Phoenix Siding has built a reputation over the past 25 years for both the quality and range of its products. Experts in all aspects of residential siding, Phoenix specializes primarily in the installation of vinyl, cedar and hardie-plank siding. Another popular form of exterior covering is metal cladding which is an external wall finish most commonly produced from either aluminum or steel.
Metal cladding is often preferred by customers wanting a product that is resistant to wear, has long lasting color and requires little to no maintenance. While both steel and aluminum cladding are fire resistant, steel has the advantage of being tougher and harder to damage in extreme weather. Aluminum cladding in contrast can show dents after hail or even after heavy rain in some cases.
Metal cladding exteriors performs well in maintaining a tight building envelope and offer reasonably good insulation values. Metal cladding is installed by attaching interlocking horizontal or vertical panels to the exterior sheathing of the property, or by wrapping the structure’s frame in a sheet of metal. As it is lighter, aluminum cladding is easier to install than steel. While this can sometimes save costs, aluminum cladding is also easier to damage during the installation process, so potentially there could be more waste involved when installing aluminum cladding.
Being a product that is virtually maintenance free (aside from a yearly wash) metal cladding is also resistant to fading or bleaching from the sun. Earlier generations of this product were noted for a tendency to fade, but today the metal used for cladding is typically coated with a tinted weatherproof topcoat that should last for many years. Steel cladding can be vulnerable to rust however, so any chips that are noted in the finish should be addressed immediately. As aluminum does not rust it could be the preferred choice in Vancouver Island’s coastal climate.
When looking for a modern, cost effective, environmental wall cladding system – metal is an excellent choice. New metal panels can be installed over almost any other type of cladding – including brick, block, pre-case concrete, stucco, or even existing metal systems. If interested in learning more contact Phoenix Siding to learn if metal cladding is the right choice for your next home upgrade project.