Need Advise On Metal Siding.

Rat Rod Mac · Jun 10, 2011

I'm thinking of putting up a pole building to store equipment in and am thinking of using metal siding for the job. I don't know how popular this siding is in other parts of the country, but here in east central Ohio it seems like everyone is using it and everyone is selling it. My question is,,, does it all come from the same manufacturer and I should concentrate on the best price or is there a difference in quality between stores selling it. It seems to me that some of these outfits are buying rolls of the metal already painted and they are running it through their own forming rolls. I live next to Holmes County which is a very large Amish settlement and I believe I have counted at least four different establisments selling this stuff. I have always had the mind set that you get what you pay for, and I don't mind paying extra for something that I think will last longer without any problems. So with that said do any of you have any experience with any types of this metal siding. Thank you very much. RRM

rgood · Jun 10, 2011

I think metal is an excellent way to go - There are differences in thicknesses, which is the main part I think you need to pay attention to - Normally, if they make it there on the spot, it should be more cost effective - Sometimes you can have the building built and they will cut it precisely to match the dimensions of your roof peaks etc.

Another thing to consider is what types of screws to install with - Not all are the same cost or quality.

I'd also consider having the roof insulated - Cuts down on the rain noise and will stay cooler in the summer.

tcartwri · Jun 10, 2011

Rat Rod Mac said:
.... It seems to me that some of these outfits are buying rolls of the metal already painted and they are running it through their own forming rolls.

That is typically how it is made. You choose the colour and the die, and specify the linear feet you want to order.

Duffster · Jun 10, 2011

Rat Rod Mac said:
I'm thinking of putting up a pole building to store equipment in and am thinking of using metal siding for the job. I don't know how popular this siding is in other parts of the country, but here in east central Ohio it seems like everyone is using it and everyone is selling it. My question is,,, does it all come from the same manufacturer and I should concentrate on the best price or is there a difference in quality between stores selling it. It seems to me that some of these outfits are buying rolls of the metal already painted and they are running it through their own forming rolls. I live next to Holmes County which is a very large Amish settlement and I believe I have counted at least four different establisments selling this stuff. I have always had the mind set that you get what you pay for, and I don't mind paying extra for something that I think will last longer without any problems. So with that said do any of you have any experience with any types of this metal siding. Thank you very much. RRM

Typically you get what you pay for.

There is a HUGE difference between different brands. Paint quality, quality and thickness of the galvanizing/galvaluming, thickness of the steel, quality of the steel (thicker isn't necessarily better), warranty, etc......

EddieWalker · Jun 10, 2011

I agree with the others.

There are two basics when buying metal. One is going to the manufacturer and getting it straight from them. The other is buying from a reseller who does all the paperwork, then goes to the manufacturer and places the order for you. Pricewise, both are going to be about the same for the same material. Some of the biggest, nationwide metal companies are nothing more then resellers that have contracts with different manufacturers all over the country and buy in such volume that they can sell it for less to you and make a profit for themselves.

The problem with the resellers is they rarely stand behind what they sell, and you really don't know what you are gettting.

I personaly like to go to the manufacturer and talk to the people in the office when I'm buying metal. I have three of them to chose from in my area, and more further out. Mueller is my favorite. They make everything, and they stand behind what they make.

Find a metal building company in your area with a good reputation and go talk to them about what you need. I found Muellers by talking to guys building metal buildings. Ignore the commercials on TV or anywhere else. Talk to the pros, and talk to the owners of those buildings. A building might look great the day it's built, but five years later is covered in rust.

The rubber on the screws is very important. Cheap screws use cheap rubber. That is what matters more then anything else. That and how tight they are screwed down. Too tight and they rubber breaks, then you have a leak. Never nail metal. Nails never hold and the rubber is pure junk.

Insulation on the roof is very important to ensure that the metal does not sweat. Just like a soda can will get water on the outside, a metal roof does the same thing on the inside when temps are different on either side of the metal and the humidity is high. On some days, it will almost rain on the inside of a non insulated building.

Good luck,
Eddie

Rat Rod Mac · Jun 11, 2011

All of you,thank you for your comments. Duffster, do you have any name brands that you think are of high quality you could pass along to me. Thanks again. RRM

clemsonfor · Jun 11, 2011

EddieWalker said:
Insulation on the roof is very important to ensure that the metal does not sweat. Just like a soda can will get water on the outside, a metal roof does the same thing on the inside when temps are different on either side of the metal and the humidity is high. On some days, it will almost rain on the inside of a non insulated building.

Good luck,
Eddie

I have an open carport, open on 3 sides, it has a corrogated metal roof. On humid mournings in the spring and fall (i think) it basically rains underneath it!

Duffster · Jun 11, 2011

Rat Rod Mac said:
All of you,thank you for your comments. Duffster, do you have any name brands that you think are of high quality you could pass along to me. Thanks again. RRM

I highly reccomend McElroy Metal.

Metal Roofing Manufacturer, Metal Wall Panels, Metal Roof Panels, Metal Siding, Metal Panel Distributor

If you can't find a dealer locally let me know and I will hook you up.

Rustyiron · Jun 11, 2011

I think that Duffster means McElroy metal. It is very common for a lot of metal "distributors" to buy the coil and roll form it on there machines, you should be able to order it to the 1/2" for your project. I have noticed some difference in materials, particulary in the paint quality, panel constincy, and lap. Their are different galv. ratings with G-100 being the best. I like the Everlast product. They are in south central PA, northern IN and ME, MA. But I would not be afraid to deal with a local guy just check out his warranty and reputation, keep doing your homework and inquire about his coil supplier/manufacturer. Kynar is a term to look for when describing the paint, it helps with fading.