A Metal Expert’s Guide to Steel Siding
Steel siding has emerged as a major contender in the design world as architects and homeowners explore siding options outside of wood and vinyl siding. Not only can steel siding accomplish many of the popular designs showcased in magazines—like shiplap or woodgrain—but it has a level of durability and longevity other siding options can’t even start to compete with. Below we’ll review the ins and outs of steel siding so you can make informed decisions and recommendations for your next build.
The Ins and Outs of Steel Siding
Types of Steel Siding
Steel siding is available in a wide range of profile types to fit every aesthetic and construction need. Basically, if we have a steel panel profile in stock, you can not only use it for metal roofing projects but siding projects, as well—it all comes down to the function, design, and vision for your build.
Like steel roofing panels, you can get your siding panels in their raw material form, coated with a speciality finish, or painted with your chosen color. Coatings can be applied to the profile you choose to enhance the panel’s durability, allowing you to select from galvanized or galvalume steel siding panels, among others. Additionally, steel panels can be painted with the color of your choice (depending upon supplier availability and the profile you choose) to enhance the value and design of the project.
If you don’t see a profile type below that meets your vision or are wondering what colors are available for steel siding, chat with our team. Below are a few of the most commonly used profile types for steel siding:
- Corrugated
- Standing Seam
- Ultra Batten
- Box Rib
- All Purpose
- Flat
Want to learn more about Great Northern Metal Company’s options for metal siding panels? View our concealed fastener panels and exposed fastener panels.
Difficulty Level
How difficult steel siding is to work with depends on the type of panel profile you choose and your level of experience. If you’re skilled at measuring and cutting, and you are working with a corrugated metal panel, the difficulty level’s about a 2 on a scale from 1 to 5. But if you choose a nail strip panel for a siding project, that bumps up the difficulty level to a 3 or 4. With any panel you choose, it’s vital to review the panel’s installation guidelines before tackling the installation project.
Steel Siding Aesthetic
One of the best qualities of steel siding is its design versatility.! Steel siding can boost the visual appeal of your build by providing a unique accent piece or an all-around cohesive look, depending on what your vision is. From placing vertical panels to create the popular shiplap look to using corrugated panels to mimic the classic farmhouse design, steel siding can be just as—if not more—versatile than wood or vinyl panels. A wide variety of aesthetics can be accomplished by using metal siding, including the following:
- Rustic Metal Siding – As a dominant Montana aesthetic, steel siding can help you create a range of rustic designs from natural cabin looks to the classic farmhouse style. Different types of painted coatings can help you achieve the specific rustic vision, such as using wood grain painted panels to mimic cedar planks or placing panels with a weathered paint color to give your build a vintage, earthy touch.
- Modern Metal Siding – If you’re looking for a more avant-garde design for your build, panel profiles like standing seam can be applied as siding to your commercial or residential project to amplify the building’s sleek, contemporary beauty.
- Classic Metal Siding – If your build needs to comply with local HOA requirements or blend with the design of the surrounding neighborhood, steel siding’s simple can make your build look elegant and timeless.
Steel Siding Maintenance & Longevity
One of steel siding’s biggest pros is it is incredibly low maintenance, both before and after installation. If you’ve done your research and have the proper education, installing steel siding is a relatively quick process compared to other siding options. Additionally, metal panels do not need to be replaced as often as alternative siding options due to its natural durability. Steel siding doesn’t absorb moisture or heat like wood or vinyl siding does, so there is no worry about mold or fungus growth. For general steel siding maintenance, we recommend cleaning and rinsing off the panels every few months, just like you would wash your car.
Another major asset of steel siding is its longevity. Metal panels are more durable than other siding options, and they can stand up to extreme weather conditions (we’ll explore this more in the next section). Metal panels do not deteriorate as easily as other panel types, so they can stay looking brand new for years on end. With proper care and maintenance, steel siding can last for over 50 years before needing panel replacement. In comparison, cedar siding can last up to 40 years, and vinyl lasts between 50-60 years.
Climate & Fire Resistance
There’s no contest when it comes to steel siding’s durability and resistance to the elements. While vinyl and wood panels are extremely susceptible to the elements and often need replacement after an intense storm, steel panels can manage a wide range of temperature extremes. From deflecting the harsh summer sun to withstanding strong winds to making heavy snow and ice easy to brush off, steel siding can stand up against the toughest Montana weather conditions.
Additionally, steel siding has the bonus advantage of being fire-resistant. Though fire hazards can be unavoidable at times, metal panels have shown to be the most fire-resistant among alternative siding options. Its tough exterior can withstand extreme heat, helping to not spread or ignite fires throughout the building. Most steel panels have a Class A fire rating, which is the highest fire resistance rating possible. Class A means the material in question offers maximum protection from fires.
Challenges of Steel Siding
While the pros of steel siding largely outweigh the cons, contractors need to be aware that steel panels come with their own, unique challenges, just like any material you choose to work with. With proper education and insight, you can better work with steel siding and make it an asset to your project, not its downfall. Below are a few factors to be aware of when working with steel siding:
- Paint on Panels Can be Scratched & Dented – Unfortunately, scratches can be common with metal panels, especially if they are not installed without the care they need or if surrounding foliage becomes overgrown and brushes against the building. Denting, as well, can happen to metal panels if they are mishandled by an inexperienced installer.
- Requires Proper Education before Installing – Not every siding crew can install steel siding; it requires solid education.
- Not the Cheapest Option on the Market – There is an initial upfront cost when choosing steel siding, but its longevity and durability make the initial investment worth it in the long run. The cost of steel siding, on average, is around $3.00 to $6.00 per square foot.
Why is Steel Siding a Good Choice for Montana Builds?
While aluminum siding products are the most popular in our region, steel siding’s valuable qualities often make it the better, more reliable choice for Montana projects. Compared to wood or vinyl siding, metal siding requires much less maintenance due to its durability. This can be very helpful since our state experiences various harsh types of weather. At our higher-than-average altitude, the sun can be very intense in the summers, and snow piles up against the sides of buildings in the winter. Metal siding can withstand a wide range of weather types, from deflecting the sun away from your building to making snow easy to brush or slip off your building. Compared to replacing and maintaining wood or stone siding, metal siding is more cost effective and longer lasting, making it an optimal choice for Montana buildings.
Let’s Chat Steel Siding
If you are considering incorporating steel siding in your next Bozeman residential metal siding or commercial metal siding project, reach out to our team today for an expert’s advice. Our team has decades of combined experience in a wide range of metal roofing and siding systems, so we can provide you with the best options for your unique needs. To speak to a professional or get a quote, drop us a line or give us a call at (406) 624-0435.
What Is Sealant for Metal Roofing?
Metal roof sealant helps seal seams, joints, gaps, and other areas where water or air could enter a roofing system. Most gun-grade sealants are applied from a tube and form a bead over or within a joint. Depending on the formulation, the material may remain permanently pliable or cure into a flexible seal.
For metal roofing, flexibility matters. Panels naturally move as temperatures rise and fall, so a sealant used at a moving joint needs to accommodate that movement without losing adhesion.
The location of the seal matters too. A product used at an exposed seam may need different properties than one placed inside a concealed joint.
Sealant also should not be treated as a substitute for proper flashing, fastening, or panel installation. It works as part of the roofing system, not as a fix for a detail that was built incorrectly.
What Is Butyl Tape for Metal Roofing?
Butyl tape is a preformed sealing material typically installed between two roofing components. Instead of applying a bead from a tube, the installer lays a continuous strip of tape along the joint before the materials are fastened together. That makes it especially useful at concealed laps and other locations where two metal surfaces come together.
Butyl stays flexible, which helps it maintain a seal as a metal building experiences normal movement. There are also expanding sealant tapes that serve a similar purpose while filling irregular gaps and accommodating movement within the joint.
Sealant vs. Butyl Tape
The simplest way to think about the difference is application.
Gun-grade sealant works well when you need to apply a bead into a seam, joint, or gap. Butyl tape works well when you need a continuous seal between overlapping or adjoining components.
One is not automatically better than the other. The roof detail determines which type makes sense.
Metal Roof Sealant vs. Butyl Tape: Which Should You Use?
Different roof details put different demands on the sealing product.
These are general guidelines. Always check the roofing-system requirements and the manufacturer’s installation instructions before choosing a product.
4 of the Top Metal Roof Sealants and Butyl Tapes
The right product depends on the joint, expected movement, temperature conditions, and whether the seal will be exposed or concealed.
Here are four options GNMC has tried, tested, and trusts so much that we chose to carry them at our shop.
Best for: Expansion joints, lap seams, and joints that need to accommodate movement.
EMSEAL AST Hi-Acrylic Sealant Tape is a self-adhering, open-cell polyurethane foam tape impregnated with acrylic-modified asphalt.
Unlike a standard flat tape, EMSEAL AST gradually expands after it is removed from its packaging. That allows it to conform to the joint and fill gaps along irregular surfaces. For metal roofing and metal buildings, that can be particularly useful around details affected by thermal expansion and contraction.
Why It Works Well With Metal Roofing
One of EMSEAL AST’s biggest advantages is its ability to move with the building. The tape conforms to contours and maintains a seal as metal panels expand and contract. It is designed to help keep out dust, air, wind-driven snow, and moisture through joint details.
It also does not dry out and become hard or brittle over time. Because the material remains compressed within the joint, it is designed to stay in place rather than squeeze out the way some caulks or butyl products can.
Its resistance to UV exposure, aging, and mildew also makes it well suited to demanding exterior applications.
Common Applications
EMSEAL AST can be useful for:
- Expansion and compression joints
- Lap seams
- Mechanically fastened joints
- Irregular gaps
- Metal building details where movement needs to be accommodated
It can also be used alongside several common building materials, including metal, plastic, wood, and concrete.
Interested in EMSEAL AST? Contact GNMC
Best for: Metal panel joints that need a permanently pliable, gun-grade sealant.
TFC BUTYL™ is a single-component butyl-based sealant designed specifically for strong adhesion to metal panels.
Its biggest distinction is that it remains permanently pliable. It does not skin over into a hard surface, which allows the material to continue moving with the joint after installation.
Why It Works Well With Metal Roofing
Metal panels do not stay perfectly still over the life of a building. Temperature changes create movement, and joints need a sealing product that can handle it.
TFC BUTYL remains flexible and moisture-resistant, which makes it useful for metal panel details where a rigid sealant would not be appropriate.
It also meets or exceeds AAMA 809.2 and is available in gray or white.
Installation Matters
Good adhesion starts with a clean surface. Before applying TFC BUTYL, the substrate should be dry and free from frost, oil, grease, incompatible coatings, or other contaminants that could interfere with adhesion.
The product is applied using a standard caulking gun and can be tooled after application if needed.
It is also worth paying attention to storage. TFC BUTYL should be kept in a controlled, dry environment below 75°F and used within 12 months of manufacture.
One other detail to know before choosing it: TFC BUTYL is not paintable.
Ask GNMC about TFC BUTYL™.
Best for: Seams, panel joints, and gaps that need a flexible cured sealant.
NovaFlex Metal Roof & Panel Adhesive Sealant is a single-component silicone sealant and adhesive commonly used as a seam sealant or joint filler in metal roofing and panel systems.
It is non-corrosive and non-sag, making it useful where contractors need a gun-grade product that will stay where it is placed.
Why It Works Well With Metal Roofing
Temperature range is one of NovaFlex’s standout characteristics. The product can be applied at temperatures from -20°F to 160°F and has a service temperature range of -40°F to 400°F.
That broad range is useful for metal roofing, where surfaces can experience substantial temperature swings.
NovaFlex also offers good adhesion to common building materials and can bridge gaps up to 3/8 inch. Its exterior weathering and aging performance make it suited to exposed building applications.
Where NovaFlex Makes Sense
Contractors may consider NovaFlex for:
- Metal roof seams
- Panel joints
- Joint filling
- Small gaps
- Details exposed to wide temperature swings
It remains flexible at temperatures down to -10°F and is freeze-thaw stable. There are a couple of limitations worth knowing before installation. NovaFlex is not recommended for joints that will be submerged underwater, and it should not be used on surfaces that will later be painted.
Cure time also depends on temperature and humidity, so installers should account for site conditions and follow the product instructions.
Contact GNMC about product availability.
Best for: Concealed metal building joints that need a continuous, flexible seal.
MB-10A Butyl Tape is an elastomeric butyl rubber sealant specifically designed around the requirements of metal buildings.
It comes extruded on silicone-coated release paper, which makes it straightforward to position during installation. It is also produced in different sizes and lengths to suit a range of applications.
Why It Works Well With Metal Roofing
MB-10A is designed to maintain its seal through normal building movement. Its combination of adhesive strength and cohesive strength helps the tape stay together and stay bonded as the assembly moves.
Temperature performance is another important benefit. MB-10A is designed to withstand extreme roof temperatures while maintaining compressibility in colder conditions. It also offers resistance to UV light and cold flow.
Those characteristics matter on metal buildings, where the material may experience a wide range of temperatures throughout the year.
Common Applications
MB-10A may be a good fit for:
- Concealed panel laps
- Metal building joints
- Overlapping components
- Details requiring a continuous butyl seal
- Joints affected by normal building movement
Choosing the right tape size is important. The joint needs enough material to create the intended seal without using so much that the tape squeezes excessively out of the detail.
Inquire about MB-10A Butyl Tape
What to Consider Before Choosing a Metal Roof Sealant
Before grabbing a tube or roll, look at what the joint actually needs and ask yourself the following questions:
- How Much Will the Joint Move? Metal panels expand and contract as temperatures change. A sealing product at a moving joint needs enough flexibility to accommodate that movement.
- What Temperatures Will the Product See? Metal roof surfaces can get hot, and Montana projects can also see very cold conditions. Check the product’s application temperature separately from its service temperature. A sealant may perform across a wide temperature range once cured while still having specific limits for installation.
- Is the Joint Exposed or Concealed? A concealed panel lap has different needs than an exposed seam. Butyl tape is often a practical choice where two materials are compressed together. A gun-grade sealant may make more sense when a seam or gap needs to be filled from the outside.
- What Materials Is the Product Touching? Always check compatibility with the metal substrate and any adjoining materials. A product that adheres well to bare metal may have different requirements around painted finishes, other coatings, plastics, or masonry.
- Will the Surface Be Painted? Some sealants are not paintable. Both TFC BUTYL and NovaFlex have limitations that should be understood before choosing them for a detail that will receive a finish later.
- What Does Installation Require? Good products still need good installation. Surface preparation, storage, bead size, compression, and cure time can all affect the finished seal. Read the product instructions before installation instead of assuming every sealant or tape works the same way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Roof Sealants and Butyl Tape
What is the best sealant for a metal roof?
The best metal roof sealant depends on where it will be used. Gun-grade sealants can work well for seams and joints, while butyl tape is commonly used between overlapping components or in concealed joints. Movement, temperature, substrate compatibility, and exposure should all factor into the decision.
Is butyl tape good for metal roofing?
Yes. Butyl tape is well suited to many metal roofing details because it creates a continuous seal between components while remaining flexible enough to accommodate normal building movement.
Is sealant or butyl tape better for a metal roof?
Neither option is better for every application. Butyl tape is often used inside laps and concealed joints, while gun-grade sealants are useful for filling seams, joints, and gaps. Some details may use both as part of the roofing system.
Does metal roof sealant need to stay flexible?
For joints that experience movement, flexibility is important. Metal panels expand and contract as temperatures change, so the sealing product needs to accommodate the expected movement without losing adhesion.
Can you use any silicone sealant on a metal roof?
No. Use a sealant that is compatible with the roofing material, coating, joint design, and expected temperatures. The product instructions and roofing-system requirements should guide the choice.
Need Metal Roof Sealant or Butyl Tape for Your Next Project?
Great Northern Metal Company carries EMSEAL AST, TFC BUTYL™, NovaFlex, and MB-10A Butyl Tape for a range of metal roofing and metal building applications.
Tell our team what detail you are working on and what you need the product to do. We can help you review the options GNMC carries and get the right product information before you place an order.
Inquire About Metal Roof Sealants
