Ever look at your fading, warped siding after a heavy spring storm rolls across the Kansas plains and think about switching to something tougher? We see it all the time around neighborhoods near Oread or out toward the West Hills. Lawrence Siding Pros notices that homeowners get tired of constant painting and patching, and they start looking hard at metal siding. Metal Siding is tough, but metal siding is not a typical weekend DIY project for most property owners. Here is what you need to know before you dive into Metal Siding, while the metal siding work is happening, and after the crew packs up.
Before You Start: Planning and Material Choices
Before a single old panel gets ripped off your house, you have to choose the right material for your Metal Siding project. Steel and aluminum are the main contenders for Metal Siding, and steel and aluminum behave quite differently under our local weather extremes—from freezing winter winds blowing off the Kaw River to blistering July heat.
- Decide between corrugated steel, standing seam panels, or metal shingle profiles based on your home's architectural style and your budget for Metal Siding.
- Check your local building codes or historic district rules if you live closer to downtown Lawrence, as exterior appearance changes sometimes need approval.
- Measure your exterior walls carefully to estimate material waste, factoring in cuts around windows, doors, and gable vents.
Can you handle the material selection and estimating for Metal Siding yourself? Absolutely. You can order samples, talk to suppliers, and get a solid feel for what looks good. But when it comes to ordering exact quantities with proper trim pieces for Metal Siding, mistakes get expensive fast.
During Installation: What to Expect on Site
Once Metal Siding installation day arrives, things move quickly. If you have ever tried cutting heavy-gauge steel with standard tin snips, you already know why Metal Siding usually requires a professional crew like Lawrence Siding Pros. Specialized metal shears, brake presses, and safety gear are important for Metal Siding installation.
- Old siding comes off first, revealing the condition of your sheathing and house wrap underneath before Metal Siding goes up.
- A weather-resistant barrier and often rigid foam insulation get installed to prevent thermal bridging through the Metal Siding.
- Panels of Metal Siding are meticulously locked or screwed into place with specialized fasteners that allow for thermal expansion and contraction.
You can certainly prep your yard by moving patio furniture, trimming back overgrown bushes, and taking down old light fixtures to save a bit on labor costs. Leave the actual hanging, flashing, and trim work for your Metal Siding to the pros at Lawrence Siding Pros. One misaligned panel can throw off the entire wall and trap moisture behind your Metal Siding.
After the Project: Maintenance and Long-Term Care
After the crew cleans up the last metal shavings from your lawn, you are left with Metal Siding that demands very little of your time. Metal Siding does not rot, and pests like woodpeckers or termites will leave Metal Siding completely alone. Still, a brand-new Metal Siding exterior requires some basic care.
- Hose down the Metal Siding walls once or twice a year to clear away dust, pollen, and Kansas road grime.
- Inspect the caulking around windows and trim annually to make sure seals remain tight against driving rain on your Metal Siding.
- Touch up any accidental scratches on your Metal Siding right away with matching exterior paint to prevent rust spots from forming.
Handling these routine seasonal checks yourself keeps your Metal Siding looking sharp for 15 to 20 years or more without needing outside help. For Lawrence homes, Lawrence Siding Pros is here for all your Metal Siding needs.