How to Install Corrugated Steel Siding

Corrugated siding
  • 12-32 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 200-2,000
What You'll Need
Steel sheets or custom cut siding panels
Hammer
Steel nails
Electric shears
Electric nibbler
Power saw
Caulking
Plumb line
String
Chalk line
Safety glasses
Gloves
What You'll Need
Steel sheets or custom cut siding panels
Hammer
Steel nails
Electric shears
Electric nibbler
Power saw
Caulking
Plumb line
String
Chalk line
Safety glasses
Gloves

Corrugated steel siding is a popular choice among homeowners as it is fire-resistant, cost-effective, and safe from damage in case of hail. Additionally, it comes in all types of surfaces from the wooden log-cabin look to the modern, shiny platinum look. As a homeowner, you can conveniently order corrugated steel siding that is custom built and fitted to the exact measurements of your house.

Step 1 - Prepare the Surface

You must make sure that the surface you want to install the siding on is clean and free from any kind of irregularity. The perfection and beauty of the finished product reflect the meticulousness with which you prepare the surface. Make sure there is no old paint, caulking or nails on the wood. Hammer in any nails or remove them if possible. Also, fill up any spaces with wedges, putty, etc. Wood furring may be required if the house you are working on is old and the wood is weathered.

Step 2 - Level

The next step is to draw a straight line from the top to the bottom so the vertical siding does not appear unequal after installation. Similarly, you should use chalk lines around the base of your house to ensure that you achieve an equal baseline.

Step 3 - Cut the Steel

man cutting metal siding with sheers

It is better if you invest in custom cut corrugated steel sidings according to your measurements, as cutting the steel sheets can be both tedious and dangerous. If you do decide to do it yourself, then you should get another pair of hands to help. You will need an electric shear and an electric nibbler. You can also invest in a power saw because that will make your work a lot easier. But remember, safety precautions are necessary. Make sure you wear safety glasses and gloves if you plan on cutting the steel yourself.

Step 4 - Form the Base

The first piece of siding to be installed should be at the bottom. This ensures a protective base for the sidings that will run horizontally from the top to the bottom. Use the previously drawn chalk lines as a reference to installing the base siding.

Step 5 - Install Vertical Siding

stack of colored steel siding

Similar to the base for the horizontal siding, begin by applying a reference first siding vertically. This will guide you in the installation of the remaining vertical sidings and prevent any misaligned, thus imperfect, installations. You should apply caulking at the joints to guarantee strong overlaps that will remain protected from weathering.

Step 6 - Finish with the Nails

Be sure to use nails made from steel, to avoid any problems later. Nails must be used to fasten the sheets of steel to the surface by driving them in securely so there are no water leaks. However, you must be careful not to bend or twist the nails by over hammering.

WARNING - The factory cut edges of sheet metal are sharper than a razor as are any cuttings from tin snips, shears or nibblers. You can easily be cut badly and not feel it. Never attempt to install sheet metal in breezy or windy conditions and secure all sheets from being swept away by the wind by strapping them down together with inexpensive load straps. Weighing them down is undependable. Picture a strong wind blowing a deck of cards only the cards are huge guillotine blades that are sharp on all 4 sides and will blow around in the wind like leaves if you let them and they literally can cut a person in two.