Steel Siding 5 Benefits
Selecting proper siding for your house is essential for preserving its structural integrity. While building a home, you and a siding contractor can work together to choose from a variety of exterior cladding materials that best suit your needs. One material you might consider is steel siding. There are many benefits to using metal siding rather than the commonly used vinyl and wood, so consult the guide below to discover why steel siding is the optimal choice.
Why Choose Steel Siding for Your Home?
1. Low Maintenance
Vinyl siding is quick to warp, expand, and contract under the influence of certain weather conditions, while wood siding is particularly vulnerable to pests and wood rot. That’s why many siding contractors suggest steel for exterior cladding because of its minimal upkeep. Unlike vinyl and wood, metal isn’t conducive to fungal growth or moisture absorption. After installation, all it needs is a quick routine inspection to spot any issues that may present themselves early on.
2. Energy-Efficient
The paint on vinyl and wood siding usually absorbs heat rather than reflecting it, meaning your home’s air conditioning system will need to work overtime to combat the effects of the home’s warmer exterior. On the other hand, metal reflects the sun’s UV rays and radiant heat instead of absorbing them and warming the interior of your home. If you want to reduce the energy costs of an overworked air conditioning system, consider switching to steel siding, as it allows you to use less energy to cool your home during the warmer months.
3. Fire-Resistant
Protecting your home’s exterior from the effects of fire-related damage is essential. While vinyl is prone to melting, and untreated wood can easily catch on fire, metal siding is non-combustible. By outfitting the house’s exterior with steel siding, your home won’t catch fire from the outside, protecting you and your property during an emergency. Have your siding contractor improve fire resistance by ensuring the exteriors are well-sealed.
4. Durable
Unlike its alternatives, steel siding can withstand natural elements like rain, snow, and wind. It won’t crack, splinter, rot, or absorb moisture, even when exposed to prolonged periods of harsh conditions. It is also impervious to moisture and insects, meaning you don’t have to worry about siding damage from pest infestations.
5. Aesthetically-Pleasing
If you want the elevated look of wood or vinyl without the additional maintenance, it’s possible with textured metal siding. In fact, steel siding comes in a broad range of colors, finishes, and styles. Plus, most panels come treated to provide a long-lasting finish that won’t peel, chip off, or degrade with extreme weather.