1. Introduction
Just 24 hours ago, a major storm system swept across the Midwest, damaging thousands of homes—and sparking renewed interest in durable, weather-resistant building materials. According to the National Weather Service, homes with metal clad exteriors reported significantly less structural damage compared to those with traditional wood or vinyl siding. This has led many homeowners to explore metal cladding as a resilient, modern solution for their properties.
If you’re considering upgrading to a metal clad wall—or already have one and need maintenance tips—you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about installing and caring for metal clad exteriors, whether you’re working with corten steel siding, zinc clad dormers, or vertical standing seam metal siding.
2. Understanding Metal Clad Meaning and Types
Before diving into installation, it’s important to understand what ‘metal clad’ actually means. Metal clad refers to any building surface—walls, roofs, or even pipes—that’s covered with a layer of metal for protection, aesthetics, or both. This includes everything from aluminum clad steel wire used in electrical systems to large-scale applications like a steel clad house or metal clad building.
Common types include:
- Corten steel facade (known for its rust-like appearance and low maintenance)
- Zinc metal siding (elegant, self-healing patina over time)
- Copper siding (luxurious but higher cost)
- Exterior corrugated metal siding (industrial look, budget-friendly)
- Colorbond standing seam or PAC Clad standing seam roof systems (popular in residential and commercial builds)
Each type offers unique benefits in terms of durability, appearance, and cost—especially when comparing corten siding cost versus stainless steel plate options.
3. Step-by-Step Installation of a Metal Clad Wall
Installing a metal clad wall isn’t overly complex, but precision matters. Follow these steps for a professional-looking result:
3.1 Prepare the Substrate
Ensure your wall structure is sound, level, and moisture-resistant. Use a vapor barrier if required by local code. For steel clad buildings, this often means securing the metal panels directly to a steel frame using appropriate fasteners.
3.2 Choose Your Cladding System
Decide between panel types: vertical standing seam metal siding offers clean lines and excellent water runoff, while corrugated steel facade panels provide a rugged, utilitarian aesthetic. For custom looks, consider a zinc clad roof or PAC Clad column covers for architectural accents.
3.3 Measure and Cut Panels
Use metal sheet cutting tools rated for your material—whether it’s aluminum clad sheet, stainless steel metal plate, or 6061 T6 aluminum plate. Always wear protective gear. Pre-cut panels to fit around windows, doors, and corners.
3.4 Install Furring Strips (If Needed)
For added insulation and airflow behind the cladding, install horizontal furring strips. This is especially useful when using metal clad insulation or aluminum clad pipe insulation in mixed-climate zones.
3.5 Attach the Panels
Start at the bottom and work upward. Use corrosion-resistant screws compatible with your metal type (e.g., stainless for copper or zinc). For standing seam systems, use hidden clips like snap clad clips to maintain a seamless look.
3.6 Seal Joints and Edges
Apply compatible sealants at seams, corners, and penetrations. Use PAC Clad coping for roof-wall transitions to prevent leaks.
4. Maintenance and Common Problems
Metal clad walls are low-maintenance but not zero-maintenance. Here’s how to keep them looking great:
- Rinse annually with water to remove dust and pollutants.
- Inspect fasteners yearly; tighten or replace if loose or corroded.
- For painted systems like metal weatherboard or Colorbond, touch up chips promptly to prevent rust.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners on patina-forming metals like zinc or corten steel.
Common issues include oil canning (slight panel waviness), which can be minimized with proper support spacing, and galvanic corrosion—preventable by avoiding direct contact between dissimilar metals like aluminum clad stainless steel and copper.
5. Cost Considerations and Material Tips
Corten steel siding cost typically ranges from $8–$15 per square foot installed, while zinc metal siding can run $12–$20. Aluminum diamond tread plate or mild steel plate may be more affordable for sheds or utility structures (think metal clad shed projects).
When sourcing materials, look for certified suppliers offering stainless steel plate grades like 316 or 304L, or alloy plates such as 5052 aluminum plate for marine environments. Always verify ASTM standards (e.g., ASTM A387 for pressure vessel steel) if structural integrity is critical.
Don’t confuse clad metals with electroplating—clad metal meaning refers to bonded layers (like titanium clad or copper nickel clad), whereas electroplating (e.g., chromium electroplating) adds a thin surface coating.
6. Conclusion
A metal clad wall combines durability, style, and long-term value—making it a smart choice for everything from a sleek steel clad house to a functional metal clad shed. By selecting the right materials (like corten steel plate or aluminum clad steel), following proper installation steps, and performing basic upkeep, you’ll enjoy a stunning, weather-resistant exterior for decades. Whether you’re drawn to the industrial charm of corrugated steel facade or the refined elegance of a zinc facade, metal cladding delivers performance you can count on.
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.