Countless homeowners in the KC area are going to be taking on a siding project soon, and while steel siding is a very popular option, it’s important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of the material before making any decisions. Steel is often touted as a high-tech siding option, but there is definitely more to consider. Here are its biggest pros and cons.

The Pros & Cons Of Steel Siding

Pros

More Durable Than Vinyl

One of the biggest benefits of steel siding is that it is incredibly durable if thicker steel is used. If sufficiently-thick steel siding is used, it can even be given a Class A fire rating. With the strong storms that our area can see, it’s important to have siding that can stand up to the potential impact damage of storm debris and hail, and steel siding can take all of them much more easily than vinyl siding.

Cons

Limited Color Options

This siding is colored during the manufacturing process, just like vinyl siding, and just like vinyl the color options for steel are incredibly limited. If you are considering this siding, you may have more than one manufacturer to choose from, and while each manufacturer will have its own color palette, those palettes will be very limited in their color options.

Permanent Color

Since steel siding is colored during its creation, like vinyl, this means that it is highly resistant to scratches and gouges. Which is nice, but what it also means is that you are locked into that one color for the life of the siding or until you choose to change it.

For many people, this sounds like a good deal, at first. However, research has shown that most people want to change the color of their home’s exterior about every ten years. Since steel siding can last for decades when well taken care of, this means you might find yourself resenting the color you chose 20 years ago that is still performing well on a functional basis.

Meant For Colder Climates

This siding is much more popular in more northern parts of the country. In those areas, it can help retain more of the solar gain the home receives and uses that to increase the energy efficiency of the entire home. However, in our area, we get a significantly warmer summer season, and this can lead to a phenomenon with steel siding known as “popping”. Popping is when the steel siding has heated up enough that its thermal expansion causes it to buckle and “pop” as is common in sheet metal. This can be noisy, and it can cause damage to the installation itself.

More Expensive Than Other Options

One thing that quickly dissuades many homeowners from going with this siding is the price and the value of that initial investment. Steel is more expensive than wood, vinyl, and even composites. However, even though it is one of the most costly materials, many homeowners find that there just aren’t enough benefits to justify that initial investment. When comparing the most popular materials side by side, many homeowners find that with the same investment they can get composite materials like James Hardie, which will not only last as long or longer, but can be customized far more than steel, and provides additional benefits that make it a far better value over time.

For More Information About Steel Siding For Your Home

If you think it might be time to get new siding, make sure you contact a trusted local siding contractor. Whether you’re thinking about steel siding or a more robust and durable option, reach out today and speak with a member of our expert siding team about your project needs.