How to Plan and Build My New Metal Building Kits – Part 3 - Siding Options

Welcome back. In the last installment we explained the different types of roofing systems available for your new prefab metal building kit. Now its time to choose your siding options.

Much of the information here is similar to the roofing options. Screw-down roof panels and insulated roof panels are virtually the same as siding panels.
 

Screw-On Metal Siding Panels

As with the screw-down roofing system this is the most common and economical siding system. Agricultural, commercial, industrial and domestic metal buildings all use this type of siding.

The siding material is light gauge metal sheeting with a low profile pattern. The siding is available in galvanized or galvalume and with colored coatings.

This type of siding fastens directly through the sheet with color matching fasteners to the horizontal metal girt framing.
 

Architectural Siding Panels

Architectural siding panels normally have deeper profiles and more aesthetic looking patterns. The panels are available in some standard and custom colors depending on the manufacturer.

These panels can be through-fastened or "blind-fastened" again depending on the style and manufacturer.

Different patterns can be used together to create architectural interest or feature bands on your new building.

These panels are more expensive than the standard screw-on panels above but can be well worth the investment in street appeal.
 

Insulated Siding Panels

Insulated Siding panels are very similar to the insulated roof panels. They have the two metal "skins" – an interior skin and an exterior.

Between the two layers of metal skin is a foam insulation core. The foam core can be 1" thick and thicker depending on the supplier's manufacturer.

You may have seen this type of panel being used in coolers and freezers.

The panels can have a very flat profile or may have a detail profile to add architectural interest and shadow lines. Some can even have a stucco look.

Like with the roof panels most of these panels have a tongue-and-groove connection. They may be held in place by clips or they may have an integral fastening system. Both types have concealed fasteners to provide a clean look.

The panels come with colored coatings on the inside and out. The skins can have the same color or different colors inside and out.

Insulated panels have the added benefit of being more resistant to dents – they will indeed dent but the insulation core gives more support and rigidity to the metal skin.

This type of siding panel is again more expensive. If you were considering insulating your metal building and installing interior liner panels, this panel may be for you.
 

Interior Liner Panel

You may wish to have a metal liner panel installed on the interior of your metal building's structure.

Some will want a liner panel covering all walls and even the ceiling while others may only require the liner panel to be eight feet high.

Often the liner panel is a lighter gauge and lower profile than the exterior siding panels. You can however request that the exterior siding product be used for your interior liner as well.

Again the liner panel can be galvanized, galvalume or colored. For lighting purposes a standard white or off-white color is recommended. It will definitely brighten up the interior of your metal building.

Identify this item when requesting your quotation. You can always add this item at a later date if you are note sure if you will require it but it may cost you a little more.
 

Building trims

We touched on trims in Part 1 of this series "Where to Start".

Metal building manufacturers provide building trims to finish off your building. They can provide corners, door trims, window trims, eaves trims, gable trims, gutters and downpipes.

You will often have color options for these trims. In some cases you have to specify that you want door trims, closure strips etc. to be supplied. This is where a good supplier or professional installer can provide proper advice.

Some manufacturers offer different options for your building trims. Some can be more aesthetic while others are designed to meet certain needs. Again, get some advice on these items.


Step 4 Planning and Constructing Metal Building Kits – Structural Framing Requirements!




 


What to Do Next

· Check out the other articles relating to metal building kits and residential building packages on our Metal Building Kits Articles Map

· Check out the merchants relating to metal building kits here.