Different Metals and Usage

Sheet metal siding is a common modern option and is available in a large range of sizes and colours. It is produced from different kinds of metal depending on where it will be used. Galvanized metal siding is a popular option for commercial or industrial buildings as is corrugated metal siding made from aluminium. Aluminium will provide better protection against corrosion and so is often used in coastal areas. It will react with oxygen to produce aluminium oxide, a coating that is extremely durable and one that will seal the surface of the metal well. Steel will often begin to rust in these same coastal areas after a number of years even when it has been treated with a substance such as zinc to help resist corrosion. Rusting will weaken the metal considerably and also give a building a poor appearance. Painting metal siding periodically can help to prolong the lifetime of the materials where corrosion resistant paint is used. Steel does however have one major advantage over aluminium siding in that it is more resistant to dents. This makes it desirable in areas which are prone to violent storms.

Metal siding pricing will depend on the thickness and overall quality of the materials. The thickness is measured by the gauge. The thicker the material is the lower the gauge value will be and lower gauges such as those in the low 20’s will tend to mean higher metal siding prices. Higher quality materials will also come with a longer coating warranty than lesser quality products. A minimum of 25-30 years should be a good indicator that the siding is produced to a high standard. The quality of the product will also be reflected in the metal siding cost.

Although most commonly used in the construction of commercial properties the usage of residential metal siding has recently increased due to the wide range of options now on offer. Metal house siding can now be installed which will have the appearance of a less durable but perhaps more visually pleasing material such as wood. Many houses are now constructed using metal roofing and siding in order to take advantage of the many benefits of using metal materials including their strength, long life expectancy and ease of transport. Of course metal siding and roofing materials will also come with the highest levels of fire resistance meaning they are safer than almost all other options on the market.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Metal siding is very durable and will require only minimal maintenance. It is resistant to fire, rot and insects such as termites. This makes it a safe and cost effective option. Steel siding is rarely damaged by anything but the most extreme storms but aluminium is not as strong. Metal siding is not a particularly green option as the manufacture is energy intensive. The materials used are however recyclable. Installation can sometimes be difficult due to the weight of large siding panels, particularly those made of steel. Another common problem which can arise during metal siding installation is joining separate panels which fit tightly enough to keep out wind and rain but at the same time also allowing room for the materials to contract or expand in different temperatures. These problems can be overcome in many ways including overlapping the sheets, sealing the joint completely or using some kind of interlocking joining mechanism such as tongue and groove.

The impressive durability and low maintenance costs of metal siding typically make it a sensible investment for many kinds of properties. It is however necessary to research which types of metal will be most effective in your area particularly if your property is in a coastal region or is subjected to frequent storms.

Corrugated metal is the term used to describe metal which has been fed through rolling dies to achieve corrugation. The metal used is most often steel, aluminium or iron with steel usually being the most popular. The purpose of the corrugation process is to increase the bending strength of the metal in the direction the corrugations are facing. The bending strength in directions across the corrugations is not strengthened by the process. The procedure known as Roll Forming is used to achieve the corrugations. The metal is passed through the rolling dies and then cut at the required length. The standard corrugation pattern used has a rounded shape and will take the form of the letter ‘S’ if the edge is viewed from the side. The shape of the corrugations can be changed by using a different set of rolling dies.

Usage

Corrugated metal is lightweight and also easy to transport. It is used frequently in commercial and industrial buildings particularly as corrugated metal roofing, corrugated metal siding and sometimes corrugated metal cladding. Corrugated sheet metal is strong, durable and can also be somewhat corrosion resistant if treated prior to use. Although processes such as galvanizing can be used to reduce the effects of corrosion the corrugated sheet metal roofing will still rust after a number of years. The effects of corrosion can be increased in areas close to the coast or where acid rainfall occurs. A corrugated metal roof is most likely to be found on large factories or agricultural buildings although these kinds of metal roofs are also now used on residential properties. Residential roofs will look different to commercial ones constructed using corrugated metal sheeting and can be designed to have the appearance of other less durable but more aesthetically pleasing roofing materials. A roof produced from corrugated metals is an increasingly popular choice due to the durability of the materials along with their lightweight design and ease of installation. The minimal maintenance requirements of a corrugated metal sheet over a number of years means that these materials are very often the most economical choice.

Corrugated metal sheets are a safe and secure choice of roofing material in most environments. This kind of steel roofing has considerable strength and impact resistance while also possessing the highest levels of fire resistance making them desirable in many kinds of commercial buildings. They are also effective in areas which are likely to experience termite infestation. These corrugated metal panels have been in use since the mid 1800’s when they were originally invented. Their durability, versatility and ease to work with should ensure that they remain a popular choice for use in both industrial and residential buildings for many years into the future.

Although corrugated roofing is the most common usage there are also many other roles for these metals including the production of corrugated metal pipe for culverts and storm sewers as well as many types of corrugated metal hose which can withstand very high pressures and are effective for transferring liquids and gases in industrial environments.