When choosing exterior siding for your home, steel and vinyl are two popular options that offer distinct advantages and challenges. Homeowners often find themselves weighing factors like cost, durability, appearance, and maintenance requirements when making this significant investment. Steel siding typically costs $4-$8 per square foot for materials while vinyl ranges from $2-$7, making vinyl generally more budget-friendly upfront. However, the long-term value, appearance preferences, and performance in different climates may ultimately determine which material best suits your specific needs.
Steel siding is manufactured from galvanized steel with protective coatings to prevent rust and corrosion. It offers exceptional durability and is available in various styles, including panels that mimic traditional lap siding and those that resemble wood grain. Steel siding typically lasts 40-60 years with proper maintenance, offering impressive longevity compared to many alternatives.
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Vinyl siding, made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), has dominated the residential siding market since the 1970s. Modern vinyl products feature improved formulations that resist fading, cracking, and warping. It comes in countless colors and styles, including options that replicate wood shakes, scallops, and traditional clapboard. Vinyl siding generally has a lifespan of 20-40 years depending on quality and climate conditions.
Price Comparison: Materials and Overall Cost
The cost difference between steel and vinyl siding can significantly impact your budget planning. Here’s how they compare:
| Siding Type | Material Cost (per sq ft) | Average Total Cost (2,000 sq ft home) |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | $4-$8 | $10,000-$20,000 |
| Vinyl | $2-$7 | $5,000-$14,000 |
Premium steel siding with enhanced features like thicker gauge material or specialized finishes can cost up to $10 per square foot. Vinyl offers more budget-friendly options without sacrificing appearance, which explains its popularity among homeowners working with tight budgets. The total project cost will vary based on home size, location, and existing siding condition.
Installation Costs and Considerations
Installation expenses form a significant portion of your total siding project cost. Steel siding installation typically ranges from $3-$5 per square foot in labor costs. The installation of steel requires specialized tools and experienced professionals due to its weight and cutting requirements, which contributes to higher labor costs.
Vinyl siding installation usually costs $2-$4 per square foot in labor. The material is lighter, easier to cut, and generally more installer-friendly. Many contractors are experienced with vinyl installation, making it easier to find qualified professionals at competitive rates.
Additional factors affecting installation costs include:
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- Removal and disposal of existing siding
- Home height and accessibility
- Window and door trim work
- Regional labor rates
- Seasonal demand
Best Steel Siding Brands
Several manufacturers have established reputations for quality steel siding products:
1. Edco Products
Known for their Infiniti® Steel Siding with lifetime warranty coverage and Entex® thermal barrier technology. Edco offers some of the most advanced protective coatings in the industry, helping their products resist corrosion more effectively than many competitors.
2. Quality Edge
Their TruCedar® steel siding provides realistic wood-grain appearance with the durability of steel. They offer a 35-year warranty against fading and a lifetime warranty against hail damage and corrosion.
3. Rollex
With over 70 years in the industry, Rollex provides steel siding with multi-layer protection systems and enhanced rigidity designs. Their products are engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions while maintaining appearance over decades.
Best Vinyl Siding Brands
The vinyl siding market features several leading manufacturers:
1. CertainTeed
Their Monogram® and Cedar Impressions® lines offer superior thickness (up to 0.092 inches) and realistic textures. CertainTeed’s products typically feature the best impact resistance in the vinyl category, with limited lifetime warranties and exclusive color-retention technologies.
2. James Hardie
Although primarily known for fiber cement, their HardiePlank® products compete in similar markets. They offer regional product formulations specifically engineered for different climate zones.
3. Royal Building Products
Their Celect® Cellular Composite Siding combines vinyl’s low maintenance with premium aesthetics. Royal’s innovative locking systems create nearly invisible seams for a cleaner, more upscale appearance.
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4. Mastic by Ply Gem
Offers the Structure® line with enhanced rigidity and wind resistance up to 240 mph. Their SolarDefense⢠technology provides exceptional fade resistance, particularly important for darker color options.
Pros and Cons of Steel Siding
Pros:
- Exceptional durability with 40-60 year lifespan
- Fire resistant (Class A fire rating)
- Resistant to insects, rot, and mold
- Can withstand extreme weather conditions including hail
- Environmentally friendly (recyclable material)
- Minimal expansion and contraction with temperature changes
Cons:
- Higher initial cost than vinyl
- Potential for denting from severe impacts
- Fewer color and style options than vinyl
- May develop rust if protective coating is compromised
- Installation is more specialized and potentially more costly
- Can increase noise during heavy rain or hail
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Siding
Pros:
- More affordable initial investment
- Extensive color and style selection with hundreds of options
- Low maintenance requirements (no painting needed)
- Easy installation reduces labor costs
- Good insulation properties, especially insulated vinyl
- Color goes through the material, minimizing visibility of scratches
Cons:
- Shorter lifespan (20-40 years) compared to steel
- Can crack in extreme cold or warp in intense heat
- Vulnerable to impact damage, especially in colder temperatures
- Not fire-resistant and may release toxic fumes when burned
- Lower-quality vinyl may fade significantly over time
- Less environmentally friendly (petroleum-based product that’s difficult to recycle)
Durability and Maintenance Comparison
Steel siding stands out for its superior durability, capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions including high winds, hailstorms, and temperature fluctuations. It requires minimal maintenance beyond occasional washing to remove dirt and debris, typically every 1-2 years with standard household detergent and water.
Quality steel siding won’t crack, warp, or rot, and modern finishes resist fading for decades. If damage occurs, replacing individual panels can be challenging and might require professional assistance to match the existing installation.
Vinyl siding offers good durability for its price point but has limitations. It’s more susceptible to damage in extreme temperatures, potentially becoming brittle in severe cold or warping in intense heat above 100°F. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is recommended to prevent mildew growth, especially in humid climates.
Vinyl’s color-through manufacturing means scratches are less noticeable than on painted surfaces. Damaged sections can be relatively easy to replace, especially if you’ve kept spare pieces from the original installation.
Climate Considerations
Your local climate significantly impacts which siding material might perform best:
Cold Climates
Steel siding performs exceptionally well in cold regions, resisting snow, ice, and freeze-thaw cycles without becoming brittle. It’s also better at withstanding the weight of ice accumulation. However, steel conducts temperature, so proper insulation is essential for energy efficiency.
Hot Climates
While both materials can work in hot regions, vinyl requires careful consideration. Dark-colored vinyl can absorb heat and potentially warp in extreme heat, particularly on south and west-facing walls. Steel with reflective coatings can help reduce heat absorption in sunny environments.
Coastal Areas
In coastal environments, specially treated steel siding with enhanced corrosion resistance is necessary to withstand salt spray. Vinyl generally performs well in these conditions without special treatments, giving it an advantage in oceanfront properties.
High Wind Regions
For areas prone to hurricanes or high winds, both materials offer specialized options. Steel provides superior wind resistance in standard installations, while vinyl requires proper installation with specific wind-rated products to achieve similar performance.