1. Introduction
Just 24 hours ago, a viral TikTok video showed a homeowner in Portland transforming their drab suburban house into a modern masterpiece using corrugated steel facade panels—and it’s sparked a nationwide surge in searches for ‘metal clad house’ and ‘corten steel siding cost.’ If you’ve caught the metal cladding bug (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?), you’re in the right place.
Metal clad isn’t just for industrial sheds or futuristic skyscrapers anymore. Today’s homeowners are embracing everything from vertical standing seam metal siding to copper siding for its durability, sleek aesthetics, and low maintenance. But before you grab your drill and a roll of aluminum clad sheet, let’s make sure you do it right.
2. What Exactly Is Metal Clad?
First things first: what does ‘metal clad meaning’ even mean? In construction, ‘clad metals’ refer to materials where one metal is bonded to another—like aluminum clad stainless steel or stainless clad aluminum—for enhanced performance. But in everyday use, ‘metal clad’ often describes exterior finishes like metal clad siding, metal clad roof systems, or even metal clad electrical wire.
Don’t confuse it with ‘clad metal meaning’ in cookware (yes, All-Clad pans are a thing). Here, we’re talking about your building’s skin—not your skillet.
3. Choosing the Right Metal Clad Type
Not all metal is created equal. Your choice depends on budget, climate, and style goals.
- Corten steel siding offers that rustic, weathered look but comes with a higher upfront cost (expect $7–$12 per sq. ft.).
- Zinc metal siding ages gracefully into a soft gray patina and works beautifully for a zinc clad roof or zinc clad dormer.
- Aluminum clad steel is lightweight, rust-resistant, and perfect for coastal areas.
- For ultra-modern vibes, consider a standing seam facade using Colorbond standing seam or PAC CLAD HWP panels.
Pro tip: Avoid cheap exterior corrugated metal siding unless you love the sound of rain sounding like a drum solo at 3 a.m.
4. Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Ready to clad your house in steel? Here’s how to do it without turning your weekend into a DIY disaster.
4.1 Prepare the Surface
Remove old siding, inspect sheathing for rot, and install a proper moisture barrier. Skipping this = future mold party (and you’re not invited).
4.2 Measure and Cut
Use aviation snips or a metal shear for clean cuts. For thicker materials like 1/4 steel plate or corten steel plate, a plasma cutter works best—but rent, don’t buy, unless you plan to open a metal shop.
4.3 Install Furring Strips (If Needed)
For uneven walls or added insulation, attach horizontal furring strips. This also creates an air gap for better thermal performance—hello, metal clad insulation benefits!
4.4 Fasten the Panels
Start at the bottom and work up. Use corrosion-resistant screws designed for metal. Over-tightening = warped panels. Under-tightening = flappy metal in the wind (not cute).
For vertical standing seam metal siding, follow manufacturer specs for clip spacing—usually every 16–24 inches.
4.5 Seal Edges and Joints
Use compatible sealants at corners, windows, and rooflines. Don’t forget PAC CLAD coping or PAC CLAD column covers for a polished finish.
5. Common Problems and Quick Fixes
Even the best metal clad building can hit snags. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
- Rust spots on steel clad? Light surface rust can be sanded and touched up with matching paint. Deep corrosion? Replace the panel.
- Condensation behind metal weatherboard? Improve ventilation or add a vapor barrier.
- Loose panels? Check fastener type—aluminum clad steel wire won’t hold up like proper roofing screws.
- Fading color? Most modern metal siding (like PAC CLAD or Colorbond) has UV-resistant coatings, but re-coating every 10–15 years helps.
6. Maintenance Tips to Make It Last
Metal clad siding is low-maintenance, but not zero-maintenance.
Wash it twice a year with mild soap and water—no pressure washers! They can dent thin aluminum diamond tread plate or strip protective coatings.
Inspect fasteners annually. Replace any that are loose or corroded.
Trim overhanging branches. Falling twigs + metal = scratches + rust starters.
And if you live near the ocean, rinse salt spray off your aluminum clad sheet surfaces monthly.
7. Bonus: Can You Paint Metal Clad?
Yes! But only if it’s not already factory-finished with a baked-on coating (like most PAC CLAD products). Clean thoroughly, sand lightly, and use a metal-specific primer and topcoat. Skip the bargain-bin paint—it’ll peel faster than your New Year’s resolutions.
8. Conclusion
Whether you’re building a steel clad house from scratch or upgrading an old metal clad shed, choosing the right materials and installation method makes all the difference. With options ranging from titanium clad accents to affordable corrugated steel facade panels, metal cladding blends form and function like few other building materials.
So go ahead—embrace the gleam, the grit, and the gorgeous geometry of metal. Just remember: measure twice, cut once, and never trust a YouTube tutorial that doesn’t mention sealant.
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 How. 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.