Steel Siding
Steel siding is one of two available metal sidings. It is thicker than aluminum but has a similar look. If it is the look you want and you have a clear preference, we would be happy to install this siding on your home.
However, there are a few facts that you should take into consideration before you make that decision. Steel siding has some similar advantages and disadvantages as aluminum siding but it does differ from it slightly. In order to make the most informed decision you should be aware of all the pros and cons.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Steel Siding
The biggest advantage steel siding has is the ease of maintenance. This siding requires next to no maintenance. This can save you a large amount of time and money over the years.
Additionally, steel has some natural resistances that are quite advantageous. Steel does not attract insects and is thus save from pest damages. Furthermore, steel is fire resistant and will not burn. Since it is a metal, steel siding will also not rot or mold. It does not absorb moisture either.
One advantage steel siding has over other siding, like vinyl, is that is can be painted after being installed. It does come pre-colored from the manufacturer but you can change the siding color down the road if you so choose.
One thing to keep in mind about the color is that steel needs to be repainted immediately when it gets scratched. When steel gets scratched, the underlying metal is revealed and exposed. Those scratched spots can rust quite easily. To prevent the spread of rust, it needs to be painted over very shortly after the damage occurs.
The big advantage that steel has over aluminum is that it is thicker and heavier. Because of that, this metal is stronger and can withstand the elements better. However, it can still sustain impact damage. In a place where hailstorms are a regular occurrence that is not ideal.
Steel is not as easily damaged as aluminum, but hail or a stray ball can still dent your siding. Other siding materials are less prone to impact damage and might be a better option because of that, especially considering the Colorado climate.
Another disadvantage of steel siding is that it has become less cost-effective than it used to be. The prices for metal have been increasing over the last few decades. This makes steel siding a rather expensive option. For a comparable price you could have a superior siding product installed.
Even though steel is thicker than aluminum, it still does not provide great insulation. This lack of insulation can be supplemented by adding insulation before having the siding installed, which is a service we offer. However, that adds to the overall cost of the siding.
It can be hard to replace just parts of the steel siding. The color of the metal can change over time making it hard to match. Since we do offer partial siding replacement as well as exterior house painting, we can combine these two services and paint your entire home when matching the old color is impossible.
Taking all of these facts into consideration, it might not make sense to have steel siding installed. It used to be a great siding option but since siding technology has changed and advanced over the years, there are now better options available.
James Hardie fiber cement siding is the best of those options. This superior siding product is very durable and versatile. It comes with great warranties, namely a 30-year product and 15-year finish warranty.
Fiber cement comes in many attractive styles and textures, including some that can look like metal, if it is the look of metal you want. James Hardie also has over 700 long-lasting colors to choose from. This siding has a great ROI and is a lasting investment.
James Hardie fiber cement siding looks beautiful and increases the curb appeal of your home. Additionally, it is virtually maintenance free and has a number of resistances. It does not get damaged by hail. Because of all these advantages, having fiber cement siding instead of steel siding installed may make sense for you and your home.