Metal Siding for Residential Homes: Cost and Pros

Steel vs Aluminum: The Two Main Options

Steel siding is the more durable and impact-resistant option. Galvanized steel (coated with zinc to prevent rust) and Galvalume steel (coated with a zinc-aluminum alloy) are the standard residential products. Steel siding costs $8 to $20 per square foot installed depending on the gauge (thickness), profile, and finish. Heavier gauges (24-gauge and 26-gauge) are used for residential siding, with 24-gauge being more dent-resistant but also more expensive. Steel siding will not crack, warp, or rot, and it resists hail damage better than vinyl, fiber cement, or wood.

Aluminum siding costs $7 to $15 per square foot installed. Aluminum is naturally corrosion-resistant (it does not rust), making it the preferred choice for coastal environments where salt air would attack steel. Aluminum is significantly lighter than steel, weighing roughly one-third as much per square foot, which makes it easier and faster to install. The tradeoff is that aluminum is softer and more susceptible to denting from hail, baseballs, or other impacts. Dents in aluminum siding are difficult to repair without replacing the entire panel.

Corrugated metal is the most affordable metal siding option at $5 to $10 per square foot installed, but it has a utilitarian appearance that works best on agricultural buildings, workshops, and modern designs that intentionally embrace the industrial aesthetic. Corrugated panels are typically 26-gauge galvanized steel and are widely available at home improvement stores.

Metal Siding Profiles

Standing seam panels are the most popular residential metal siding profile. Vertical panels connect with raised seams that interlock, creating a clean, modern appearance with visible vertical lines. Standing seam hides all fasteners within the seam, eliminating exposed screw heads and improving weather resistance. This profile costs $10 to $20 per square foot installed and is the premium option for residential metal siding.

Horizontal lap panels replicate the look of traditional lap siding in steel or aluminum. These panels are designed to mimic the appearance of wood or fiber cement lap siding while providing the durability advantages of metal. Horizontal metal lap siding costs $8 to $16 per square foot installed and is a good choice for homeowners who want metal's performance without the industrial look.

Board and batten metal panels create a vertical look with alternating wide and narrow sections formed into a single panel. This profile is extremely popular for modern farmhouse designs and pairs well with other siding materials as an accent. Cost runs $9 to $18 per square foot installed. See our board and batten siding guide for comparison across materials.

Flat lock and shingle panels are individual metal pieces installed like traditional shingles or flat tiles. This profile creates a distinctive, textured appearance and is most common on high-end custom homes. Cost is $15 to $25 per square foot installed due to the labor-intensive installation process.

Advantages of Metal Siding

Fire resistance is metal siding's most significant advantage. Steel and aluminum are non-combustible and carry Class A fire ratings. In wildfire-prone areas, metal siding (along with fiber cement) meets the non-combustible exterior cladding requirements that many building codes mandate. For homeowners in California WUI zones, Colorado Front Range, and similar fire-risk areas, metal siding is one of the safest available options. See our best siding for your climate guide for fire zone recommendations.

Longevity is exceptional. Steel siding with a quality factory finish lasts 40 to 60 years. Aluminum siding lasts 40 to 50 years. Both outlast vinyl (20 to 40 years) and are comparable to fiber cement (30 to 50 years) and natural wood (30 to 50 years with intensive maintenance). The paint finish on modern metal siding uses PVDF (Kynar) fluoropolymer coatings that resist fading, chalking, and peeling for 30+ years.

Low maintenance sets metal siding apart from wood and even fiber cement. Metal siding requires no painting for the life of the factory finish (30+ years for PVDF coatings). Maintenance consists of occasional washing with a garden hose and mild detergent to remove dirt and pollen. There is no caulking to maintain at horizontal joints (the panel interlock system provides the weather seal), no painting schedule, and no rot or insect risk.

Sustainability is increasingly cited by homeowners as a reason to choose metal. Both steel and aluminum are 100% recyclable at end of life, and most steel siding contains 25% to 35% recycled content. At the end of its service life, metal siding has scrap value rather than disposal cost, unlike vinyl and fiber cement which go to landfills.

Disadvantages and Limitations

Denting is the primary concern, particularly with aluminum. Large hail (1 inch or larger) can dent aluminum siding, and the dents are permanent unless the panel is replaced. Steel resists denting better but is not immune to very large hail. Homeowners in severe hail regions (central Texas, Oklahoma, parts of Colorado) should choose heavier gauge steel if selecting metal siding.

Noise from rain and hail is amplified by metal panels. Without insulation behind the siding, a heavy rainstorm on metal siding is noticeably louder than on vinyl or fiber cement. Insulated metal siding panels or a continuous insulation board installed behind standard metal panels effectively dampens the noise. Insulated vinyl siding addresses this same concern in a different material category; see our insulated vinyl siding guide for that comparison.

Cost is higher than vinyl and comparable to or exceeding fiber cement for premium profiles. The upfront price can be a barrier, though the low maintenance cost over 30 to 50 years offsets much of the initial premium.

Thermal expansion causes metal panels to expand and contract with temperature changes. Proper installation accounts for this with slotted fastener holes that allow panels to move. Improperly installed metal siding that restricts thermal movement can buckle, warp, or pop fasteners. This makes professional installation by experienced metal siding contractors essential.

Installation Considerations

Metal siding installation requires specialized skills and equipment that most general siding contractors do not possess. The panels must be cut precisely (using metal shears or nibblers, not abrasive saws that damage the protective coating), and standing seam panels require a mechanical seamer to close the interlocking seams. Fastener placement must account for thermal expansion, and all cut edges must be treated with touch-up paint to prevent corrosion at exposed steel.

Labor costs for metal siding installation run $4 to $10 per square foot, comparable to fiber cement and significantly higher than vinyl ($2 to $4). The higher labor cost reflects the specialized skills required and the precision necessary for a weather-tight installation.

A weather-resistant barrier (WRB) and, ideally, a continuous insulation layer should be installed behind metal siding. The insulation provides thermal performance, dampens noise, and prevents condensation on the back side of the metal panels. A rainscreen gap (typically created with furring strips) is recommended best practice to allow airflow behind the panels and prevent moisture trapping.

Metal Siding and Home Value

Metal siding is perceived as a premium material by home buyers, particularly in markets where modern, contemporary, and farmhouse-style homes command premiums. The ROI for metal siding is comparable to fiber cement at roughly 70% to 85% cost recovery at resale, depending on the market and how well the metal siding complements the home's architectural style.

In rural and agricultural areas where metal buildings are common, metal siding on a house may not carry the same premium perception. In suburban markets where vinyl and wood are the norm, a well-executed metal siding installation on a modern or farmhouse design often creates significant visual differentiation that attracts buyers. For more on siding and resale value, see our siding and home value guide.

When Metal Siding Makes Sense

Best for: Wildfire zones where non-combustible cladding is required or preferred. Modern, contemporary, and modern farmhouse designs where vertical profiles and clean lines are desired. Coastal areas (aluminum) where corrosion resistance is important. Homeowners who want the absolute lowest maintenance option available. Environmentally conscious homeowners who value recyclability.

Not ideal for: Severe hail regions unless heavy-gauge steel is chosen and the added cost is acceptable. Traditional or historic home styles where metal's modern appearance would be architecturally incompatible. Budget-constrained projects where vinyl or basic fiber cement would serve the functional needs at lower cost.