Though wood siding is the most common type of siding used for houses, it is pretty high maintenance. A more self-sufficient option is metal (usually aluminum or steel) siding. If you decide to have metal siding installed on your home, you can expect good insulation at a cheap price, without all the care that other siding options require.
The Pros and Cons
As mentioned above, metal siding doesn't require all the maintenance that wood siding does. By having it installed, you can just forget it's there for the next 20 or 30 years, as it is made to last a long time. Additionally, metal siding (especially aluminum) is one of the most affordable siding options. Metal siding can also be installed quickly, which means you'll spend less money on hourly contractors.
Despite these positive factors, there are a few aspects of metal siding that make it a less-than-ideal option. For instance, since aluminum siding is so light, it can be easily dented and even make noise when the wind blows. Also, the prefabricated strips of metal come already painted, so there is a limited choice when it comes to color. Although the siding itself can stand up over time, the paint on the siding may start to fade or chip after several years.
Installing Metal Siding
Once you decide that you'd like to go with metal siding, you should find a company or contractor to install it for you. While you may want to install the siding yourself, this isn't really recommended. Putting siding on a house is a huge task, and, if it's not done right, you can do some real damage to your home. Thus, it is best to hire professionals to do the job for you.
Prior to installing the siding, measurements will be taken to ensure that just the right amount of siding is purchased. Then, the exterior of the house will be cleaned and prepared for installation. The first step in putting up metal siding is to install the aluminum underlay, which provides a layer of insulation and allows moisture to escape.
Once this is taken care of, your contractors will begin putting the actual siding in. They will make sure that each sheet is installed perfectly straight. If even one sheet is off-kilter, the rest of the siding may be off as well (even more reason to leave installation to the professionals). After installing the siding onto one wall of the home, the workers will install a corner cap, which will keep everything in place. Then, they'll move on to the next wall, until the entire house is covered in your new metal siding.
Not only does metal siding provide an inexpensive way to keep your home protected and insulated, it also makes for an attractive exterior. And, due to its durability, metal siding will keep your home looking good for the next 30-odd years.