Horizontal vs Vertical Siding | Which is Better for a Metal Building?
When deciding to undertake a metal building project, you will find there are two types of siding options you can choose from: horizontal siding or vertical siding. Both come with their own benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we’ll be exploring the differences between the two and providing recommendations based on your specific situation.
If you have questions that aren’t answered within this article, you can call our support line to chat with a representative at (317) 300-4190 or email us at [email protected].
If you’re looking to get a quote on a metal building and compare the costs between horizontal and vertical siding, please fill out the form on our Get Quote page. Thank you for choosing The Carport Co.!
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What is Vertical Siding?
Vertical siding is siding on a metal building, metal garage, or other steel structure that runs from the ground to the roof, as opposed to being ran side to side or front to back. Vertical siding is generally considered to be a better option for metal buildings when compared to horizontal siding.
3 Key Benefits of Vertical Siding
At The Carport Co., we recommend choosing vertical siding over horizontal siding if your budget allows it. This is because vertical siding comes with a few key benefits:
1. Increased Durability and Support
Vertical siding has additional framing and purlins installed which makes the structure more resistant to wind and snow. This is an easy difference to spot by looking at the interior of structures built with horizontal siding vs those built with vertical siding.
2. Lower Chance of Leaking
Since vertical siding runs up and down it is much less prone to leaking than that of horizontal siding. Because of the nature in which panels are installed and overlapped with a horizontal siding configuration, there is an increased chance of water getting caught between panels and entering your metal building. This can cause your sheet metal and framing to rust.
3. Visual Appeal
Because of the additional supports installed with vertical siding, a more premium looking product with an illusion of increased space is the result. Bonus points if your house has vertical siding too!
4.Horizontal Runners for Hanging/Installing Things
We’ve already covered the horizontal runners (commonly referred to as girts or purlins) installed when opting for vertical siding, but we haven’t covered one of the most important advantages this comes with.
You get to hang stuff up! This may seem like a weird point to bring up now, but we promise after you have your metal building installed and you begin to think about upgrading it with foam board insulation, plywood, lights, electricity, etc, you will really wish you already had horizontal runners there. Thank us later for bringing this to your attention now.
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Applications of Vertical Siding
There are several different reasons one would choose to use vertical siding over horizontal siding, such as:
Commercial and Industrial Use
Steel warehouses and steel structured workshops with vertical siding are popular among businesses seeking spacious facilities at a low cost. The vertical siding ensures an increased wind load, which is especially important on taller structures prone to wind damage.
Residential and Recreational Use
Portable metal carports and garages provide protection for vehicles and equipment. Movable metal carports, including RV and pontoon carports, offer versatile solutions for our customers.
Agricultural Use
Keeping moisture out of a PEMB is essential for farmers and other agricultural workers if they are storing crops or livestock inside. Agricultural workers also commonly hang items and tools on their structures, making the horizontal runners that come with upgrading to vertical siding almost essential.
Advantages of Horizontal Siding
Whilst we will almost always advise picking vertical siding over horizontal siding, there are a few benefits horizontal siding comes with, such as:
1. Cost-Effectiveness
Since horizontal siding uses less material and requires less labor to install, it is generally a few hundred dollars cheaper on a standard metal garage.
2. Easier to Match Siding of Home
Most homes have horizontal siding, making choosing horizontal siding on your metal building a great choice if you’re looking to match your residence.
3. Easy to Repair
In the event a panel on your metal structures is damaged, you will find it easier to replace or repair a horizontal panel vs a vertical one.
How Much Does Vertical Siding Cost
Vertical siding generally costs 20% to 40% more than horizontal siding on metal buildings, dependent upon the size of the metal building.
To get a quote for both vertical siding and horizontal siding on your project, please request a quote or call (317) 300-4190.
Why Choose The Carport Co. for Your Metal Building Project?
At The Carport Co., we specialize in providing high-quality prefab steel buildings, including carports, camper covers, storage buildings, and much more. Whether you’re looking for a metal garage with an attached carport, an RV carport with a living area, or a steel framed structure for a workshop, our products meet the highest standards of quality and affordability. We would love to be given the opportunity to earn your business.
Wrapping Up Our Vertical vs Horizontal Siding Discussion
Choosing between vertical siding and horizontal siding is no easy decision. Both come with their own advantages and drawbacks. The Carport Co. generally recommends vertical siding to most of our customers if it is within their budget, but there are some instances where horizontal siding may be a better choice.
Contact The Carport Co. today to learn more about our offerings and how we can help you decide which type of siding is best for your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main difference between horizontal and vertical siding is that horizontal siding runs parallel to the ground, whilst vertical siding runs perpendicular to the ground.
Horizontal siding is more common due to the cost-effectiveness and easier ability to match homes.
Yes, vertical siding is generally 20% to 40% more expensive than horizontal siding, which is due to the increased materials and labor required.
The Carport Co. install prefabricated metal buildings with both horizontal and vertical siding to over 30 states. To see if we service area, call (317) 300-4190, email [email protected], or visit our Get Quote page.
Yes, horizontal siding is more prone to water damage because it can trap water at the seams of panels leading to water damage on the structure.
Ready to Begin Your Project?
Do you think The Carport Co. would be a good fit for you? We’d love to earn your business. Fill out the quote form, and one of our friendly representatives will be in touch with you shortly. We’re here to answer questions you may have, provide personalized recommendations, and get you an estimate on your project.
To speak with someone, call (317) 300-4190 or email [email protected].
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your property with a durable, versatile, and visually appealing metal structure. Contact The Carport Co. today and experience what we can do.
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The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide is a collection of articles by The Carport Co. These articles have been catered to first time steel and metal carport, garage, and commercial building buyers. Our goal is to share as much information with customers as possible, to help make informed decisions, and ensure a customer doesn’t discover an addition they would have liked to added at the time of sale, but was not aware of the option’s existence.
Here is a preview of a few articles. To view the full Buyer’s Guide, please visit the Ultimate Buyer’s Guide page.
