Choosing Between Horizontal vs Vertical Metal Siding for a Residential Home

When it comes to installing metal siding in your home, you’re going to find yourself with a whole lot of decisions to make. You’re going to have to choose the specific type of metal being used. You may have to decide which screws and attachments will give longevity and security. You may even have to choose colours. But one major decision that you can’t take too lightly is whether to opt for horizontal siding or vertical siding for your property. Here’s some information that will help you to make the best decision to suit your needs and preferences!

Horizontal Siding

There are a number of factors that can determine whether horizontal siding is for you or not. Let’s take a moment to look at some of the pros and cons!

Cost

Generally speaking, horizontal siding tends to be a lot less expensive than vertical siding. It is often the cheaper of the two options. This is because it is usually much easier to install than vertical siding, meaning the project takes less time and effort to complete. This makes it ideal for anyone looking for siding on a budget.

Time

As we’ve briefly mentioned, horizontal siding takes less time to install than vertical siding. In fact, the project should be complete in around half the time. So, if you want this work carried out quickly, horizontal siding could be for you.

Appearance

Many homeowners prefer the appearance of horizontal siding. While this is purely down to personal preference, this option does tend to hold more favour when it comes to aesthetics

Durability

If your main focus is durability, this may not be the option for you. Horizontal siding tends to be less durable than vertical siding. This is because it’s more prone to water damage over time. Rain can more easily seep into gaps in horizontal siding than it can vertical siding. It’s also important to bear in mind that if any siding becomes even slightly dislodged, water can begin to easily enter the gap, creating mold and mildew damage.

Cleaning

Horizontal siding tends to be a lot more difficult to clean than vertical siding. A special technique and special equipment need to be used to prevent water from leaking in between the horizontal slats. Vertical siding, on the other hand, can be cleaned with detergent and a garden hose or power washer.

Vertical Siding

Now, let’s take a look at vertical siding. This is less commonly seen on residential properties and tends to be favoured by commercial property owners. However, nowadays, more homeowners are becoming open to the option of vertical siding. Here are some of this siding’s pros and cons!

Unique Aesthetics

As we’ve mentioned earlier, homeowners tend to prefer the aesthetics of horizontal siding. But if you’re looking to help your property stand out from the crowd, vertical siding can help you to achieve this!

Cleaning

As mentioned above, it is much easier to clean vertical siding. This can save you a lot of time in your schedule and also means that you don’t have to invest in specialist equipment to clean your siding effectively.

Time and Cost

Again, we mentioned that vertical siding costs more to install. This is due to the more complex nature of installing it. Furring strips have to be installed between each of the siding pieces. But this is a pro! It protects your siding against water leakage and potential damage. It also means that your siding can last a whole lot longer.

As you can see, there are pros and cons with both types of siding. The best for you will depend purely on your individual wants, needs and preferences!

There are plenty of benefits to adding a metal roof to your property. If you’re looking for a roof that looks good, requires next to no maintenance, and will last for many decades, then a metal roof is the way to go. But of course, a metal roof is not just a metal roof. As with all things, there are different types available, and they’re also available in different colors. If you’re looking to get one of the biggest benefits of adding a metal roof (adding value to your home), then it’s important that you choose a color that’ll push the value in the right direction.

How does it impact resale?

Before we get into how you should choose a color for your roof and get the best metal roof color resale, first, let’s think about how metal roofs impact a property’s value. Perhaps the best way it impacts home value is that a prospective buyer will know that the roof will last a long time. Unlike other materials, which can have a lifespan of around 25 years, metal roofs can last for more than 50 years without being replaced. Metal roofs also reduce energy costs, too, which is a big factor for prospective buyers.

How to get the right color for your property

One of the best things about metal roofs is that they’re available in so many different colors. But it’s not as if all colors will improve your home’s value. In fact, in some cases, the color of the roof could reduce the value (but don’t worry: it would have to be a pretty bold color for this to happen!). 

If you go for a more neutral color, then you’ll appeal to the greatest number of people. And the more people who are interested in your room, the more you can ask for it. But you don’t necessarily have to just select the safest option when it comes to your home. 

When it comes to choosing the best color for your metal roof, think about the following.

Your home’s color scheme

A dark bronze roof would look amazing on one type of property, and not so amazing on another. Before you commit to any particular color, take a look at the overall style and color scheme of your home. The aim will be to choose a color that compliments this style well. 

The surrounding homes

If you have a home that would suit a range of colors, then it’s a good idea to look at your overall neighborhood. An overly bright roof might stand out for all the wrong reasons if all the other homes on the street are understated.

Any local guidelines

It’s a good idea to check if there are any restrictions about the colors you can incorporate into your home, especially if you’re part of a homeowners association. 

Of course, these are just some guidelines — your personal preference should be a factor too. If you’re looking to add a metal roof to your property, be sure to get in touch with RPS Metal Roofing and Siding. 

If you live in Florida, you’ve probably got some experience of extreme winds during hurricane season. Your home will have been at risk at some point, of damage, flooding, and power outs, and your roof is probably something of a concern. 

In other places around the world, people give very little thought to the materials used in the construction of their roof. They experience no more than a light storm here and there, which a standard roof has no trouble defending against. But, if you do live in an area which is prone to hurricanes, you’ll know just how important it is to protect your home, the people in it and your possessions with the best roof material for hurricane winds. 

There are some specialist materials that we can use to protect our homes during the windy season, but knowing which one is the right choice can be complicated. Here’s a look at some options for the best roof material for Florida to help you to make your choice. 

Metal

When it comes to the best roof material for hurricane winds, metal is right up there. It looks stylish, is relatively easy to install and maintain, and offers unparalleled protection from high winds and harsh rain. 

Metal roofing is exceptionally durable and able to comfortably withstand winds of up to 160mph before you need to worry about damage. It has the advantage of being in much larger pieces, or even one singular piece, as opposed to the smaller pieces that make up a tiled roof. This makes it far sturdier and substantially harder to dislodge. Metal roofing is available in exposed fastener, hidden fastener, and stamped options. Get in touch with us today if you’d like to know more about your metal roofing options. 

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are very common because they tend to be the most affordable option. However, most standard three-tab shingles can only withstand winds of up to 70mph, making them a high-risk roof material for Florida. 

They may be more affordable in the first instance, but their cheap design and manufacture leave them far more likely to be blown off your roof in anything more than an average storm. This can lead to costly repairs and replacements and perhaps even further damage to home. The upfront costs of asphalt shingles may be appealing, but long-term, the costs can stack up. 

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are one of the best roof material for hurricane winds because they can withstand high winds very well. But, they don’t last for as long as other options, and it often takes a lot of work to keep them at their best. Wood shingles can require extensive maintenance, and even then hurricanes will decrease their lifespan. 

Slate Tiles

Slate tiles are hefty and durable, which can make them ideal for a home that faces hurricanes and other harsh weather conditions. Their weight and rigidity make it very hard for wind to get underneath them. But, these sturdy tiles can be very expensive, and you’ll need a roofer with experience working with slate to fit them. 

Conclusion

If you want your home to have the very best protection from hurricanes, you can’t beat metal. It’s simple but strong and exceptionally durable. Particularity advantageous if you live in a hurricane area, or around a forest and need some extra shielding. 

Other Considerations

Of course, the material that you use isn’t the only thing that will protect your home from hurricanes. 

Roof Shape and Pitch

If your roof has multiple slopes, it will usually fare better during hurricane season. The shape will offer extra shielding, and a hip roof with four sides is generally considered a safer bet than a gable roof with two. 

The pitch of your roof is another important factor. Thirty degrees is often thought of as the perfect pitch in high winds. Roofs with lower gradients tend not to handle rain as well, and steeper roofs are more susceptible to damage during high winds. 

Fasteners

In Florida, and other hurricane-prone areas, staples should never be used to fasten roofs, as they just aren’t strong enough. Nails are a much better option for fastening roofs, and straps should be used to secure wall studs and rafters.

Notched Frieze Board

A frieze board is attached to both the roof and the wall, to bridge the gap between the two. This stops any wind, which could potentially lift the roof from the wall, from getting in. A notched frieze board will also prevent wind-driven rain entering the structure of the home, so preventing further damage. 

If you are looking to add extra protection to your home, get in touch with RPS today for a free estimate. We offer the highest quality materials at the very best prices and protect the future of your home with our excellent warranty scheme. So get in touch with one of our friendly advisors today at sales@rpsmetalroofing.com or on (386) 222-6779 to discuss your needs. 

Metal roofing is increasingly the number one choice for a lot of homeowners. Durable, weatherproof and easy to install, it’s a practical selection that can easily compete with traditional shingles. In these times when we are all thinking of ways to be more eco-friendly, it can also help with energy efficiency – lowering power bills and saving your wallet and the planet. And whether you choose professional installation or a DIY job, you can achieve the right finish with a little time and patience, and the correct tools. So, if you’re looking to install metal roofing how do you get started?

Plan Ahead

The number one useful thing when you’re looking for how to install a metal roof is to understand all the different options that you have available. You can choose from a wide range of finishes for different projects – from tin, which is affordable and highly durable, through to zinc which is corrosion resistant for areas with extreme weather or galvanized steel which is costly but will last a lifetime. Consider the project and the needs that you have, and look through the qualities of different types of metal roofing before making your final selection.

Measure Up Right

They say ‘cut once, measure twice’ and that is never more appropriate than when you are looking to install metal roofing. You will need to:

• Use the right tools to get an accurate roof measurement length and width
• Get a carpenter’s level up to the rafters in the attic to calculate the rise of the roof
• Calculate the total square footage required by multiplying the area by the slope
• Add 10 percent extra onto your order of roofing supplies to account for wastage
• Make sure your roofing screws match the material and color of the metal you have chosen for the roof. 

Prepare The Area

Up on the roof, start by first removing the old shingles, underlay, vents and flashing to give you a clear run for the installation. Take the opportunity to look over the sheathing underneath to make sure it’s intact or tackle any repairs needed. Then you’re ready to roll out your insulation layer – the type you need to use should be checked with the manufacturer of your metal roofing panels. 

Begin Your Installation

When all the materials are in place, you’re ready to begin your installation.

• Start off by adding in the edging, or metal flashing on the eaves of your roof.
• Where there are bends, install your corner pieces
• Flashing should also be installed to overhang your guttering by about half an each either side
• Then you can begin to lay your metal roofing panels – lay them overlapping and square to the roof line
• Place your first screw about seven inches from the bottom of and then at around 18 inch spaces along each vertical run
• Secure your screws and then add some silicone sealant along the underside of the short edge of each panel
• Continue adding and sealing a panel a time until your roof is completely covered
• If you have angles to accommodate, you’ll need to use a circular saw to cut your panels to fit

Now you’re all set to go – but if the project is more complex than you initially thought, using a professional to install your metal roofing is the safest route. 

Metal roofing is by no means a new phenomenon. The concept has been around for centuries and corrugated metal itself played an integral role in the development of the US frontier, the California gold rush and settling on the Great Plains – and metal roofing is just as effective today as it’s ever been! If you’re considering metal roofing, it’s a good idea to know the ins and outs of different options to determine what’s best for you. Let’s start by considering corrugated metal vs standing seam!

Corrugated Metal Roofing

Corrugated metal was developed by Henry Robinson Palmer in the early nineteenth century. His aim was to create a form of stiffened metal that allowed a great span of material across a lighter framework. This would make fast construction of shelters faster and easier, as there wouldn’t be heavy materials to move around and support structures wouldn’t have to be so steadfast to maintain the weight of their roofs. Corrugated metal is self supporting due to the series of waves or folds that are molded into its sheets.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Standing seam roofing is an alternative to corrugated metal roofing. The standing seam is created through a technique which sees edges of each sheet folded upwards and each sheet laid over the next. The resultant raised ridge provides a space for fasteners to lie beneath. This can give a more clean and better looking end result.

Corrugated Roofing vs Standing Seam Roofing

Now we’ve outlined the differences between these two types of metal roofing, it’s time to do a comparison! Here are a few areas where they can differ.

Installation

It’s definitely easier to have corrugated metal roofing applied to your home. They can often be affixed to existing asphalt roofing due to their extremely lightweight nature. Standing seam roofing, on the other hand, can be a more complex and costly task. The metal and technique used for standing seam roofing can see the metal expand and contract with changes in temperature, which can scratch or damage existing roofing beneath. Compare installation costs before settling on one or the other.

Strength and Longevity

Once fitted, both corrugated roofing and standard seam roofing can withstand extremely high wind speeds. Both can also withstand rain, hail and snow too. On top of this, they won’t set alight easily if you live in an area that is prone to wildfires.

Maintenance

Different metals will fare differently over the years – whether the roof you choose is corrugated or standing seam. Galvanized steel roofing can be expected to fare well for fifty plus years. If you opt for aluminium or copper-zinc, you could be looking at over one hundred years. One area you may have to look into down the line, however, is recoating. This can help to keep your roof looking new as time passes by.

At the end of the day, there isn’t an outright answer for whether corrugated metal or standing seam roofing is better. The answer will depend largely on you, your home and your individual preferences. Both make great options!