Metal Siding
Metal siding used to be very popular but it has become less common in the last few years. The decrease in popularity stands in direct correlation with the increased popularity of newer siding materials, like fiber cement. Siding technology has seen some great improvements and changes over the last couple of decades.
There are some advantages to metal siding. It looks similar to vinyl siding but offers more protection since the material is stronger than the lightweight vinyl. That is especially important if you live in Colorado where harsh weather is a common occurrence.
The biggest advantage is that metal siding is very easy to maintain. It requires almost no attention or maintenance. It will not rust or absorb moisture, even during our severe Colorado winters. However, it does not offer the best insulation by itself.
The other advantage that metal has over some siding materials is that is relatively resistant, although not as resistant as fiber cement. The metal will not rot, mold or fade. It is also not attractive to insects and thus safe from insect damage. Additionally, it is fire resistant and will not burn.
One disadvantage of metal siding is that it is difficult to replace just pieces of it and match the older, intact siding. The color can change which makes matching it hard. You might have to have the whole house painted to achieve a matching look, which is something we can do.
There are two main kinds of metal siding, aluminum and steel siding. Each metal has some advantages and disadvantages.
Aluminum Siding
This kind of metal siding can still be found on homes in the area but it has become far less popular. One major reason for that is how easily it can be damaged. In a place where hailstorms are a regular occurrence, aluminum siding is not a great choice since it is a rather soft metal.
The aluminum is easily dented by hail and other impact, like branches or stray baseballs. Hail can leave your siding dented and pitted, which does not look good. Where vinyl siding can break from the impact, aluminum bends, but they are similarly easy to damage.
Aluminum siding comes pre-colored from the manufacturer but it can be painted later as well, unlike vinyl siding, which is an advantage. That way you can give your home a fresh new look without replacing the siding in a couple of years.
A big disadvantage of aluminum siding is its price. It is more expensive than vinyl siding and equally priced as James Hardie fiber cement siding. Fiber cement siding is much more durable and versatile. For a comparable price you can have the superior product installed.
When you take the price and durability into account, aluminum siding is not the best siding option. If it is the certain look of metal you are going for, you should look at the James Hardie products that come in a wide variety of colors, textures, and styles.
Steel Siding
Steel is the thicker, heavier, and stronger metal siding material. It is not as easily damaged as aluminum siding. However, it can also be damaged by hail. Impact damage can leave the siding dented and ruin the look of the siding.
With the rising prices of metal over the last few years, it is no longer a cost-effective siding option. Steel siding is expensive to install, especially compared to other, more durable siding options like fiber cement.
Like aluminum, it comes pre-colored before being installed and it can also be painted later. That is great if you want to change the color of your home down the road.
When you take everything into account, steel siding is not the best choice for your home, especially compared to James Hardie fiber cement siding. It is at least as expensive, if not more expensive. Fiber cement is much more durable, comes with great warranties, and is a great investment.
You also have many more options in regards to style and texture when you decide to have fiber cement siding installed. James Hardie has some great color choices available as well. That way you can really get the look you are going for.
Both steel and aluminum siding do not offer the best protection for your home. Since they are not as durable, they are also not the
