Tips on Metal Siding Installation

Overlap

Installing metal sheeting requires the overlap of materials. The metal sheeting is made to be installed this way, and because of that leaves some room for water leakage. It is best to run a line of sealant down that seam where the joints overlap to ensure that the sheet metal is waterproofed at the joints.

Starter Strip

Sheet metal siding comes with a starter strip that runs along the bottom of the building. The siding is placed inside this starter strip to keep it straight throughout the run along the building. It is important when installing this starter strip that it be perfectly straight. This can easily be done by marking the building with a chalk line from end to end, using a level to make sure the chalk line is straight.

Orientation

Metal siding can be installed either horizontally or vertically. Both installation types are durable and hold up against the elements. It is best to use vertical siding on roofs, but it does not matter whether vertical or horizontal siding is used on the side of the building. The framing of the building will determine which type of siding to use.

Fasteners

It is best to use screws with plastic washers when installing metal siding. Using nails can created a problem in the future. If corrections or repairs need to be made during installation, it is easier to unscrew the siding than to attempt to pry it away with a hammer. An installer can create more damage to the material when he attempts to remove a nail than if he just removes a screw.