1. Introduction
Just 48 hours ago, a major architectural firm in Portland unveiled a new residential project featuring a striking corten steel facade paired with vertical standing seam metal siding—highlighting the surging popularity of metal clad exteriors in sustainable, modern home design. As homeowners increasingly seek low-maintenance, fire-resistant, and visually bold cladding solutions, understanding how to properly install and maintain metal clad siding has never been more important.
Whether you’re building a metal clad house from scratch or re-cladding an existing structure, this guide provides a clear, step-by-step approach to working with materials like clad steel, aluminum clad sheet, zinc clad roof panels, and corrugated steel facade systems.
2. Understanding Metal Clad: What It Really Means
Before diving into installation, it’s essential to grasp the metal clad meaning. ‘Clad metals’ refer to composite materials where a base metal (like mild steel or aluminum) is bonded with a corrosion-resistant outer layer—such as stainless steel, copper, or zinc. This process, often achieved through roll bonding or electroplating, enhances durability without the full cost of solid premium metal.
Common types include aluminum clad steel, stainless clad aluminum, titanium clad sheets, and even copper nickel clad for marine environments. For residential exteriors, popular choices include corten steel siding, zinc metal siding, and colorbond standing seam panels.
3. Choosing the Right Metal Clad Type for Your Project
Not all metal clad siding performs the same. Your climate, budget, and aesthetic goals should guide your selection:
- Corten steel siding: Rustic, self-weathering appearance; ideal for modern or industrial designs. Note: corten siding cost is higher but requires zero painting.
- Zinc facade or zinc clad dormer: Elegant, long-lasting (80+ years), with natural patina development.
- Aluminum clad sheet or aluminum diamond tread plate: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant—great for coastal areas.
- Corrugated steel facade or exterior corrugated metal siding: Affordable, quick to install, and widely available.
- PAC CLAD standing seam roof or vertical standing seam metal siding: Premium, seamless look with excellent water shedding.
Avoid confusion with unrelated terms like ‘metal clad wire’ or ‘aluminum clad pipe insulation’—those serve electrical or HVAC purposes, not exteriors.
4. Step-by-Step Installation Guide
4.1. Prepare the Wall Substrate
Ensure your wall sheathing is flat, dry, and structurally sound. Install a high-quality weather-resistive barrier (WRB) like housewrap over plywood or OSB. This prevents moisture intrusion behind your metal clad wall.
4.2. Install Furring Strips (If Needed)
For most metal siding systems—especially standing seam or PAC CLAD HWP panels—vertical furring strips (typically 1×3 wood or metal hat channels) create an air gap. This promotes drainage and ventilation, critical for longevity.
4.3. Start at the Bottom with a Starter Strip
Begin installation at the lowest point of the wall. Use a level to align your first panel. For corrugated or metal weatherboard styles, overlap panels per manufacturer specs (usually 1–2 corrugations).
4.4. Fasten Properly
Use corrosion-resistant fasteners (stainless or coated) designed for metal cladding. Never over-tighten—allow for thermal expansion. For standing seam systems, clips (like snap clad clips) secure panels without visible screws, preserving the clean facade.
4.5. Handle Corners and Penetrations
Use pre-fabricated corner trims or custom-bent pieces from your supplier. Around windows and doors, integrate PAC CLAD column covers or coping for a seamless transition. Seal all joints with compatible sealant rated for metal movement.
5. Maintenance and Common Problem Fixes
5.1. Cleaning Your Metal Clad Exterior
Rinse annually with a garden hose. For stubborn grime, use mild soap and soft brush—never abrasive pads. Avoid acid-based cleaners on zinc or corten steel.
5.2. Addressing Scratches or Dents
Minor scratches on painted systems (like Colorbond) can be touched up with matching paint. On bare metals like corten or zinc, scratches often blend into the natural patina over time.
5.3. Preventing Galvanic Corrosion
Never directly fasten dissimilar metals (e.g., aluminum siding to copper flashing). Use isolation membranes or compatible transition materials to avoid electrochemical reactions.
6. Conclusion
Installing metal clad siding—whether it’s a sleek steel facade, rustic corten steel plate, or elegant zinc clad roof—adds durability, style, and value to any home. By selecting the right clad metal meaning for your needs, following proper installation steps, and performing simple maintenance, your metal clad building will stand strong against the elements for decades. With trends favoring sustainable, low-maintenance exteriors, now is the perfect time to go metal.
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