Choosing the Right Materials for Your Home: Is Metal Siding the Best Option?

The kind of siding you choose for your construction project will make a big difference in the structure’s overall appearance and functionality, so whether you’re designing a new building or looking to upgrade an existing one, you want to make sure you pick just the right exterior components. Though traditional materials such as vinyl and wood are still popular choices, more and more contractors and their clients are opting for metal siding or another alternative. With several options to explore, there are many elements to contemplate before coming to a conclusion.

Selecting the perfect siding material isn’t always easy. This is because there are numerous factors to consider relating to expenses, performance, maintenance, appeal and, oftentimes, sustainability.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Siding

Durability – This is one of the most important considerations simply because your structure will need siding that can be counted on to stand strong in harsh climates and be resilient to everyday wear and tear if you hope for it to have a long lifespan.

Aesthetics – The siding you choose should match your personal taste as well as the style of the building. While protection from outside elements is obviously critical, so is its level of attractiveness since it’s something you will have to look at for years to come.

Flexibility – Keeping in mind the intended purpose of your project, your siding should be flexible enough to meet those needs and be able to adjust to any others that may arise in the future.

Maintenance – Maintenance is another major influencer for a lot of people. Some may not mind putting time and money into the materials that require more maintenance because they prefer the look to others, while some would rather deal with as little maintenance as possible no matter what.

Installation – If you’re considering tackling this as a DIY project, you will probably want to carefully consider the ease of installation and time it will take to complete the job, which will depend on the material you use.

Cost – Cost is a big factor to keep in mind. This includes the initial expense of materials and labor as well as the potential for future maintenance, repairs and possible replacement.

Sustainability – Green living is a trend that is continuing to gain ground in the construction industry, making sustainability a determinant for many. Some siding materials are more energy efficient and recyclable than their alternatives.

Characteristics of Metal Siding

When thinking over all of these factors, you might want to note the characteristics of metal siding in particular and how well it stacks up in each of these categories. Remarkably durable, cost-effective, low maintenance, easy to install, versatile in design and purpose and one of the most eco-friendly building materials, are all attributes that make metal siding a favored choice for many construction projects.

With so many siding options available, you may not know where to start, but closely evaluating the aspects mentioned above will assist you in finding the perfect solution for your project.

About the Author

Tiffany Olson is a passionate writer who absolutely loves writing on anything home and garden related. She got her love of construction from her father who has worked as a Union Carpenter his whole life. When she’s not writing she loves to do yoga, cook, and travel.