When a Kansas thunderstorm rolls across the plains, exterior walls take a real beating from the weather. Between the blistering summer heat and the freezing winter winds whipping down I-70, houses around Salina, KS take a real beating. Homeowners in neighborhoods from Schilling to Downtown are looking closely at metal siding for durability.
Property owners thinking about making the switch or putting metal siding on a new addition need a realistic plan. Salina Siding Company will walk through what this Metal Siding project actually looks like from start to finish, and where property owners should draw the line between a DIY project and calling in professional help.
Before You Start: Planning and Prep
Property owners should examine their framing, check local building codes in Saline County, and decide on the exact profile for Metal Siding. Corrugated panels look sharp on modern builds, but hidden-fastener systems give a cleaner, more traditional look that will not show screws over time.
What property owners can do:
- Strip off old, rotted wood trim or peeling paint if comfortable with basic demolition.
- Measure exterior walls twice so the project does not end up short on material.
- Clear out shrubs and patio furniture to give contractors a clean workspace.
What property owners should leave alone:
- Structural damage assessment. If the sheathing is rotting from moisture trapped behind the old Siding, an experienced eye is required to determine if the studs are compromised.
During the Installation: The Heavy Lifting
Once the materials arrive, Metal Siding installation requires precision. Installing Metal Siding is not like installing vinyl siding because it involves sharp edges, heavy steel or aluminum panels, and exact thermal expansion gaps. If a metal panel is screwed down too tight in July, it will buckle when January arrives.
Property owners can handle putting up house wrap or rigid foam insulation board with a nail gun and patience. Hanging the actual Metal Siding panels requires professional experience. Salina Siding Company sees plenty of projects where panels were cut incorrectly with a torch instead of shears, ruining the protective coating and starting rust spots before the first year is finished.
Professional contractors handle the flashing around windows and doors for Metal Siding. One incorrect cut on a drip edge will leak straight into the home during a heavy rainstorm.
After the Project: Long-Term Care
Once the project is complete, the house looks sharp. The best part about Metal Siding is that it does not need extensive maintenance. Still, property owners cannot ignore Metal Siding completely.
A garden hose can be used once or twice a year to wash off the dust kicked up by Kansas winds. Caulking around trim pieces must be monitored because extreme temperature swings will crack cheap sealant after a few seasons. If a scratch appears from a stray tree branch, property owners should touch it up right away with matching paint from the manufacturer so oxidation does not take hold.
Salina Siding Company provides Metal Siding services for homes in Salina, KS, creating a tough upgrade that will easily outlast most standard materials when installed correctly the first time.