Metal siding: pros and cons

For cladding the facades of private houses and industrial facilities, special materials are produced that are distinguished by wear resistance and durability. One of the most demanded and popular coatings is metal siding. Today we will take a closer look at this material, as well as analyze in detail what the pros and cons are inherent in it.

Currently, the market for finishing materials is so rich that you can easily get lost in it. Every consumer is looking for the most reliable and durable cladding that will last for many years without causing problems. Modern metal siding meets these requirements.

This material is a galvanized sheet with a polymer coating. Metal siding can be painted in a wide variety of colors. Most often it is used in private construction, but it is also suitable for cladding industrial buildings.

Today in stores you can find not only simple plain sheets of metal siding, but also more attractive specimens that imitate various surfaces. Currently, wood imitation materials are rightfully recognized as the most popular. Buildings finished with such coatings look very beautiful and natural. From a distance, it is difficult to understand that the house is clad with metal siding and not wood.

Metal siding is a fairly malleable material. Its installation can be easily handled on your own, without the involvement of specialists. To do this, you do not need to stock up on expensive tools.

This finishing material is perfect for exterior decoration of buildings., because he is not afraid of temperature drops and precipitation. Due to its wear resistance, metal siding has a long service life.

Today, many large firms produce such facing materials. Each consumer can choose the appropriate option for the color they like. Metal siding is the best option in terms of price-quality ratio.

Such a popular facade material as metal siding has its advantages and disadvantages.

To begin with, it is worth considering what are its advantages.

• First of all, it is worth highlighting the temperature resistance of metal siding. He is not afraid of temperature drops. Even in severe frost conditions, such material does not deform and does not lose its shape.
• Metal siding has good strength characteristics. This cladding material is rather difficult to damage. Some manufacturers give their products a guarantee of up to 50 years.
• Such materials are installed quickly and easily. Installation is quite possible to do with your own hands, saving money on a team of finishers.

• Metal siding is a durable material. He is not afraid of rain, snow, frost and mechanical external influences.
• This material does not need to be constantly looked after, spending a lot of money on special cleaning products. Any dirt can be removed very easily from the metal siding surface.
• Such cladding can be easily repaired if necessary.
• Installation of metal siding can be done in any climatic zones of our country.
• Metal siding is not susceptible to the formation of moss, mold or mildew ..
• Metal siding facades are fireproof. This material is non-flammable and non-flammable.

• Metal siding does not corrode.In addition, the saturation of its color, as a rule, remains for many years and does not lose its original brightness. These characteristics are due to the multilayer nature of such materials.
• Metal siding is versatile in size. There is also an individual production of such coatings, which are focused on specific parameters.
• The assortment of multi-colored siding sheets is very diverse.
• Such facing materials are environmentally friendly. They do not contain harmful and dangerous compounds that adversely affect human health.
• Metal siding does not emit unpleasant odors either during installation or after it.

Modern metal siding boasts many benefits. However, this material also has some disadvantages.

Let's consider them in more detail.

• Metal siding cannot boast of high mechanical strength. With a strong blow, it will surely be crumpled and deformed.
• If this material has received mechanical damage, then it is unlikely that it will be possible to repair it and return to its previous appearance.
• Metal siding is characterized by a low coefficient of thermal insulation.
• Many consumers attribute its impressive weight to the disadvantages of metal siding. According to home craftsmen, it can be quite difficult to work with such material because of this.
• Galvanized steel materials are not cheap.

Domestic and foreign manufacturers produce several types of metal siding. Today, the production of these facing materials is based not only on the use of high-quality and safe raw materials, but also on the use of high-tech equipment.

The technical characteristics of metal siding largely depend on the raw materials from which it is made.

• The minimum length of a metal sheet panel for finishing the facade of a building should not be less than 50 cm.
• The maximum length of this finishing material can reach 6 m.

• The width of the panel or sheet depends on the manufacturer who issued the material. As a rule, the factory width is about 22.5 cm.Mounting width does not exceed 22.8 cm.
• Most often, the height of the metal profile is about 1.4 cm. There are sheets with a height of 4 to 26 mm.
• The thickness of these facade panels varies. Most often, metal is used in production with a thickness of no more than 0.5 mm. Too thick raw materials make this material heavier, but in no way affect its quality characteristics.
• The weight of metal siding directly depends on its dimensions. The average size of the material assumes the weight of one panel is about 5 kg.

Modern manufacturers produce several varieties of metal siding. Let's consider them in more detail.

This metal siding is very popular with modern buyers. It is made from vinyl.

It is characterized by:

• durability;
• increased strength;
• the ability to withstand sudden temperature jumps;
• ease of installation and operation.

Such materials are rectangular panels that dock together during installation. The most popular is dark brick or stone basement siding. The main advantage of this facing material is its increased resistance to moisture and moisture.

Facade metal siding is used for finishing surfaces located outside the building. These materials are available in a wide variety of colors. Today, coatings that imitate timber are very popular.

The installation of facade siding must be carried out in accordance with the instructions so that the material is securely held on the bases.

Ceiling This metal siding is used for ceiling decoration. Moreover, it can be located in both open and closed structures.

This type of metal siding is mounted so that the perforations on its surface are directed from top to bottom.

Insulated metal siding is produced in the form of a cassette, in which the inner and outer layers have metal bases with insulation between them.

Metal siding also differs in the type of material from which it is made. For example, steel coatings are in enviable demand because they are very inexpensive, especially when compared with aluminum counterparts. However, it should be noted that the choice of colors for such coatings is small, since they are complemented by polymer coatings.

Powder spraying is much less common in the manufacture of steel parts. Thanks to such processing, siding can imitate various surfaces, for example, wood or stone.

Steel coatings do not corrode, as they undergo a special protective treatment at the production stage. Such materials can be called durable and reliable - it is quite difficult to damage them. It should be noted that the installation of steel structures is extremely simple.

This cladding is in great demand among owners of private houses. The material has excellent performance characteristics. It does not corrode and oxidize, so it can be considered universal.

Aluminum panels can easily withstand even the harshest climatic conditions. They are not afraid of temperature drops and precipitation. However, they also have their drawbacks. Such siding is not quite elastic - it restores its original shape for a long time after mechanical external influences.

Siding also varies in design and appearance. For example, metal panels for eurobeams are in great demand, as they look presentable and expensive. The most popular are oak and golden oak.

Typically, these steel panels are made with a thickness of 0.4-0.7 mm by stamping. They are galvanized, which makes them more wear-resistant and does not corrode. Various polymer coatings such as polyurethane, pural or polyester are used to give this material the look of natural wood.

Experts recommend choosing such materials complete with slopes, soffits and other additional details. So, you can avoid a long search for elements suitable for finishing.

Metal siding imitating a log is equally popular. It looks very natural and natural, so many consumers choose it. Most often, this material is used in private construction.

Block House is not just beautiful iron sheets, similar to wood paneling. Such materials are also made of galvanized steel, on which the appropriate pattern and texture is applied on top using photo printing. As a result, high-quality finishing coatings are obtained, which outwardly are difficult to distinguish from natural lining.

This is another popular type of metal siding.Natural stone is an expensive and heavy material, the installation of which cannot be called simple, so most consumers prefer more affordable imitations of such coatings.

The most popular are sheets that repeat the structure of marble, granite and clinker bricks.

As a rule, metal siding is produced in the form of long panels with various dimensions. The length of such elements can be 3, 4, 5 m. The appropriate parameter should be selected in accordance with the size of the house that you plan to decorate. In addition, such a finishing material must match the geometry of the building. Experts recommend purchasing panels with a margin to avoid a large number of ugly joints.

The width of steel siding also varies. Indicators of 120, 300, 550 mm are standard.

Nowadays, many manufacturers offer a custom metal siding service. Thanks to this, you will be able to purchase the material that is ideal for your home. Then the cladding does not have to be adjusted to the required parameters. In addition, many companies not only make siding according to the size of the customer, but also make all measurements of the bases in order to calculate the required volume of materials per m2.

Metal siding is great for exterior home decoration. Buildings faced in this way look very aesthetically pleasing and neat.

The most popular are coatings that imitate:

• brick;
• stone;
• timber, log and wooden board.

For house cladding, both horizontal and vertical panels are used. Both finishes are attractive. In some cases, similar materials are combined on the same plane. Thus, you can arrange not only a private house, but also a garage and other outbuildings.

Metal siding can not only have a surface that imitates different materials, but also be painted in different colors.

The most common panels are in the following colors:

• yellow;
• cream;
• beige;
• burgundy;

• white;
• green;
• gray;
• caramel;
• brown.

These colors are most often chosen as they are neutral and calm. Black, dark gray, dark blue, dark green, and dark chocolate siding are used a little less often, because many consumers find such materials too gloomy. In fact, houses decorated in this way look very attractive and presentable. The main thing is to use light window frames and a roof of a different shade - dark colors should be diluted with contrasting details.

Often, houses are finished with metal siding of different colors. For example, in one building, all walls may be clad in white and corners with dark brown or burgundy panels.

The design of a private house can be made more interesting if all the outside walls are sheathed with siding of the same color, and the window openings should be supplemented with edging made of other materials in contrasting tones.

Siding, imitating wood, looks organic with the roof of almost any color. In addition, in tandem with such a cladding, inserts and various details of contrasting shades will harmoniously overlap. For example, it can be burgundy window frames or dark brown exterior sashes and front door.

Facades finished with siding combined with brick or masonry (artificial or natural) look beautiful. Most often, the stone is laid in the lower half of the building, and the rest of the vertical is trimmed with metal panels of different colors.

High-quality metal siding is produced by many manufacturers. Let's take a closer look at the most popular of them.

It is one of the few companies in the Russian and European markets that produces panels based on metal profiles, as well as PVC finishing materials. The products of this famous brand are very popular. Grand Line metal siding is of the highest quality, since it uses environmentally friendly raw materials for its production. During the manufacturing process, metal siding is subject to constant checks, so the risk of acquiring defective parts is reduced to zero.

The Metallokomplekt group of plants produces high-quality metal siding soffit. It can be used for finishing eaves, country roofs, gazebos, porches and other under-roof bases. The range of this large manufacturer includes smooth and perforated siding varieties.

All products manufactured by the Metallokomplekt group of plants comply with quality standards and the necessary GOSTs.

This is another large Russian manufacturer offering consumers high quality metal siding in different colors. In general, the INSI assortment is represented by a large number of different types of roofing and facade finishing materials.

The company "INSI" offers consumers not only durable and wear-resistant metal siding, but also all the necessary accessories - platbands, sloping elements, corners, decorative elements, drainage parts and initial strips.

A large manufacturer of metal profile products located in Ufa.

The main directions of this enterprise are:

• production of coatings for finishing building facades and roofs;
• development and creation of metal profiling equipment;
• creation of high-tech lines for the application of polymer-based powder coatings.

In addition, Tekhpromstroy carries out construction and installation work and provides a service for laser cutting of metal.

The range of this manufacturer includes:

• facade cassettes;
• linear panels;
• facade systems;
• additional elements intended for facade materials;

• drainage structures;
• roofing details;
• chimneys and caps;
• roof safety structures;
• metal doors;

• ventilation systems;
• ventilation grates;
• sliding gates;
• corrugated board;
• metal siding.

As you can see, this manufacturer specializes in the production of many materials and structures required for the decoration of facades and roofs of buildings. Tekhpromstroy produces metal siding with a width of 240-270 mm, a length of up to 6000 mm and a thickness of 0.45-0.55 mm.

The Krona company specializes in the production of high quality facade and roofing finishing materials. The range of this manufacturer includes more than 3000 items. Moreover, the list of Krona's products is constantly updated with new products.

Metal facade panels from this manufacturer have the following advantages:

• they perfectly protect the insulation and the walls of the house from precipitation and other unfavorable external factors;

• thanks to these finishing materials, the load-bearing walls will always remain dry, since they contribute to the optimal retention of the dew point in the insulating layer;
• in metal siding "Krona" a ventilation gap is provided, due to which moisture will not accumulate in the insulation;
• using such a facing material, you will provide the structure with additional sound insulation;
• metal siding "Krona" is fireproof and durable.

Today, metal siding is rightfully recognized as one of the most popular facing materials, since it has a long service life, unpretentiousness and an easy installation method.

The lion's share of owners of private houses notes that such a material for facade decoration seems to them more practical than real wood coatings.It does not need to be regularly looked after and treated with antiseptic compounds. The same cannot be said about walls made of timber or logs - they must be periodically coated with special compounds, without which they will begin to crack, fade and rot.

However, metal siding is inferior to natural wood in terms of its strength characteristics. For example, many buyers note that dents are easily left on the material from the Grand Line company. Moreover, some users have rudely nicknamed it "tin can". Of course, if you protect the metal siding of this company from mechanical damage, then it will serve for a very long time. The only defect to which it will be exposed is color fading.

Consumers leave good reviews about the products of CJSC "Metallkomplekt". The metal siding of this manufacturer not only lasts a long time, but is also quite dense and reliable. Many consumers have chosen Metallokomplekt products, as they are represented by a rich assortment. You can choose the right siding for every taste and budget.

Consumers leave not the best reviews about the products of the INSI company. Its assortment is quite rich, but many people have encountered the company's defective metal siding, which, moreover, was not delivered within the time period specified in the contract.

Consumers leave good reviews about the products of the Tekhpromstroy and Krona companies. These manufacturers can boast of a large assortment of products that meet all existing standards and GOSTs.

When choosing high-quality and beautiful metal siding, you should heed the recommendations of specialists.

• If you are looking for a versatile and discreet option, then you should choose a material that imitates a log. Such materials are not afraid of temperature extremes, and their outer coatings are less prone to fading.
• If you independently carry out the installation of metal siding, then you should use only one type of fastener - vertical or horizontal.
• Metal siding must have certificates: hygienic and fire safety. Be sure to request these documents before purchasing cladding material.

• Pay attention to the terms of the metal siding warranty service. Both single and double parts generally carry the same warranty.
• Experts do not recommend purchasing too cheap metal panels. In the process of installing them, you can significantly overpay for component materials. In order not to face such a problem, it is worth finding out the price of not only the siding itself, but also all the necessary components.
• Before buying metal siding, you should make the correct calculation of the amount of material (per square meter) that you will need to decorate your house. Some firms provide a similar service.
• Metal siding can only be mounted on a reliable metal crate. Such a design will prevent deformation and deflections of the cladding, therefore, its installation cannot be neglected.
• Vertical metal siding should only be installed from top to bottom.

The exterior of private houses clad in metal siding is very attractive. For example, buildings lined with log panels can be made more harmonious by installing dark brown roofing on them and inserting window openings with frames of the same color. Such houses look inconspicuous, but organic. In front of them, you can put a fence in brown, burgundy or red.

The houses, sheathed with snow-white or cream metal siding, complemented by brickwork in the lower part, maroon tiles, as well as windows and an entrance door of the same color, look very beautiful. The play of contrasts in this case looks organic and fresh.

Blue and dark blue metal siding looks impressive in combination with dark gray roofing and white windows / doors / gates. To make the design of the house more interesting, the metal cladding can be supplemented with brickwork at the bottom.

For the pros and cons of metal siding, see the next video.