Steel vs. Aluminum Sheeting/Siding

[wookie24]

Quick question, we are currently in the process of building a new wheelhouse, just wondering if anybody has any pros/cons comparing steel and aluminum siding. I know that the smooth aluminum tends to look better, has more color options, and is lighter (weight difference doesn't seem real great ~20%). But the steel is just so much cheaper its hard to pass up, and also seems to be easier to get our hands on. I am just concerned about sealing up the steel, we are also going to spray foam and wondering if there's any issues with the uneven surface of steel. Haven't made up our minds yet, but just looking for some thoughts. Thanks in advance for the replies

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I haven't done a comparison real recently, but as of about a year ago, steel and aluminum were really close in price when you factor in the special trim pieces needed for steel.

[Hawg]

Steel is going on mine this weekend. I was debating using Tyvek but then had the thought that if you ever have to replace a sheet of aluminum or steel wouldn't that foam be set up harder than super glue? I thought Tyvek would be a barrier. LRG,it must stick like glue doesn't it? I think I saw a post on here where the difference in weight was so close it was negligible. I got such a deal on steel I had to go that way, that's the only reason.

[wookie24]

Hawg, you wouldn't mind me asking where you got the steel from would you? I'm still leaning on going aluminum, but our source up here hasn't been real speedy in getting back to us on our questions/requests and we're getting a bit fed up at the moment and looking for more options. Thanks again

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

LRG,it must stick like glue doesn't it?

You'll never separate the spray foam from the sheet.

[Hawg]

I bought it from a guy that thought he could do his own house. He couldn't, lost financing, and I bought it on C_____ List a while back for basically scrap price. I'll buy j channel,and sill plate and do an 8 x 16 house for about $400. Can't beat that can I? Aluminum alone was about $900 and thats without the tape or corners. The Beast is getting closer to done!

[Luzbel]

One wish man once told me.... It is all bout how long you want your house to last.. Since I dont have a garage where I can store my house during the summer I figured that aluminum sidding is the way to go.. But that good deal on the metal sidding....Why bother??

[sam10basefish]

I built my last house with steel. The price savings for me wasn't worth the hassle. The corners, top and bottom trim was a pain. I got my new aluminum from Ice assault and they bent the corners for me which was nice. 3M tape was easy and looks clean. Still looking for a place that will do graphics for a reasonable price if anyone has suggestions.

[Hawg]

Just curious Sam10, how did the steel hold up and look for you after some time and road salt on it? I'm hoping it's a long term solution but you're right, it's a pain to do but so far it looks good and still cheap. I really had no choice for the price.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I built my last house with steel. The price savings for me wasn't worth the hassle. The corners, top and bottom trim was a pain. I got my new aluminum from Ice assault and they bent the corners for me which was nice. 3M tape was easy and looks clean. Still looking for a place that will do graphics for a reasonable price if anyone has suggestions.

FastSigns out of Burnsville did mine. Pricing was extremely reasonable.

[sam10basefish]

Not bad. Rocks are chewing up the paint from the road but that's because I couldn't afford diamond plate either..

[Hawg]

Sam, just finished the steel siding and you are 100% correct. It looks great, it'll hold up great, and I got a good price. It was every bit as putsy and a pain in the a-- as you said though to do right. Never again.

[BartmanMN]

We keep hearing about your house Hawg, but where are the pics? Let us follow along

[eyeguy 54]

steel

[Hawg]

Guess I better learn how to post pictures.

[Eric Wettschreck]

When you hit the reply button, look up. The 5th button from the left looks kind of like a little house. Hit that button, do the browse thing, pick your pic, hit add file. When you're done adding pictures hit done adding files, hit submit and voila, you've posted pics.

Please do this, I wanna see the beast.

[Hawg]

Test

Eric, way to easy! This is not much of a picture but I'll do more in a while. Rubber goes on tonight. I'm a little out of sync on doing things but I need to do what I can when I can and also when help is available. Now the one man stuff can start. Wiring and foam this week hopefully.