Once unheard of, standing seam metal siding now has a powerful presence in exterior design.
With a bold, eye-catching profile and clean appearance, standing seam can transform the exterior of any home and give it the refresh it needs to draw attention again.
Not many homeowners are familiar with standing seam metal, and there are some important elements that you should be aware of before deciding to build with this type of material.
This guide will prepare you for success with standing seam siding by pointing out key issues – and providing a smart alternative to consider.
Standing Seam – It’s Not Just for the Roof!
Believe it or not, standing seam has been extremely popular for some time now – but only recently has it been used as siding. Traditionally, standing seam metal is used as a sleek and highly durable roofing option on all sorts of building styles.
It’s made with metal, so standing seam metal has the durability and weather resistance needed to endure tough conditions – which makes it an excellent choice for roofing. These same qualities have also sparked interest with creative builders who like to think outside of the box. Many builders are now experimenting with using standing seam metal roofing materials on the exterior walls in place of siding.
In theory, the concept makes sense. Standing seam metal roofing is super attractive and strong, so why wouldn’t you want to use it for siding?
While the idea sounds promising, in reality there are a few challenges that can complicate this novel approach.
How to Use Standing Seam Panels for Metal Siding
If you’re set on the idea of using standing seam panels for metal siding, there are a few factors that you should consider. Using metal roofing for siding isn’t impossible – but it does come with certain risks and complications that can undermine the original idea.
Here are a few factors to consider before using standing seam metal roofing panels on the exterior walls of a home:
1. Pay Attention to Orientation
When used as siding, standing seam panels must be installed vertically, which will ultimately limit the design possibilities.
Why? The lapped design simply is not built for horizontal orientation. Many homeowners have no issue with a vertical layout, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind before starting construction.
2. Choose a Panel System That Works on Walls
Another thing to be aware of – not all roofing panel systems work effectively as siding on vertical walls. Standing seam panels are built with one of three installation systems: mechanically seamed, snap lock, or a nail strip design.
Mechanically seamed panel systems require heavy machinery that must be lugged up the side of the wall during installation, which can pose logistical challenges and safety issues. For that reason, mechanically seamed panels should be avoided for siding. Only snap lock or nail strip panel systems should be considered.
3. Be Comfortable with Standing Out
This may be a no-brainer, but you should be prepared to get a few puzzled looks if you choose to install roofing panels as siding. Though the design of standing seam panels is attractive and distinctly modern, it’s still quite uncommon for homeowners to install this product on the side of a house instead of on the roof. If you’re working with a contractor, it may pose additional problems or tension if the idea goes against their expertise.
Of course, taking a risk can sometimes provide big payoffs, and it’s definitely possible to use standing seam metal roofing panels for siding – it’s just not very common. Homeowners who love the look of standing seam metal often end up choosing an alternative siding product that delivers a similar style, but without the risks.
4. Perform a Cost Calculation Before You Begin
Standing seam roofing systems are considered top-notch in the roofing industry. This means that higher end materials often come with a ‘premium’ price tag as well.
Standing seam siding is no different, with the materials alone costing between $3 to $5 per square foot. Add in installation costs and labor, and a range of $10 to $16 per square foot is more realistic.
This is another reason why homeowners often choose an alternative product with a similar design profile.
A Great Alternative: TruLog Steel Siding
TruLog specializes in unique steel siding products that capture the authentic beauty of traditional materials and styles, like vertical board and batten, smooth lap, and cabin-style log siding.
All TruLog siding panels are built with heavy-duty steel with modern design and durability, so homeowners are able to create the perfect aesthetic they’re looking for – without compromising on cost, performance, or complex installation methods.
If you like the look of standing seam metal – or you’re simply searching for a super durable siding option – contact TruLog today to explore a range of beautiful siding products that provide the enhanced strength and longevity of steel.
