Many homeowners opt for metal siding when building new construction or upgrading their home’s exterior. For one thing, metal materials like steel are highly durable and require little upkeep. Steel is also considered a green building material, made from recyclable components that ensure it’s environmentally friendly.
When it comes to metal siding for houses, there are several design options. Seeing how well it blends into various architectural styles and adds juxtaposition with other materials, metal siding aids in creating greater visual intrigue. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing metal siding for your home.
The Advantages of Metal Siding for Houses Outweigh the Cons
There are many reasons why metal siding is one of the most favored building materials for home exteriors. Homeowners that install metal siding benefit from the following:
- Lower maintenance — unlike other materials that are susceptible to rotting, pests and moisture
- Less likely to have termite, ant and carpenter bee damage
- Capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions — steel and other high-quality metals with a 53-gauge have far more durability than your usual 44-gauge metal
- Reflects sunlight and regulates indoor temperatures for energy efficiency during the summer months, with quality insulation installed for winter
Of course, the sustainability benefits of metal siding are difficult to overlook, especially with a growing interest in building environmentally-friendly homes. As the demand for sustainable construction materials rises, steel delivers an opportunity to explore greener alternatives.
Steel production has long been a producer of harmful emissions. Although some obstacles are proving challenging to overcome, efforts to further decarbonize steel are underway. Using innovative technologies — such as hydrogen-powered furnaces with carbon capture and storage — manufacturers could potentially sequester 85% of emissions from steel production feedstock.
Some metal siding materials can be costly, but homeowners might see this upgrade as an investment for long-term home protection.
5 Stunning Looks Using Metal Siding for Houses
If you imagine metal siding as just a smooth sheet of material, you’ll be relieved to know there are endless possibilities for capturing a beautiful design moment. You might try one of these five stunning exterior looks using metal siding for houses.
1. Standing-Seam Panels
Standing-seam panels might be your best option if you’re going for a modern, sleek exterior design. Standing-seam metal siding uses a raised seam to connect each panel, giving your home’s siding a board and batten design.
Board and batten panels are known for creating straight, vertical lines that deliver a sky-high illusion. This paneling might be ideal for the modern farmhouse style or a more organic contemporary home.
2. Mixed Materials
Generate visual interest by mixing materials with metal siding for houses that lack exterior or architectural appeal. You can draw people’s attention to different parts of your home by combining metal panels, wood, brick or concrete.
Consider positioning the materials horizontally or vertically. Stacked cedar shakers can provide depth and warmth alongside charcoal-tone metal.
The combination of darker and lighter materials will infuse a bit of contrast and complete the modern look you’re after. If done correctly, it can also pay homage to the ever-popular mid-century architectural trend.
3. Perforated Accent Areas
Of course, by contrasting shades, materials and even pops of color with paint, you can bring awareness to specific parts of your house you want to showcase. However, perforated metal designs and patterns also make for excellent accent areas on your home’s exterior, including statement screens, facades and awnings.
Including perforated designs as part of your home’s awnings or backyard patio area is also practical for blocking damaging ultraviolet rays without compromising natural night. This also protects a house and its occupants from the harmful impacts of direct sunlight.
4. Horizontal Paneling
Horizontal metal siding is often used to generate an enhanced design effect with another material. For example, the metal sheeting might appear in a dormer or porch as an accent area, while the rest of the house might comprise wood, cement or vinyl siding in a different color or tone.
Because horizontal metal siding is usually created in sections, it can work well with numerous architectural styles, including mid-century, industrial, modern farmhouse and organic contemporary.
5. Industrial Exteriors
Industrial designs often get a lot of flack for being bland, cold and gritty. However, you can beautifully capture the exterior aesthetic using metal siding for houses.
Traditionally, industrial interior design leans into raw and utilitarian finishes that resemble years of use, reclaimed wood, weathered features and exposed elements like brick and steel. Naturally, industrial home exteriors also pull from those characteristics.
Consider applying metal siding to a home with enormous plate glass windows, black frames and wood trimming. Additionally, metal siding can provide immense depth to the design — if it looks slightly worn or unfinished, you’re well-aligned with what the design strategy aims to achieve.
Get on Board With Metal Siding for Houses
Metal siding offers ample design potential for homeowners looking to modernize their houses. Although it can be a more expensive option, you can assure the materials will last, creating a beautiful exterior for years to come.
