How to Install Galvanized Metal Siding

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Things You'll Need

  • Galvanized steel panels

  • Power drill with screw tip

  • 1 1/2-inch screws with plastic washer heads

  • Metal drill bit

  • Saw with metal-cutting blade

  • Gloves

  • Corner trim

  • Moisture barrier (optional)

Galvanized steel has a special zinc coating to make it resistant to rust. It has been used for years as roofing material for barns, sheds and other structures and frequently was also installed as siding on those buildings. It is a strong, weather-resistant material. It most frequently is used as corrugated panels, with alternating ridges and valleys, for strength and to shed water more effectively. It can be obtained in panels from 6 to about 20-feet long, with varying corrugations. The most common pattern has ridges 2 1/2 inches apart and 1 1/4 inches high.

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Step 1

Start installing corrugated siding at a door, window or similar opening. Run the corrugations vertically for maximum drainage and water protection. Set panels to the top of the wall. Don't run panels all the way to the ground; leave a gap of several inches at the bottom of the panel. Seal that with a trim piece if necessary for appearance.

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Step 2

Install panels with 1 1/2-inch wood screws with special plastic washers under the heads. Drive screws with a screw gun on ridges over every wall stud. Drive screws carefully, so washers are flush with the panel top; don't overdrive and create dimples or underdrive and leave gaps under the washers. Space screws 12 to 18 inches apart vertically. Pre-drill screw holes in the siding for best results.

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Step 3

Overlap panels at seams according to manufacturer's recommendations, typically by one ridge and one valley. Put a screw in the last ridge before the seam of a panel and another through both panels at overlaps. Cut panels as needed to fit with a saw with metal-cutting blade; wear gloves to avoid being cut by sharp edges. Put special corner trim pieces at corners to seal joints.

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Step 4

Put a moisture-proof barrier on the wall first if installing corrugated steel over foam board insulation which might absorb moisture. Don't install corrugated steel on any green or damp lumber and use care when putting it over pressure-treated material, since some types will cause corrosion.

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