Are you tired of your plywood siding? You might be interested in metal siding options because of their high-key durability, but what does that mean for your current siding? Does it have to come down? No, it does not! Metal siding can be installed over plywood, but some extra steps are required, such as installing a building or house wrap beforehand.
Installing metal siding costs between $11,274 and $20,512, but exact figures will rely on a few factors. Curious to know what they are? Keep reading to learn all there is to know about the cost associated with metal siding installation and how you can cover up your wood planks today.
Key takeaways
You can install metal siding over plywood as long as the right prep work is completed, such as installing a layer of protective house wrap.
There are a few cost factors to consider, like which type of metal you want and how big your house is.
Hiring a professional for installation is a better alternative than DIY.
How much does it cost to install metal siding over plywood?
Siding material | Installation price range |
Aluminum siding | $8,374–$15,236 |
Steel siding | $12,609–$22,942 |
Many variables go into the final cost of siding installation. For starters, there are two main material options that dramatically affect cost. Aluminum siding is several thousand dollars cheaper than steel siding, but before you go with whatever is most affordable, consider how each material performs and decide on what your budget can handle and what will be a better long-term solution.
Another cost factor for metal siding is house size. How big your house is will determine how much material you’ll need; obviously, more material means more expense. There are also labor fees to consider since the siding will have to be professionally installed into doing it yourself. Professionals ensure the job is done correctly the first time, and they already have professional tools.
How metal siding gets installed over plywood
After consulting with several contractors in your area and hiring the one that best aligns with your goals, they will come to your home to perform the job on your scheduled date.
When your hired contractor arrives, here’s what the process will look like when they install your metal siding over plywood.
Step 1: Clean the plywood
First and foremost, your contractor will inspect and clean your current plywood siding. This may include removing dirt, repairing broken planks, or applying certain performance sealers.
This is also the step where they may apply a house wrap, which is required to be installed before metal siding, to help better insulate the building and add a protective layer from water or moisture.
Step 2: Mark the wall
Next, your contractor will measure and mark the walls where they’ll apply the metal panels. This ensures the panels are installed correctly and level with the ground.
Your contractor will also likely install a “starter strip,” the first piece of siding applied at the bottom of the wall to begin the process.
Step 3: Attach metal siding
Now, the fun part begins: watching your new siding come to life. Once all the prep work is done and the starter strip has been applied, your contractor will start attaching the metal panels all around your home until the project is complete. The entire process could take at least two days to a week.
Benefits of metal siding
Still trying to decide if metal siding might be the right choice for your home? Here are a few benefits of the material to consider:
Durability: Metal is one of the strongest siding materials, and it can withstand harsh conditions and sunlight.
Longevity: Depending on how well you care for your metal siding, its average lifespan is between 40 and 70 years!
Aesthetics: Metal siding has several aesthetic options from various colors and styles to fit your preference, so rest assured you won’t be stuck with a boring, galvanized-looking building.
Maintenance: You’ll be happy to know that metal siding has some of the fewest maintenance requirements, and the few needs it does have are pretty easy. All you need to do is wash it down at least once a year and refinish it every couple of years to keep the color looking fresh.
DIY vs. pro installation
Installing your own metal siding is not the wisest choice for a couple of reasons (no offense). For starters, it’s a very time-consuming project, so if you have a tight schedule, you might not be up for the time it takes to complete the job.
Second, without experience or knowledge in applying metal siding correctly–meaning, even if you do all the necessary prep work–you risk causing more damage to be fixed than you would if you hired a professional.
Professional contractors not only have the time and knowledge to do the job, but they also have the tools (and commercial-grade ones). If you don’t have the tools on hand, this extra expense could be a waste if the only time you’ll use them is for this project.
With these setbacks in mind, it’s a good idea to outsource this project to someone qualified and in your area. We highly recommend hiring a professional to install your metal siding so you can be confident the job is done correctly and on time.
Installing metal siding over plywood
As you can see, there are many benefits to installing metal siding over plywood, and it can be done! Metal siding is a great addition to any home looking for extra strength and durability without sacrificing style or aesthetics. All that’s needed is a professional to do the job!
Frequently asked questions: Installing metal siding on plywood
You should always put some kind of house wrap underneath metal siding to insulate the material and keep it damage-free from water and moisture. This wrap still needs to be applied even if you’re applying metal siding on plywood since this material can swell if exposed to water. While professional contractors do their best to ensure the metal siding is installed correctly, if any panel isn’t overlapped correctly or leaves gaps, water can easily seep past the material. However, this house wrap can also improve insulation by preventing water damage and blocking air leakage and heat loss.
If your home currently has wood siding, the good news is that it’s easy to install metal siding on top of it, and it comes with a few perks! The biggest is that this enhances the building’s durability since metal siding is strong in itself, and so is wood. So, in essence, you’ll be doubling the building’s strength by adding this material. Another perk to installing metal siding over wood is its aesthetic enhancements. Sure, wood siding is a natural beauty, but metal siding is also attractive since it comes in various colors.
Before installing your metal siding over plywood, you will need to lay down a protective layer of house wrap. This house wrap acts as a moisture barrier for your home, keeping it free from moisture and water leaks that may come through cracks in the metal material and absorb into the plywood.