pros and cons that are unique to metal.
Maintenance on a metal siding is minimal when compared to other types of siding. As long as the metal panels are not damaged and there are no signs of leaking, there really isn’t much for you to do. All you need to do is the occasional cleaning which also increases its curb appeal.
To ensure your panels are in good condition, it’s best to perform routine annual inspections to check for any problems forming, such as leaks. This keeps them functioning properly and preventing any minor issues from going undetected and ultimately developing into larger, costly problems.
Metal is a very strong material. It’s resistant to rot, mildew, mold, insects, and rodents. Its durability is also recognized by having the following credentials:
Metal siding is designated with a Class A Fire Rating by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This means it’s the material with the most fire-resistance available.
The Class A Fire Rating proves that a metal roof covering can:
The longevity of a metal siding is 40+ years, although many last for longer and it depends upon your location. To get the maximum longevity out of a metal siding, it must be installed properly and kept up to date with maintenance.
Metal siding reflects heat up away from the building, making it one of the most energy-efficient siding materials that can contribute to reducing energy costs.
Metal siding is a green option as it is made from recycled material and is itself 100% recyclable. Additionally, it does not emit harmful chemicals, making it a healthier option for your home or building.
(top panel ) ⅞”corrugated Western Rustic, (bottom panel) T-Groove Matte Midnight Black
Metal siding comes in a wide range of colors, designs and styles to choose from. This means metal can match almost any design style you are looking to achieve.
Metal panels are available in either the affordable SMP paint or the premium Kynar® paint system.
While SMP includes standard classic colors, Kynar® has over 100 colors to choose from including:
Metal has a high out of pocket cost, especially when you compare metal to vinyl, the most common type of residential siding. While metal siding lasts much longer and brings you long term value, the initial cost is more expensive for materials and installation compared to vinyl.
What you’ll pay for metal siding varies significantly depending on what type of metal panel you choose. We will take a deep dive into specific costs in the later chapters.
While metal is durable, even the most heavy-duty material can become dented if it is struck with sufficient force. When coming into contact with a sharp object, metal can be scratched or even pierced.
In order to decrease the chance of denting, we recommend using a heavier gauge metal. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the material. Thicker metal is stronger and able to endure more force than a thinner material. Use a 24 gauge or 26 gauge steel and avoid 29 gauge metal siding.
Exposure to saltwater and high humidity levels near the ocean can cause metal to corrode and rust more quickly than it would in a drier, less salty environment.
If you live in close proximity to ocean water, you want to either choose a different type of siding or a different type of metal that is compatible with coastal areas. Copper, aluminum, and stainless steel are examples of corrosion-resistant metals.
After reading this chapter, it should be clear that metal siding has several advantages and some disadvantages. It’s important to think about what you’re really looking for in siding and use your qualifications to determine if the pros of metal outweigh the cons.
Now you might find yourself asking: is metal siding right for me? In the next chapter, we go over the factors to help you determine that.
While metal siding offers many benefits, including having a nationwide average ROI of 86%. However, it may not be the best choice for every home or homeowner. In this context, it is important to consider various factors to decide if metal siding is right for your house. This may include factors such as your budget, location, climate, and personal style preferences. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether metal siding is the right choice for your home.
Metal siding comes in many different aesthetics: from a traditional agricultural look to a modern sophisticated industrial appearance. Even the direction you choose to install the siding, vertically or horizontally, gives off a different appearance. Consider what type of look you want your home to have and if the look of metal will fit into your desired aesthetic.
T-8 PlankWall siding in Distressed Wood
It’s important to note that you don’t have to use an entire wall of metal. Oftentimes, metal siding is used for just part of the siding as an accent piece. When mixed with other materials, metal creates a bold, eye-catching contrast to the rest of the home that enhances its appearance.
Metal is also used as an interior accent wall for the same reason.
Metal siding has more color choices than ever. At Western States Metal Roofing, we offer more than 100 colors to choose from.
Metal siding can make your home stand out from the rest. However, if you think it would stand out too much - to the point of being a distraction, then you may choose something that blends in more with the other homes.
This factor also takes your neighborhood into consideration but in a different way. Over 50% of home-owning Americans live under an HOA. If you fall into this category, then you need to consider if your HOA allows metal siding before you proceed forward with the decision to install one.
We’ve spent the first two chapters going through the value of metal siding and whether installing one on your home is a good fit for you.
If you’ve decided that metal siding could be right for your house, then it’s now time for us to finally dive into the cost. We’ll start by discussing what factors make the cost of metal siding fluctuate in the next chapter.
There are different options when choosing metal siding that will impact the price.
In this chapter, we will go over the different options you can choose from and how they each affect the metal siding cost.
When you’re looking into buying a metal siding, be sure you know what type of metal siding panel you’re interested in. When we use the term “metal siding”, we are referring to steel unless we specify otherwise. While steel is the most common type of metal siding, it is not the only kind.
Metal siding can refer to types of metal such as:
Each of these types of metal has a different price point. While they are all under the category of metal, they are completely different materials.
Below is a chart of general price ranges for material only for each metal siding type.
Material Cost
|
Steel (Galvalume/ Galvanized) |
$1.50- $2.50 Per Square Foot |
|
Steel (Painted) |
$2.00- $5.00 Per Square Foot |
|
Aluminum |
$5.00- $10.00 Per Square Foot |
|
Copper |
$13.00-$25.00 Per Square Foot |
|
Zinc |
$13.00-$25.00 Per Square Foot |
Weathered Metallic Corrugated Metal Siding
The type of metal siding profile you choose affects price due to the quality of the panel and the difficulty of installation.
There are two types of metal siding systems:
Exposed fastener panels will cost about half the price when compared to concealed fastener panels.
There are two main paint systems for metal roofing panels: SMP and PVDF.
PVDF panels usually cost 30% to 40% more than SMP painted roofing panels. Besides being a better paint system, the increase in price is also because PVDF panels are only available in heavier gauges.
Gauge refers to the thickness of the metal. The thicker the metal, the more durable it is. The price of metal also increases as it gets thicker.
Metal roofing panels will range in gauge from as light as 29 gauge to as heavy as 20 gauge.
Most metal roofs will be 26 gauge or 24 gauge steel. The heavier 24 gauge steel will cost 25% to 40% more than 26 gauge steel.
Corrugated metal siding on Ambiente in Sedona, AZ
The larger your home or project area is, the more material you will have to buy.
But did you know that if you’re buying directly from a metal siding manufacturer larger jobs will cost less than smaller jobs. This is due to the manufacturer having less labor costs and the delivery charges less per square foot.
As long as your job is at least 1,000 square feet the price differences are minimal. Generally a really large job and a job of a couple thousand square feet are within 10% to 25% of each other.
Conversely, really small jobs, under 500 square feet, will cost significantly more than larger jobs. These small jobs could easily cost double to triple the price of a larger job.
If you choose to use steel panels, keep in mind that the price of steel is constantly fluctuating. The cost of steel is determined by supply and demand, but can also be affected by current world events as we recently saw during 2021 due to the pandemic.
While we have given a range for the price of panels in this guide, a more specific price depends on what is happening in the steel industry at the time you decide to purchase your metal siding panels.
Now that we’ve discussed the factors that affect price, let’s actually discuss what the prices are in more detail in the next chapter.
At this point, let’s assume you know the type, gauge, color, and finish of your siding that you want and are ready to buy.
Remember the prices we reference in this chapter are estimated ranges. The exact price depends on factors we discussed earlier such as the manufacturer you choose, quantity needed, and the current price of steel.
In this chapter, we will discuss:
When we refer to “metal panels” it’s important to note that we are referring to steel. However, there are other kinds of less common metal panels that are available on the market. Below we go over these metals and their approximate material cost.
Copper siding is a beautiful, corrosion-resistant material. The copper will change color overtime, going from looking like a new penny like copper to a blue-green or brown patina. Although this type of roof can last for over a century, its price point makes it uncommon.
Aluminum siding is the most lightweight of all the metal options but is also very durable. Aluminum siding provides easy maintenance, a long lifespan, and comes in a variety of different colors.
The cost of steel metal panels ranges from $1.50- $5.00 per square foot. Below is a chart with the material price ranges for each fastener system type based on paint finish and gauge.
|
26 Gauge Panels (Galvanized) |
$1.50-$2.00 per square foot |
|
24 Gauge Panels (Galvanized) |
$2.00-$2.50 per square foot |
|
26 Gauge Panels (SMP Paint) |
$2.00- $2.50 per square foot |
|
24 Gauge Panels (SMP Paint) |
$2.50- $3.00 per square foot |
|
24 Gauge Panels (PVDF) |
$2.50- $3.50 per square foot |
|
22 Gauge Panels (PVDF) |
$3.50- $4.50 per square foot |
|
Galvalume/Galvanized (24 Gauge) |
$2.50- $3.50 per square foot |
|
PVDF Painted Finish (24 Gauge) |
$3.00- $4.00 per square foot |
|
Specialty Paint Finish (24 Gauge) |
$4.00- $5.00 per square foot |
In order for your metal siding installation to be successful, you need the right quantity of materials. This information is provided on a take-off or materials list.
This is a list that contains the materials needed for your job such as:
If you generally know what you need, but require a little help and guidance, then a manufacturer will typically provide enough help to bridge the gap. At Western States Metal Roofing, we are always happy to answer basic questions and steer our customers in the right direction.
If you are unable to complete a materials list on your own then we recommend having your installer supply us with the materials list
Below are the four main outlets to purchase metal panels:
If you need material quickly and only need a small number of panels, your local Home Depot or Lowe’s typically will have the material in stock. However, be advised that your panel, color, and gauge selection will be very limited going this route.
If you are hiring a contractor to do your installation, your contractor will give you a complete price including materials (mentioned above) and labor. Normally, the contractor will have a 10% to 20% mark up on the metal siding panels.
Your contractor may also have limited colors and panels available if the panels are not purchased through the manufacturer. If you have a specific color in mind, then it’s best to instruct the contractor to buy from the manufacturer that sells the color that you want.
It’s common for a homeowner to find their perfect color online and then instruct the contractor to purchase it from the manufacturer.
We discussed materials lists earlier. If you aren’t capable of supplying a materials list, then purchasing the material through a distributor is your next best bet.
In most instances, they will help you determine the necessary materials and will then order the material for you. Please be advised that there is also usually a markup on the material by going this route. Depending on the size of your project, the markup on the panels can range anywhere from 15% to 50%.
If you are not using a metal siding contractor, the distributor is the best option as they will:
The last, and usually most cost-effective option, is to order directly from the metal siding manufacturer.
Most metal siding manufacturers do not sell directly to homeowners. If you spend some time researching you can find a few, but it’s the exception to the rule. Just keep in mind that the manufacturer does not figure out what you need. It’s your responsibility to provide a materials list.
At Western States Metal Roofing we are a manufacturer that sells directly to homeowners, roofing contractors, and general contractors. When you purchase directly from a manufacturer like us, it will save you money. Just make sure that you check their google reviews to verify you are dealing with a reputable company.
The process of purchasing metal siding is different depending upon which manufacturer you use. Below is a general idea of how the ordering process works.
Once you have requested a quote and been in contact with a sales representative, you will need to provide a materials list which we discussed at length earlier in this chapter. Based on your materials list, a sales order sheet will be made. Once you sign the necessary paperwork, the process of making your panels begins.
Metal roofing will require a 2 to 3 week lead time plus transit time. Please keep this in mind when planning out the timeline of having your new roof installed.
The last part of ordering from a manufacturer is often overlooked but can be the most frustrating if the necessary details are not discussed at the beginning of the transaction.
Delivery cost often does not get discussed or priced into the initial quote. That can bring sticker shock later on when you find the price is higher than you expected. When you are pricing your metal roof, we recommend that you ask about delivery cost upfront.
Always verify that your pricing includes delivery. Freight charges vary from as low as a couple of hundred dollars to as high as thousands of dollars. Some manufacturers will include the freight in the total price, others will not. This can make it difficult to compare bids.
Metal siding does not always need to be delivered. It can also be picked up at the supplier’s facility. If you choose this method, you will need a truck that is appropriate to haul the material.
When having material delivered, keep in mind that the offloading of panels is the responsibility of the purchaser. Any damage that is incurred after the material arrives on-site and during offloading is also the responsibility of the buyer.
When having metal siding delivered to your address, you will need to be sure of the following:
We’ll dive into the specifics of what each of these means next.
Delivery trucks do not come with a forklift which is necessary to offload large amounts of material. It’s the buyer’s responsibility to have the equipment and people onsite to offload their purchased material.
The most critical part of a delivery is making sure that the panels can actually get to you. When ordering metal siding panels, there is a high probability that your order is going to be delivered on a full-size big rig truck. These types of trucks require a lot of space and may not fit, or may not be allowed, in some residential neighborhoods.
The buyer and seller should discuss this early in the process so that the appropriate freight rate is quoted. Sometimes the material will need to be shipped to a temporary location on a larger truck and then transferred to a smaller truck for delivery to your residence. These temporary alternate delivery locations might include your roofing contractor’s facility or a local lumber yard.
Delivery is the last part of the buying process, but it’s the one that causes the most problems. In order to avoid any issues from arising, both parties need to work together to ensure the delivery truck has access, equipment, and contact information.
Metal is quickly becoming one of the most popular types of siding for both commercial and residential siding due to its low maintenance, appearance, and durability.
While metal siding is not the most affordable type of siding, there are many different options that can make metal siding either more affordable or more extravagant. The decision ultimately comes down to your needs and budget.
We’ve discussed each aspect of what goes into the cost of metal siding throughout this guide. We hope you now have a better understanding of what to expect in terms of cost and which type of panel best fits your circumstances.
If you are looking for metal siding that is lower in cost, consider going with the following panel options:
If cost is not your primary concern and you are more interested in the performance of your roof, consider going with the following panel options:
If you still have cost concerns that were not answered in this guide, our team is happy to answer your questions.
To move forward on purchasing metal siding, the first step is to request a quote. Click on the button below to get started.
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