Homeowners love steel siding for its durability, low maintenance and sleek look, but is it the right pick for your home?
With big benefits, specific considerations and endless design options, knowing the full story can help you decide if steel siding is the smart choice for your exterior.
Steel siding is made by rolling sheets of steel into panels or planks. Often galvanized or zinc-coated to fight rust, it’s usually shaped through “roll forming.” This is when massive steel coils are rolled into their final form.
From board-and-batten to horizontal lap or vertical panels, the options for style are endless. The siding’s protective zinc coating and durable paint finish ensure the home stays stylish, strong and fade-free for years to come.
Steel-based siding offers a variety of looks:
Finishes include smooth or wood-grain textures, with colors spanning from muted neutrals to bold statements. Special coatings such as PVDF can enhance scratch, fade and corrosion resistance for a striking curb appeal that lasts.
Steel siding has a ton of incredible benefits for your home, making it a smart investment for homeowners looking for long-term charm and strength.
Steel is more than ideal for standing up to harsh conditions. Whether you deal with harsh sun, snow, wind or heavy rain, steel resists warping, splitting and rotting. It outperforms materials like wood in extreme climates, and a properly finished steel exterior can last for decades with periodic inspections.
Wood needs to be painted every few years, while stucco can crack over time. Steel siding keeps its finish with minimal upkeep — routine maintenance only requires a gentle wash with soap and water. Occasional checks for scratches or minor erosion are recommended, which can easily be restored with touch-up kits.
Steel siding is noncombustible, which is a major bonus in areas prone to wildfires. Steel is also resistant to pests like termites or carpenter ants, reducing structural damage.
Things Worth Considering
Whenever you’re evaluating the benefits of a construction project, it’s also important to consider specific factors that may impact your final decision.
In the case of steel siding, these include the initial investment cost, potential for dents and limited insulation capabilities. Let’s explore these in more detail.
Steel siding often comes with a higher upfront price tag than materials like vinyl. Depending on style, finish and geographical region, the material and installation costs can be 25% to 50% more.
According to Modernize, the average cost of steel siding is $5.50 per square foot installed, whereas the average cost of vinyl siding is $4.50. However, this initial investment needs to be weighed against its longer lifespan and lower maintenance needs.
While steel siding is incredibly tough, it’s not dent-proof. Like with other siding types, hailstorms, stray branches or flying debris from high winds cause visible dings. Most finishes do a great job protecting your home, but scratches and dents can occur. Regular inspections and timely touch-ups are vital to preventing further issues.
Steel siding without added insulation doesn’t offer great R-value when compared to insulated vinyl or composite panels. If energy efficiency is a priority for you, plan to pair steel siding with proper wall insulation.
You can also consider factory-insulated steel panels or foam-backed installation. These options may have a higher price tag but will have better thermal performance.
Steel siding ranges widely by finish, thickness and profile. For basic panels, the average cost is $3 to $8 per square foot installed. For panels with premium finishes or insulated panels, it can add 15% to 35% more to the material cost.
These prices are going to shift based on labor costs in your area, the complexity of your home’s shape and whether existing siding needs to be removed.
However, the long life expectancy of 20 to 40 years can make steel highly competitive in the long run.
Compared to fiber cement, steel siding is much easier to install. With fiber cement, the panels must be carried a certain way to prevent cracking. They also require flashing and sealant, which steel does not.
Steel siding installation is very similar to vinyl, and skilled DIYers may be able to tackle a simpler project. However, expert installers ensure warranty coverage, cleaner joints and a quicker turnaround. If a homeowner opts to do it themselves, they should follow the manufacturer's instructions and understand how to get the job done safely.
Steel siding is a fantastic choice for homeowners looking for a modern look with virtually no maintenance. To figure out if it’s the right choice for you, consider your climate, your home’s unique style, curb appeal and the lasting value you want to achieve.
Steel truly shines in areas with severe weather or high fire danger. If you deal with high winds, wildfires, humidity or heavy snow, this siding would be a wise choice.
Home Styles
Steel siding is a great option for achieving different styles. Whether your home has contemporary architecture or a traditional farmhouse look, steel siding fits right in with clean panel or vertical board & batten styles. Plus, it’s available in numerous colors, so you can get the look and feel you’re after.
Though cheaper options may seem appealing, steel siding’s durability, visual versatility and low maintenance needs create lower long-term costs. It maintains its crisp, timeless appearance and has great resale appeal.
When properly cared for, it can offer a return on investment that is truly hard to beat.
Whether it’s standing up against the elements or preserving that freshly painted look for years to come, steel siding delivers where other materials fall short.
For siding that’s tough, stylish and built to last, you’ll want options crafted with uncompromising quality. With roll-forming expertise dating back to the 1950s, Rollex delivers steel siding that’s built to last.
Explore our range of products today to discover our superior siding options, or contact us for recommendations on the perfect exterior solution for your home.