Steel & Metal Siding in Wichita, KS

Two very different kinds of steel siding

• Residential steel lap siding looks like traditional lap or Dutch lap siding, with a wood-grain or smooth texture and interlocking panels. It installs much like vinyl, with matching trim, soffit and accessories.
• Ribbed or corrugated panels run vertically and are fastened with exposed screws. They are the standard for shops, pole barns, ag buildings and many commercial buildings, and some homeowners use them for a modern or farmhouse look.

Both use galvanized or galvalume steel with a painted finish, but they differ in look, installation and price.

Why steel appeals in Kansas

• Impact and puncture resistance. Steel does not crack the way vinyl can in a cold-weather hailstorm, and it resists punctures from hail and debris.
• Fire resistance. Steel is noncombustible.
• No rot or pests. Steel does not absorb water or attract insects or woodpeckers.
• Finish. Factory-applied paint systems resist fading and chalking; ask what coating system is used and what the finish warranty covers.
• Wind. Interlocking steel panels, properly fastened, handle high wind well.

The downside: dents

Steel resists punctures, but large hail and direct hits can dent it, and steel does not spring back like vinyl. Thicker steel (a lower gauge number) resists denting better, and textured or ribbed surfaces hide small dents better than smooth flat panels. Dents may be cosmetic, but some homeowners find them hard to live with on the front of the house. Many Kansas homeowners policies treat cosmetic hail damage to metal differently from functional damage, so check your policy. See siding insurance claims and the best siding for hail.

Gauge and finish

Steel thickness is described by gauge: the lower the number, the thicker the steel. Residential lap steel and ag panels come in different gauges, and the difference affects dent resistance, how flat the panels lie and price. Finishes range from standard polyester paints to higher-performance coatings that resist fading longer. When you compare quotes, ask for the gauge, the coating type and the manufacturer's finish warranty in writing.

Shops, barns and ag buildings

Around Andale, Cheney, Valley Center, Clearwater and the rural parts of Sedgwick, Butler, Harvey, Reno and Sumner counties, ribbed steel is the default for shops and pole barns. Re-siding an older building often includes:

• Replacing rusted bottom panels where soil, manure or standing water has sat against them.
• Adding or replacing trim at corners, doors and the base.
• Replacing worn screws and washers that have started to leak.
• Changing color or adding a wainscot band in a contrasting color.

Steel siding on agricultural buildings may also be part of a farm insurance policy rather than a homeowners policy, which matters after hail.

Steel vs. aluminum

Many older Wichita-area houses have aluminum siding from the 1950s through the 1970s. Aluminum dents more easily than steel, and its finish chalks and fades with age. Replacing it with steel, vinyl or fiber cement is a common project. See old asbestos and aluminum siding replacement.

Installation details

• Lap steel needs room to expand at trim and corners, like vinyl, and correct nailing in the slots.
• Cut edges should be protected per the manufacturer's instructions to limit rust.
• Steel should not touch dissimilar metals, treated lumber or soil in ways the manufacturer warns against.
• A water-resistive barrier and flashing go behind residential steel siding, as with any siding.
• Ribbed panels need the right screw type and spacing, with sealing washers seated correctly, not overdriven.

Repairs

Dented or damaged steel panels can usually be replaced individually if the profile and color are still available. Fading means a new panel may look different from 15-year-old panels. Scratches through the finish should be touched up with the manufacturer's touch-up paint to slow rust. See siding repair.

Is steel right for you?

Steel is a strong choice for outbuildings, for homeowners who want a noncombustible, low-maintenance exterior, and for walls where punctures and cracks have been a problem. If dents would bother you, compare fiber cement or a heavy insulated vinyl. Published price ranges are in the cost guide.

Questions to ask before you sign

• Which manufacturer and product line, and what gauge is the steel?
• What paint or coating system is used, and what does the finish warranty cover (fading, chalking, peeling)?
• For ribbed panels, what screws and washers are used, and how is the base detailed to keep soil and water off the panels?
• For residential lap steel, is matching steel trim, soffit and fascia included?
• Will old siding be removed, and what happens if damaged sheathing is found?
• How are cut edges protected, and is touch-up paint left with the homeowner?

Colors, wainscots and mixed looks

Steel comes in a wide range of factory colors. On shops and barns, a darker wainscot band along the bottom is popular because it hides dirt and is easy to replace if a panel gets damaged by equipment. On homes, steel lap can be paired with stone veneer or board-and-batten accents in the gables. Ask for color samples outdoors, in Kansas sunlight, before deciding.

Getting a quote

Choose "Steel or metal" on the form and mention whether it is the house, a garage, a shop or a barn. We will call you back to set up a free quote.

What does it cost? See published national ranges for steel siding in the siding cost guide. They are general industry estimates, not quotes.

Related guides

• Best Siding for Hail in Kansas

Good to know: Requesting a quote is free and there is no obligation. Ask for a written quote that lists the material, the scope, permits and the warranty terms.