Why Wood Grain Metal Panels Are A Great Alternative To Real Wood Siding

Submitted By Sheffield Metals

Real wood siding gives home and building owners that authentic, unique natural look they may be looking for, but it also comes with problems, like fire hazards, rotting, pest infestation, and mold.

So how do you help architects and building owners find that natural look while also using functional materials that will last?

One popular alternative in recent years has been metal that looks like wood. These are panels that are coated to look like real wood – and the technology has only improved so that now some panels are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. Aside from the natural look, metal panels that look like wood offer several advantages over real wood, including:

Fire Resistance

Metal siding carries a Class A fire rating and is an effective option for those located in wildfire-prone areas, as it can help defend against the spread of fire and protect property. In areas like California, the need for fire-rated materials is going to be more important than ever in the coming years.

Some local building codes may even restrict the use of real wood due to fires. Metal can help defend against a region’s natural threats while still providing a natural look that homeowners are looking for.

Little Maintenance

Real wood will require frequent and ongoing maintenance to keep up with common issues like mold, rot and pests. Maintenance can take time and money away from home and building owners, and if full replacements are needed, it can be a significant investment. Metal, on the other hand, will require little maintenance after installation, and its long-lasting paint coatings will help resist color fading for decades.

Defense Against Pests, Rotting, and Warping

Metal siding is highly durable. Unlike real wood siding, it’s resistant to warping and can withstand harsh weather conditions in a variety of different climates.

While wood siding located in wet, humid climates can start to rot and warp, metal will remain unfazed and continue to be functional for years, even without maintenance.

Learn More About Metal Panels that Look Like Wood

Looking for metal panels that look like wood? Keep an eye out for Sheffield Metals' new wood grain product line, which will be available for orders in the next few months. Until then, feel free to check out our additional content on metal that looks like wood in the Metal Roofing Learning Center: Real Wood vs Metal That Looks Like Wood: What’s Right for Your Project? - Sheffield Metals

Sheffield Metals is a leading supplier of metal roofing products, including coils, sheets and accessories. Our Commercial, Architectural, and Technical (CAT) is available to support contractors, architects, and installers through every phase of their project. Contact us today to learn how we can assist with your project.

About Sheffield Metals

Sheffield Metals International (SMI), a member of Mazzella Companies, is an industry leader in the distribution of coated and bare metal products, as well as engineered standing seam metal roof systems. The company specializes in providing painted Galvalume® and aluminum for the architectural metal panel industry. Sheffield Metals stocks 40+ colors in Galvalume and several popular colors in aluminum, and can also match virtually any color to suit a particular project. For more information, visit SMI online at www.sheffieldmetals.com.