1. Introduction
Just 24 hours ago, architectural digest highlighted a surge in demand for sustainable home exteriors, with metal clad houses topping design trends across North America and Europe. Homeowners are increasingly choosing metal clad wall systems for their durability, sleek aesthetics, and minimal upkeep—especially options like corten steel siding, zinc facade panels, and pac clad standing seam roofs.
If you’re considering upgrading your home’s exterior or repairing an existing metal cladding system, this guide gives you actionable steps to install, maintain, and troubleshoot common issues with metal clad siding—whether it’s aluminum clad steel, stainless clad aluminum, or classic corrugated steel facade panels.
2. Understanding Metal Clad: What It Is and Why It Matters
Metal clad meaning refers to building materials where a base metal (like steel or aluminum) is bonded or coated with another metal for enhanced performance. This includes clad metals such as aluminum clad stainless steel, titanium clad sheets, or even copper nickel clad composites.
Common applications include metal clad roofs, metal clad walls, and entire metal clad buildings. Popular choices today include:
- Corten steel siding for rustic-modern appeal
- Zinc metal siding for self-healing patina
- Copper siding for timeless elegance
- Colorbond standing seam or pac clad hwp for commercial-grade durability
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Metal Clad Siding
3.1. Choose the Right Type of Metal Clad
Start by selecting your metal clad type based on climate, budget, and design goals. Corten steel siding cost runs higher than standard steel but offers unmatched weather resistance. For coastal areas, aluminum clad sheet or stainless steel plate resists salt corrosion better.
Popular options include vertical standing seam metal siding, exterior corrugated metal siding, and pac clad column covers for accent features like dormers (e.g., zinc clad dormer).
3.2. Prepare the Wall Surface
Ensure your substrate is flat, dry, and structurally sound. Install a moisture barrier or metal clad insulation behind the panels to improve energy efficiency and prevent condensation.
Use furring strips if needed to create an air gap—critical for drainage and ventilation behind the metal clad wall.
3.3. Measure and Cut Panels Accurately
Use metal sheet cutting tools like shears or a circular saw with a metal-cutting blade. Always wear safety gear. For precision, mark cuts using a straight edge on your aluminum diamond tread plate or stainless steel checker plate mockups.
Note: Avoid scratching protective coatings during handling—this can compromise longevity, especially on zinc coated or electroplated surfaces.
3.4. Install Starting Trim and First Panel
Begin at a corner or eave with starter trim. Secure the first panel using hidden fasteners for standing seam systems or exposed screws for corrugated styles. Ensure panels are level and plumb.
For pac clad standing seam roof or wall systems, follow manufacturer specs for clip spacing—typically 12 to 24 inches apart.
3.5. Continue Panel Installation
Overlap panels according to the profile (e.g., 1–2 corrugations for corrugated steel facade). Use sealant only where specified—many modern systems like pac clad coping are designed to be watertight without it.
Finish edges with matching trim: pac clad column covers, corner guards, or custom aluminum clad pipe insulation caps for utility penetrations.
4. Maintenance and Common Problem Fixes
4.1. Cleaning Your Metal Clad Exterior
Rinse annually with water. For stubborn grime, use mild soap and a soft brush. Never use abrasive cleaners on corten or zinc—they disrupt the protective patina.
Copper and zinc facades develop natural patinas; avoid ‘cleaning’ them unless removing graffiti or chemical stains.
4.2. Repairing Scratches and Dents
Minor scratches on painted systems (like Colorbond) can be touched up with matching paint. For bare metals like corten steel plate or aluminum 6061 t6 plate, let oxidation heal minor damage naturally.
Deep dents may require panel replacement—keep spare cut-offs from initial installation.
4.3. Preventing Corrosion at Joints
Inspect seams and fasteners yearly. Replace any rusted screws with stainless steel or coated variants. Ensure dissimilar metals (e.g., aluminum clad steel next to copper) aren’t in direct contact to avoid galvanic corrosion.
5. Safety and Code Considerations
Always check local building codes. In Pennsylvania and many commercial zones, metal clad electrical wire (like aluminum clad steel wire or cu clad wire) must meet NEC standards for outdoor or surface-mounted use.
For structural elements, verify load ratings—especially when using thick steel plate or 1/4 inch steel plate as backing.
6. Conclusion
Metal clad siding isn’t just a trend—it’s a smart, long-term investment. Whether you opt for a corten steel facade, zinc clad roof, or pac clad standing seam system, proper installation and simple maintenance ensure decades of beauty and protection. With options ranging from economical corrugated steel to premium titanium clad panels, there’s a metal clad solution for every home and budget.
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