1. Introduction
Just 24 hours ago, a viral TikTok showed a homeowner in Portland replacing their rotting wood siding with corrugated steel facade panels—and their HOA threw a fit. Why? Because they chose raw corten steel siding without approval, and now their ‘rustic-chic’ home looks like a post-apocalyptic art installation. Drama aside, this highlights a growing trend: metal clad isn’t just for sheds and warehouses anymore. From sleek steel facade systems to copper siding that ages like fine wine, metal cladding is having a moment.
But what exactly does ‘metal clad’ mean? And why are terms like ‘clad metals,’ ‘aluminum clad steel,’ and ‘zinc clad dormer’ popping up everywhere? Buckle up—we’re decoding seven major metal clad types, comparing their pros, cons, and personalities.
2. What Is Metal Clad, Anyway?
Before we dive into specifics, let’s clarify the jargon. ‘Metal clad meaning’ (or ‘clad metal meaning’) refers to a composite material where a base metal is bonded—mechanically, metallurgically, or via electroplating—to a more corrosion-resistant or aesthetically pleasing metal layer. Think of it like a gourmet sandwich: mild steel plate is the bread, and stainless steel or zinc is the fancy cheese.
This technique gives you the strength of the base metal with the surface benefits of the cladding—like rust resistance, conductivity, or that Instagrammable patina. Common forms include metal clad siding, metal clad roofs, and even metal clad electrical wire (yes, your house wiring might be wearing armor).
3. The Big Seven: Metal Clad Types Compared
3.1. Corten Steel Siding: The Moody Artist
Corten steel facade systems are the brooding poets of the cladding world. They start shiny but develop a stable rust layer—called a patina—that protects the underlying steel. No painting needed! But be warned: runoff can stain light-colored surfaces, and corten siding cost runs $8–$15/sq ft, making it pricier than standard corrugated steel facade options.
- Pros: Self-protecting, zero maintenance after patina forms, dramatic aesthetic
- Cons: Staining risk, not ideal for humid coastal zones, higher upfront cost
3.2. Zinc Facade & Zinc Clad Roof: The Quiet Achiever
Zinc metal siding offers a soft gray sheen that weathers gracefully to a matte finish. It’s lightweight, recyclable, and lasts 80+ years. A zinc clad dormer or full zinc clad roof screams European minimalism. Bonus: zinc’s natural oxide layer makes it highly corrosion-resistant—no electroplating required.
- Pros: Extremely durable, eco-friendly, elegant aging
- Cons: Expensive ($12–$20/sq ft), requires skilled installers, dents easily
3.3. Aluminum Clad Steel: The Practical Hybrid
Aluminum clad steel (or aluminium clad steel) combines the strength of carbon steel plate with aluminum’s corrosion resistance. Often used in metal clad buildings, sheds, and even aluminum clad pipe insulation. You’ll also see it as aluminum clad sheet or aluminum clad steel wire in industrial settings.
- Pros: Cost-effective, good strength-to-weight ratio, resists rust better than bare steel
- Cons: Less heat-resistant than stainless, can corrode in salty environments if coating is damaged
3.4. Stainless Clad Aluminum & Titanium Clad: The High-Performance Duo
For extreme environments—chemical plants, marine applications—you’ll find stainless clad aluminum or titanium clad composites. These use explosion bonding or roll-cladding to fuse dissimilar metals. Think stainless steel plate layered over aluminum plate for heat exchangers, or titanium plate over steel for aerospace parts.
- Pros: Exceptional corrosion and heat resistance, used in critical infrastructure
- Cons: Very expensive, niche applications, not for your backyard shed
3.5. Copper Siding: The Timeless Classic
Copper siding starts bright and shiny but evolves into a green-blue patina over decades. It’s the OG of metal weatherboard for heritage buildings. While stunning, it’s also soft and costly ($15–$25/sq ft).
- Pros: Unmatched longevity (100+ years), antimicrobial, beautiful aging
- Cons: High cost, vulnerable to theft (scrap value), requires careful detailing
3.6. Standing Seam Systems: Pac Clad vs. Colorbond
Vertical standing seam metal siding dominates modern metal clad houses. Two heavyweights: Pac Clad standing seam (with accessories like Pac Clad coping and Pac Clad column covers) and Colorbond standing seam. Both offer clean lines and weather-tight seams, but Pac Clad HWP (High-Performance) panels often use thicker gauges and custom alloys.
- Pros: Sleek look, excellent water shedding, low maintenance
- Cons: Higher installation cost, noise during rain (unless insulated)
3.7. Exterior Corrugated Metal Siding: The DIY Darling
From metal clad sheds to trendy coffee shops, exterior corrugated metal siding is affordable, easy to install, and comes in galvanized, zinc-coated, or painted finishes. It’s basically boiler plate steel with personality.
- Pros: Budget-friendly ($3–$7/sq ft), widely available, fast installation
- Cons: Can look industrial if not styled well, prone to oil-canning (waviness)
4. Bonus: Metal Clad Beyond Walls and Roofs
Don’t forget metal clad wire (like CU clad wire or aluminum clad wire) used in electrical systems, or metal clad insulation for pipes. Even metal nameplates and diamond plate steel sheets (aluminum diamond tread plate, anyone?) fall under the broad ‘clad metals’ umbrella. And yes, that 1/8 inch steel plate or 3/16 metal plate you bought? It might be clad too—check for alloy clad markings like 2024-T3 clad or 7075-T6 clad in aerospace grades.
5. Conclusion
Whether you’re building a steel clad house, upgrading a metal clad shed, or just curious why your neighbor’s corten steel siding costs more than your car—metal clad offers endless possibilities. Choose based on climate, budget, and aesthetic goals. And maybe run your design by the HOA first.
Our Website founded on October 17, 2012, is a high-tech enterprise committed to the research and development, production, processing, sales and technical services of ceramic relative materials such as 7. Our products includes but not limited to Boron Carbide Ceramic Products, Boron Nitride Ceramic Products, Silicon Carbide Ceramic Products, Silicon Nitride Ceramic Products, Zirconium Dioxide Ceramic Products, etc. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.