Steel siding may not be top of mind when you think of exterior cladding, but it should! With its eco-friendliness, durability and low maintenance, steel siding can stylishly protect your home with a powerful shield. Steel siding is weather-, insect- and fire-resistant, and it comes in various styles and colours that can mimic wood. Check out the five significant benefits of steel siding below.
1. Low Maintenance
Compared with other materials, steel typically requires little upkeep, particularly in regions subject to harsh winters. While wooden siding needs to be repainted or stained every couple of years, steel siding doesn’t need to be repainted or caulked. Simply pressure-wash your steel siding once a year to keep it looking fresh. The low-gloss colour of Gentek’s Sierra Steel Ultra Premium Steel Siding resists fading, chipping and scratches.
2. Eco-Friendly
Homeowners are increasingly demanding more eco-friendly materials for their homes. Steel siding can be made from recycled steel and recycled when no longer in use. Additionally, no harmful chemicals or pollutants are released since steel typically doesn’t require repainting or restaining.
3. Strength and Durability
Steel siding offers unbeatable strength and protection for your exterior siding needs. It can handle severe weather conditions, including storms and extreme temperature swings, negatively impacting fibre cement or wood. Snow, sleet, frost and rain are no match for steel as it doesn’t absorb water or foster the growth of mould, which can destroy a home’s framing and lead to health hazards for homeowners. Steel siding is also resistant to insect damage, and it won’t rot, split or crack.
4. Aesthetics
Steel siding has come a long way over the years, and today’s styles capture an authentic wood grain texture for the appearance of freshly painted wood. Available in different profiles such as clapboard, dutch lap, and board and batten, steel siding presents various options to suit most homes. Steel siding also comes in a wide range of colours that offer a clean, modern look for your exterior. Look for steel siding with PVDF finish for long-lasting protection and colour performance. The high-performance coating will ensure your siding resists scratching, fading, chalking and chipping.
5. Fire-Resistance
Steel siding is an excellent option if you live in an area prone to lightning storms or wildfires. Most steel siding has been fire-tested and has a low likelihood of igniting and spreading fire. Fire-resistant siding may save you money on monthly homeowner insurance premiums, so check with your insurance agent.