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Aluminum Siding for Steel Buildings

Aluminum siding is another exterior option for steel buildings. It offers attractive protection to metal commercial buildings, from a variety of weather conditions for more years. The aluminum panels can be coated with enamel to make them resemble different looks including artificial wood surfaces.

Compared to wood siding for steel metal buildings, aluminum siding is more durable because it never rots, splits, splinters, or cracks. Unlike steel siding, aluminum siding does not rust. It won't even grow brittle during winter, a common issue with vinyl siding.

Aluminum siding is waterproof and fireproof. Aluminum siding provides all-around weather protection for any steel building. Properly installed aluminum siding prevents damage to interior walls caused by direct contact with moisture brought about by rain or snow. Moisture causes growth of molds or harmful bacteria – infestations that are very difficult and costly to cure.

Compared to other exterior sidings for metal buildings including bricks, stone, or wood; aluminum siding costs less. It can last for several decades and only requires minimum maintenance. Aluminum siding exteriors need to be cleaned only once every year and painted once in maybe 5 or 6 years.

The paint-ability of aluminum siding has been one of its advantages over its nearest rival, vinyl siding. Once vinyl siding is faded, restoring it to its original luster is very difficult. On the other hand, aluminum siding can be painted over and over again, to make it look like new.

For repainting aluminum siding, it is important that the surface be properly prepped. Use only paint that is specially made to adhere to aluminum.

One disadvantage of aluminum siding is its susceptibility to blemishes caused by impacts. For scratches and minor dents, the surface can be cured by sanding and repainting. For major dents, damaged panels have to be replaced.

Aluminum siding is the most economical exterior siding for industrial steel buildings. Compared to vinyl siding, it is a good insulator of heat, greatly reducing the workload of heaters and air conditioners.

Aluminum siding is easy to install. The panels are lightweight, making aluminum siding popular for those who prefer to do the installation by themselves.

The best time to install aluminum siding, and for that matter, any other siding for steel buildings, is during summer or spring. It's always a good idea to check the weather forecast in advance before starting the project.

Prepping the surface:

Prior to installing aluminum siding, ensure that the exterior walls are clean and smooth, to achieve a perfect finish. Grime and dirt must be removed. Any protruding nails must be hammered or removed. Holes or any depressions must be filled.

Installing the Underlay:

Before the actual aluminum panels are installed, the backing surface has to be smooth and flat. This is the purpose of installing a surface underlay, first. Foam boards are considered the best underlayment for aluminum siding. Install the foam boards over the clean walls and brush down when finished.

Installing and Fastening the Aluminum Sheets:

Aluminum panels are installed from the bottom up. For a more efficient installation, start working on one wall and move on to the next only when you're done. Make sure that the sheets are in a straight line. It is very important to ensure that two adjacent panels of aluminum siding overlap at least two inches with each other, to create a solid and tight barrier.

Aluminum siding sheets are fastened to exterior walls of steel buildings by using aluminum nails that are hammered into factory-made holes, which are conveniently placed in the panels. The nails should NOT be hammered too tightly to make room for thermal expansion.

At the end of each wall, leave gaps measuring 3 to 4 inches for the corner caps. Fixing the corner caps in place is simple. Just slide the rims of the caps under the edges of the two aluminum panels and then nail them in place.

Painting:

Just one more step and you're done. Before applying paint, double-check that all panels are firmly nailed. Then apply the color of your choice. Be sure to clean the siding once a year and repaint every 5 or 6 years.

 

About the Author

Shane Watson, an employee of Armstrong Steel.  Armstrong Steel is one of the largest pre-engineered steel buildings suppliers in North America. They are one of the leading steel buildings and metal buildings suppliers.  Whether you want a prefab steel building kit to erect a building or a turnkey solution for your 100,000 square-foot facility, Armstrong Steel is committed to providing customers with the finest building at the lowest cost. Their buildings are durable, attractive and will meet or exceed your specific local building codes. They offer nationwide and international service and delivery of steel buildings. For more information about our building materials visit: http://www.armstrongsteelbuildings.com/

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