A huge variety of materials for the external cladding of buildings is now presented in construction markets. Previously, for facade cladding, people bought ordinary sheets of metal, now, they were replaced by metal siding. Its size is completely different, but the design is much more attractive.
Dimensions and varieties of material
Metal siding is made in the form of panels of a wide variety of sizes, but the length can be only 3.4 and 5 meters. Choose it based on the parameters of the building that you want to sheathe. Metal siding is selected strictly in accordance with the geometry of the structure. It is best to buy material with a margin of length, this will help minimize the number of joints in the installation process.
In width, the size of the metal siding may be different, but there is a certain standard series. It implies the following varieties: 12, 30 and 55 centimeters.
You can stack sheets in different positions: vertically or horizontally, it all depends on the shape of the building, which they will finish. The coating of the panels may be polymer or powder.
In the first case, the color scheme is quite restrained, it presents only eight shades. As for the elements with powder spraying, 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 mimic the surface of natural wood and stone.
Types of Metal Siding
The manufacturing process for 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. You will learn about them below.
The siding panel is a multilayer product. It consists of the following layers:
- The base is made of metal.
- Polymer layer.
- Primer.
- Coloring matter.
Metal spotlight
Spotlights are called panels designed to decorate the ceiling. In addition, these products can be used to design a cornice of a roof or pediment. Spotlights are usually made of copper material, aluminum or plastic coated with a polymer coating.
For interior decoration of the building, sheets without perforation are used. And also products with additional ventilation holes are produced, they are widely used for finishing the protruding roof elements and roofing works. Dimensions along the length and width of the metal siding are selected in accordance with the dimensions and shape of the structure.
Spotlights are installed very simply - the panels are interconnected using special locks. The final stage of installation of spotlights is performed using self-tapping screws.
Steel wall siding
Outwardly, this material resembles a wavy profile board. Wall panels are considered classic, so they are often purchased for facade decoration of residential and commercial buildings. It is easy to work with panels; they are 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. Fixation of the elements is carried out in a horizontal position on the screws.
The panels are interconnected very tightly, so the finish is durable and very reliable. Profiles perfectly withstand mechanical stress, do not lose color during operation, resist 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 quite often used, since their cost is several times lower than that of natural wood.
Material in form, texture and shade is very similar to a log. Such panels can be used for both exterior and interior decoration. Panels are manufactured at the factory in compliance with special technology. This allows you to additionally not process or stain products. In addition, metal siding under a log does not require treatment with antiseptics, which can not be said about wooden surfaces.
The owner of the house can choose any size of metal siding for the log and shade. The material is fixed on a steel profile or on a wooden crate. This provides the building with additional heat.
Flat siding
Flat panels are slightly different from previous views. They do not have a special groove in the middle. Flat siding is fixed on a horizontal crate, and the elements themselves are located vertically. For reliable fastening of panels, as in previous cases, self-tapping screws are used.
For the production of various sizes of metal siding "shipboard" aluminum is used. The material is ideal for cladding industrial buildings and stalls. After installation is complete, the surface of the panels is coated with special polymers that protect the metal from the negative effects of aggressive factors. And also this coating makes metal siding look like wood paneling.
Panels made of aluminum material perfectly tolerate temperature changes and are not subject to corrosion. Aluminum is a very light metal, but rather durable. Experts say that the process of installing a flat siding is somewhat more complicated than installing other types of panels.
In addition, this metal has a drawback - small elasticity. Aluminum panels do not tolerate mechanical impact, after shock loads, they can lose their original appearance. Direct sheets are recommended to be used for cladding buildings with high fire safety requirements.
Wood facade panels
Metal siding with imitation of wood structure is very popular among buyers. This is due to the fact that natural wood products require special care: treatment with anti-foam, antiseptic solution and varnishing, and the finished steel panels coated with a polymer layer will last several decades without additional operating costs.
The main advantageous characteristics of wood imitation panels include:
- Affordable cost.
- The possibility of cladding the facade with a minimum number of joints.
- High resistance to mechanical stress.
- High resistance to natural factors - the color does not change under the influence of sunlight, the material is not susceptible to decay, mold damage and fungi.
- Water resistant.
- The dimensions of the metal siding "log" are selected individually.
- Large color palette.
Facade panels are fixed to a pre-prepared frame of metal or wood, withstand high temperatures and are completely safe for humans. The duration of operation, subject to installation rules and respect, reaches up to 50 years.
Coating Options
The service life of metal siding depends not only on the structure and construction. The main role in this matter is given to the protective coating. No matter how high-quality the base material, 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 changes and adverse effects of an aggressive environment. Products coated on top with polyester are very durable and will last for many decades.
- Matte polyester. This is a variation of the previous coating. The main difference is a matte, almost velvet to the touch surface. In addition, the service life of materials with a matte surface is almost doubled. Frosted panels are also not afraid of any weather changes and are suitable for all climatic 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 what kind of panels we are talking about - an imitation of stone or timber. In addition, this coating is quite environmentally friendly and does not change the properties during operation.
- Plazistol. Plazistol coated sheets have a textured texture. This composition protects the metal from corrosion and any kind of mechanical stress. But, temperature changes can affect it badly, the appearance of the coating will deteriorate over time.
- Polyurethane. This substance forms a dull surface. It stably tolerates the effects of ultraviolet radiation and chemicals.
Stone metal panels
Stone-like products are made of galvanized steel. On the surface of the panel, a special relief pattern is carried out, which is coated on top with a polymer 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 slightly duller than it was at the very beginning due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation and precipitation. And also the advantages of metal panels under a tree include incombustibility, resistance to temperature extremes and lightness. The latter suggests that after facing 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 option suitable for himself. 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 facing buildings of a non-standard shape. The material is easily attached, so you can save on hiring specialists and do the finishing work yourself.