There are a lot of different types of materials to choose from when it comes to exterior siding. When comparing different types of siding, you’ll want to look for certain things, including durability, resistance to certain types of damage, and the overall aesthetic. A high-quality siding is well worth investing in since the siding you choose is essentially the first line of protection against the elements. One siding well worth looking into is steel siding. If you’re going to consider steel siding, then there’s a number of questions that you will want to ask.
1. Will steel siding rust?
One of the big concerns that you might have when initially considering steel siding is whether or not it will rust. Metal, after all, does have a reputation for rusting when regularly coming into contact with water. Taking into account the fact that your siding will be exposed to regular rainfall, it’s important that rust won’t occur. Fortunately, it shouldn’t, as long as the steel siding you install has been galvanized. This means that it has a layer of protective zinc that will prevent rust and corrosion.
2. How resistant to damage is steel siding?
Steel is very durable in general. Many of the issues that other types of siding may experience (such as problems with mold, rot, splintering, and insects) are issues that steel siding will not experience. High-quality steel siding should be resistant to fire, wind, and hail damage as well. This means that when you install steel siding, you’ll rarely have to worry about the need for repairs.
3. What are the visual options for steel siding?
Don’t assume that steel siding will have a shiny metallic look. Few homeowners want this for their home’s aesthetic, after all. The use of modern color retention technology allows steel siding to be manufactured in an almost unlimited number of colors and textures. You can even get steel siding that’s made to look like real wood — all without the shine and gloss of metal. Last, but not least, steel siding is resistant to fading, which means its visual beauty will last.
4. How much does steel siding cost?
It is worth noting that steel siding does cost more than other types of siding, such as wood siding or vinyl siding. However, you truly do get what you pay for: the resistance to damage and its long lifespan mean that you could end up saving money over the long term since you won’t have to pay for repairs or replacement for some time.
5. How long will steel siding last?
If you invest in high-quality steel siding, then you can expect it to last for a long time. Steel siding that has been galvanized can last upwards of 50 years as long as its properly maintained.
Finding the Right Steel Siding Contractor
Although steel siding is a great option, it’s important to understand that no matter how high quality the siding you purchase is, it won’t do you much good if it’s not properly installed. Even the most durable and damage-resistant siding is going to be vulnerable to water leaks and other issues if it’s not installed correctly. Keeping that in mind, the following are a few important tips to help you find a trustworthy and reliable contractor that can properly install your steel siding:
- Local experience – You’ll want a contractor that can recommend the proper siding as well as install it to ensure it withstands the local climate. The more experience a contractor has, the more likely they are to install your siding without a hitch. Out-of-town contractors are less likely to be familiar with local building codes and permit requirements.
- High-quality materials – Not all contractors offer quality siding materials. Here at Midwest Roofing, Siding & Windows, we install high-quality siding from the name brand manufacturers, including James Hardie, Emco, and Alside.
- Certifications and awards – Certifications and awards speak to the quality of the contractor. We are an A+ BBB member that has won the Eagle award from United Products for the last six years. We are also a GAF Master Elite contractor and Pella Certified. Additionally, we won the Angie’s List Super Service Award in 2015 and hold an EPA license.
- A good reputation – Be sure to look up customer reviews online at Angie’s List or on Google. You won’t find many siding contractors here in the Twin Cities that enjoy a better reputation than we do.
For more information about installing steel siding or to request a free estimate, be sure to contact us at Midwest Roofing, Siding & Windows today.