Metal siding is a common choice for residential homes, and for good reason. It’s extremely durable and long lasting, and easy to look after. This means that even though there’s an initial higher cost, it can be far cheaper in the long run because it can last for decades.
However, because you’re picking a siding that could potentially last for 50 years or so, you need to make sure that it’s a siding you like. When choosing and installing metal exterior siding, you want the best option possible. This means picking the metal to use, the types of attachments to use, and potentially the color of the siding.
Another choice is whether to get horizontal or vertical siding for your home. Here’s a breakdown of these two options and what to consider.
Cost
One of the most important things to think about when building a home is how much it will cost. You want every option to work for your budget.
In this situation, horizontal siding wins hands down. You’re far more likely to see horizontal siding on homes, which means contractors are more used to installing it. It’s easier to install, meaning that it takes less time and will likely involve a cheaper price.
Metal siding is more expensive than other materials as it is, so the cheaper option is tempting. Vertical siding is less common and considered a specialist option, which is why it can be more expensive and take longer to install.
Of course, the best way to determine exact costs is to get in touch with a contractor and get a quote. Ask for a breakdown of materials, the time expected to complete the project, and how the project will be completed.
You should also remember that the installation costs don’t factor into the complete cost of the siding. Vertical siding might be more expensive initially, but as you read on, you’ll find that it can be cheaper in the long run.
Time
Part of the increased cost of vertical siding is related to the amount of time and expertise it requires.
Because horizontal siding is more common, most contractors are very familiar with the installation process. They do it more often, so they are more practiced and can work more quickly.
Vertical siding, on the other hand, involves a more complicated process. Before the siding panels can be installed, the contractor has to install furring strips horizontally. This provides a smooth surface for the siding panels. All of this means the project will take longer.
Not only this, but the increased effort and complexity of installing vertical siding means that there are more opportunities for complications to crop up in the job. Be as upfront as possible with your contractor and learn about what problems they expect to happen and what they can do about it.
It’s a good idea to ask your contractor about their siding experience, especially if you’re leaning towards vertical siding. Ask if they have installed it before and how they found the process. The more experienced the contractor, the better.
Durability
If you choose metal siding, the chances are that you value durability. After all, metal is the most durable siding material you can choose and can last a lifetime if properly cared for. Both vertical and horizontal siding are extremely durable and long lasting.
However, if you want the most durable option, vertical siding is the way to go. Horizontal siding can suffer water damage over time. This is because rainwater can leak underneath the siding strips and get trapped there. With metal, this can lead to rust and other issues, as well as potential damage to the material beneath the siding.
However, vertical siding doesn’t have this problem to the same degree. Water runs down the panels and drops to the ground. It is far less likely to end up trapped between the panel and the wall itself.
Also, remember the furring strips? While they have to be installed with vertical siding, which increases the time and cost of installation, they do have an added benefit. These strips provide even more protection against water damage and other issues. They make your siding more durable so it can last even longer.
So, vertical metal siding might be more expensive when its installed, but this increased durability means that it might cost less over time because you don’t need to replace it as quickly. However, all metal siding can boast a long lifespan, regardless of the orientation. You could easily argue that the difference between vertical and horizontal orientation isn’t as significant as the material used.
Maintenance
If you want to ensure that your siding lasts as long as possible and always looks its best, you’re going to need to maintain it regularly. This is true of any siding, but the way you look after it will differ depending on the type of material used and the orientation of the siding itself.
Vinyl requires very little maintenance, wood requires a fair amount of maintenance as it needs to be treated and repainted to prevent water damage. But what about metal?
Metal siding also has specific maintenance needs. It should be kept clean, and ideally cleaned on fine, dry days. You can also paint metal siding, but make sure that you like the color and that you use gloss paint. Check for deep scratches because they can lead to rust.
Vertical siding is easier to clean than horizontal siding. This is because you don’t have to worry about water getting trapped behind the panels, so you can use a pressure washer to get rid of dirt quickly. Not only this, but you might not have to clean vertical siding as often as horizontal siding. Dirt gets trapped between the sidings just like water, but vertical siding doesn’t allow this to happen.
You need to clean horizontal siding with more care and potentially more often. Use a nylon brush or a cloth and water. Simple detergent can get rid of anything water on its own can’t tackle, but make sure to rinse it thoroughly. As you can imagine, this process takes longer and is more effort-intensive than simply blasting it with a power washer or hose.
Appearance
When it comes to most things, appearance and attractiveness is purely subjective.
As a general rule, horizontal paneling with concealed fasteners have always been more popular for residential buildings. On the other hand, vertical paneling with exposed fasteners were often used for barns or other commercial buildings. But this isn’t necessarily the case any more, as some people do like how vertical panels look.
Horizontal siding is much more common and traditional, and many people prefer how it looks. After all, things are often popular for good reason. For better or worse, horizontal siding looks more typical. This means a residential home with horizontal siding might be easier to sell to a potential buyer.
However, some people want their homes to stand out a little. In this case, the more unusual vertical paneling style might be the better aesthetic choice. You’ll be able to see a significant difference between your home and others around it. Some people find vertical paneling looks sleeker and elongates the house. Also, vertical siding doesn’t get as dirty as horizontal siding and, as has been mentioned, is much easier to clean. This means that it looks better for longer.
But because it’s more unusual, if you want to sell your home, they might prefer a more traditional look. While an eye catching exterior could be a selling point, you’re usually better off going for the more common and popular look if you want to attract more buyers.
When it comes to how your home looks, the most important thing is what you like. Before you choose, look at pictures of different options and work out which one looks better to you.
Making Your Choice
As you can see, both horizontal and vertical siding options have their pros and cons. Neither is objectively better than the other, it all comes down to your circumstances and your preferences.
Horizontal siding is more common and traditional, so might be more attractive. It’s also cheaper and easier to install.
However, vertical siding stands out more and is experiencing a rise in popularity. While it’s more expensive, it’s easier to clean and can be more durable than traditional horizontal siding.
The more information you have, the easier it will be to make an informed decision. After all, your siding will hopefully last for a long time, so you’ll be stuck with whatever you choose. Of course, you can still make some alterations to how your exterior looks.
For example, metal siding can be painted. The right paint can protect your siding against rust and water damage, and it can make your home look more elegant. While metal siding can look quite industrial, the right paint softens it, so you enjoy the durability of metal and the look of a painted home.
st 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!