Choose Steel for Siding Replacement

Steel siding is perhaps the toughest, most durable, longest lasting siding presently available to homeowners. Add to that the fact that for a few extra dollars per foot you can get seamless steel, and this material is tough to beat.

Tough As Nails

When compared to other siding materials on the market, steel rises to the top of the pile for many reasons. The first is simply its strength and durability. It’s resistant to the bumps, dents, and other dings that any siding product is sure to endure. About the only drawback is its potential to rust. While this can be a real concern, regular maintenance and proper installation go a long way towards preventing rusting.

Rust can occur on poorly installed exterior siding when the edges aren’t properly covered and left exposed to the weather; so proper installation reduces the rust risk on that front to a non-factor. The other place where rust often occurs is where scratches on the siding have removed the protective paint. A conscientious homeowner with a small bucket of paint and a touch-up brush can easily fend off this problem by simply painting over scratches when they happen to prevent water from reaching the steel.

Longevity.

The other clear benefit of steel siding is its longevity. When properly maintained, it will last forty years, and will only need repainting every 20 years or so.

Compared to Other Siding Materials . . .

These qualities of steel siding might seem matter of fact to most people, but when you compare it to other exterior siding options, it becomes clear why many people opt for steel in the end. Aluminum siding has many of the same qualities as steel at first glance, but it falls short when it comes to strength and durability. Ask anyone whose aluminum siding has been through a major hailstorm and they’ll tell you why steel is a better option. As for other materials, wood is prone to rot and insect infestation, while composite has to be painted just as often as wood alternatives. Vinyl is far and away the cheapest alternative, but you get what you pay for, and the problems inherent with vinyl siding usually outweigh the savings.

Other Benefits

The pluses of steel don’t end with durability and longevity. It’s also an excellent insulating material when it comes to cold weather climates, and will save you money on heating and cooling costs year round. And since it’s predominantly made of recycled material, it’s been flagged as a superior green product by environmentally-conscious builders.

Whether your current exterior siding needs to be replaced or you just want a change when it comes to the appearance of your house, take a good long look at steel as your siding solution. With proper installation by a reputable siding contractor and minimal maintenance and upkeep, it will more than likely be the last siding purchase you’ll ever have to make.

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