A huge variety of materials for the external cladding of buildings is now presented on the construction markets. Previously, people bought ordinary sheets of metal for cladding the facade, now they have been replaced by metal siding. Its size is completely different, but the design is much more attractive.
Dimensions and types of material
Metal siding is made in the form of panels with a wide variety of sizes, but the length can only be 3, 4 and 5 meters. It should be chosen based on the parameters of the building to be sheathed. Metal siding is selected strictly in accordance with the geometry of the structure. It is best to buy material with a margin in length, this will help minimize the number of joints during installation.
The size of metal siding can vary in width, but there is a certain standard range. It implies the following varieties: 12, 30 and 55 centimeters.
Stacksheets can be in different positions: vertically or horizontally, it all depends on the shape of the building that will be finished with it. Panel coating can be polymer or powder.
In the first case, the color scheme is rather restrained, it only has eight shades. As for powder-coated elements, in this case the choice is much more diverse - you can find almost any color. In addition, the collection of metal siding contains products that imitate the surface of natural wood and stone.
Types of metal siding
The production process of this type of siding involves rolling steel sheets. Finished products are metal panels with locks for connecting adjacent parts and holes with which the facing material is fixed on the frame. A variety of coatings are used to protect steel from the harmful effects of the environment. Find out more about them below.
The siding panel is a multilayer product. It consists of the following layers:
- Metal base.
- Polymer layer.
- Primer coat.
- Colorant.
Metal soffit
Soffit are panels designed to finish the ceiling. In addition, these products can be used to decorate a roof cornice or gable. Spotlights are usually made of copper material, aluminum or plastic coated with polymer sputtering.
For interior decoration of the buildingnon-perforated sheets are used. And also products with additional ventilation holes are produced, they are widely used for finishing protruding roof elements and roofing. The dimensions for the length and width of the metal siding are selected in accordance with the dimensions and shape of the building.
Spotlights are installed very simply - the panels are interconnected using special locks. The final stage of the installation of spotlights is carried out using self-tapping screws.
Steel wall siding
Outwardly, this material resembles a board with a wavy profile. Wall panels are considered classic, so they are often purchased for facade decoration of residential and commercial buildings. The panels are easy to work with and quickly installed on a frame made of wood or metal. The size of the metal profile for siding depends on the dimensions of the structure and elements. Elements are fixed in a horizontal position with self-tapping screws.
The panels are joined together very tightly, so the finish is durable and very reliable. Profiles perfectly withstand mechanical stress, do not lose color during operation, resist the action of fire. The length of wall siding reaches 6 meters, and the thickness of the base varies from 0.4 to 0.5 mm.
Log siding texture
For the decoration of civil buildings, metal panels with imitation of wooden logs are often used, since their cost is several times lower than that of natur altree.
The material in shape, texture and shade is very reminiscent of a log. Such panels can be used for both exterior and interior decoration. Panels are produced at the factory in compliance with special technology. This allows you not to additionally process and color the products. In addition, metal siding under a log does not require antiseptic treatment, which cannot be said about wooden surfaces.
A home owner can choose any size of metal siding to match the log and shade. The material is fixed on a steel profile or on a wooden crate. This provides additional warmth to the building.
Smooth siding
Flat panels are slightly different from the previous types. They do not have a special groove in the middle. Smooth siding is fixed on a horizontal crate, while the elements themselves are located vertically. To securely fasten the panels, as in the previous cases, self-tapping screws are used.
For the production of different sizes of metal siding "shipboard" aluminum is used. The material is ideal for facing industrial buildings and kiosks. After the installation is completed, the surface of the panels is covered with special polymers that protect the metal from the negative effects of aggressive factors. And also this coating makes metal siding look like a lining made of wood.
Panels made of aluminum material perfectly tolerate temperature changes and do not corrode. Aluminum is a very light metalbut still quite durable. Experts say that the process of installing flat siding is somewhat more complicated than installing other types of panels.
Besides, this metal has a drawback - little elasticity. Aluminum panels do not tolerate mechanical stress, after shock loads, they may lose their original appearance. Straight sheets are recommended for cladding buildings with high fire resistance requirements.
Front wood panels
Metal siding with imitation wood structure is very popular with buyers. This is due to the fact that products made of natural wood require special care: treatment with antiperm, antiseptic solution and varnishing, and finished steel panels coated with a polymer layer will last several decades without additional operating costs.
The main advantages of wood effect panels include:
- Affordable price.
- Possibility of cladding the facade with a minimum number of joints.
- High mechanical resistance.
- High resistance to natural factors - the color does not change under the influence of sunlight, the material is not subject to decay, mold and fungi.
- Water resistant.
- The dimensions of the metal siding "log" are selected individually.
- Great color palette.
Front panels are fixed ona pre-prepared frame made of metal or wood, resist high temperatures and are completely safe for humans. The duration of operation, subject to the installation rules and careful attitude, reaches 50 years.
Cover options
The service life of metal siding depends not only on the structure and design. The main role in this matter is given to the protective coating. No matter how high-quality the main material is, without proper protection, it will quickly lose its properties. Manufacturers produce metal panels with the following types of coating:
- Polyester. He is not afraid of any temperature fluctuations and the adverse effects of an aggressive environment. Products covered with polyester on top are very durable and will last for many decades.
- Matte polyester. This is a variation of the previous coverage. The main difference lies in the matte, almost velvet to the touch surface. In addition, the service life of materials with a matte surface is almost doubled. Matte panels are also resistant to any weather changes and are suitable for all climate zones.
- PVDF. First of all, it is worth noting that the aesthetic properties of products coated with this composition are preserved for a long time. At the same time, it does not matter at all what kind of panels we are talking about - imitation of stone or timber. In addition, this coating is quite environmentally friendly and does not change properties during operation.
- Plasistol. Plasistol-coated sheets have an embossed texture. This composition provides metal protectionagainst corrosion and any kind of mechanical impact. But, temperature changes can have a bad effect on it, the appearance of the coating will deteriorate over time.
- Polyurethane. This substance forms a matte surface. It is resistant to UV and chemicals.
Stone effect metal panels
Stone-like products are made from galvanized steel. On the surface of the panel, a special relief pattern is made, which is covered on top with a polymeric protective layer. From afar, it is difficult to understand that the house is finished with siding, and not lined with natural or artificial stone.
This material with proper care can last 40-50 years, the only thing that can change is the color. It will become a little dimmer than it was at the very beginning due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation and precipitation. And also the advantages of metal panels under the tree include incombustibility, resistance to temperature extremes and lightness. The latter suggests that after cladding with siding, the load on the foundation of the house does not increase.
Conclusion
With such a variety of choices, each owner will be able to choose the right option for themselves. And due to the fact that you can choose different sizes of width and length of metal panels, siding becomes even more affordable, it becomes possible to use it for cladding buildings of non-standard shape. The material is easy to attach, so you can save onhire specialists and do the finishing work yourself.
