Home in West Jordan, UT with new greige vinyl siding and white trim

Metal Siding in West Jordan, UT

Tough, Modern Siding Built to Outlast the Weather

Steel and aluminum siding for homeowners who want strength, a clean look, and very little upkeep.

Metal siding has moved far beyond barns and shops. Today it's a top pick for modern, farmhouse, and mountain-style homes. West Jordan Siding Company installs metal siding across the Salt Lake Valley. We'll walk you through the real strengths, the real drawbacks, and the choices that matter most.

What Is Metal Siding?

Metal siding is exterior wall cladding made from steel or aluminum, coated with a factory finish. Panels come as planks, vertical boards, or ribbed sheets. Premium metals, such as zinc and copper, exist but are rare on homes. Metal doesn't rot, and insects can't eat it. It also doesn't burn the way wood and vinyl can.

Why Homeowners Choose Metal

Very long life. Steel often lasts 40 to 70 years, and aluminum often lasts 30 to 50.
Fire resistance. It doesn't ignite or feed a fire.
Pest and rot proof. Termites, carpenter ants, and mold have nothing to eat.
Low upkeep. No painting cycle with a quality factory finish.
Strong in wind. Steel panels hold up well in gusty weather.
Modern style. Crisp lines and a clean, architectural look.
Recyclable. Most panels contain recycled content and can be recycled later.

Is Metal Siding Right for Your Home?

It's a strong fit when:

You want a modern or farmhouse look
Fire resistance matters to you
You prefer low upkeep and a long lifespan
You plan to stay in your home for years

Think twice if:

Your budget is tight
Rain noise would bother you and you can't add insulation
Your HOA limits metal or certain styles
You want the widest possible choice of colors and textures

We install other materials too, and we'll give you a fair comparison.

What You Should Know Before You Buy

Metal siding isn't right for everyone. These are the trade-offs:

Higher upfront cost than vinyl.
Dents. Aluminum and thin steel can dent from hail, ladders, and flying objects.
Rain noise. Bare panels sound louder in a downpour, unless the wall has insulation behind them.
Heat transfer. Metal conducts heat, so wall insulation matters.
Scratches can rust steel. A deep scratch that reaches bare metal needs prompt touch-up.
Fewer color and style choices than vinyl in some product lines.
Skilled installation needed. Panels are less forgiving around windows, doors, and trim.
Matching later can be tough if your color is discontinued.

If a salesperson says metal siding has no downsides, keep shopping.

Steel or Aluminum?

Steel

Stronger and more dent-resistant
Longer lifespan
Holds color well with a quality finish
Can rust if the coating is scratched through
Heavier to handle

Aluminum

Lightweight
Naturally rust-proof
Dents more easily
Usually needs repainting sooner
Good for humid or damp spots

Our advice for West Jordan: Steel is usually the better fit for our hail and wind. Aluminum can work on sheltered walls and accent areas.

Gauge: Why Thickness Matters

Gauge is how thick the metal is. A lower number means thicker, stronger metal.

29 gauge. The thinnest. Dents and waves most easily, so it's not what we recommend.
26 gauge. The sweet spot for most homes. Good strength at a fair price.
24 gauge. Heavier and more dent-resistant, with a higher cost. Worth it on exposed walls.

Thinner metal saves a little money on material and often costs you more over time in dents and waviness.

Finish and Color: What Protects the Metal

The paint system on the panel does the real work of resisting sun and weather.

SMP (polyester) finish. Lower cost, with decent color retention.
PVDF (Kynar-type) finish. Costs more, and resists fading and chalking longer. Best for strong sun.
Bare galvanized or Galvalume. Raw metal look, mostly used on sheds and farm buildings.
Wood-grain finishes. A printed wood look with no rot or staining.

Color tips:

Matte black, charcoal, and deep bronze look sharp but show dust and heat more
Light gray, tan, and white stay cooler
Bold color works best on accents, like a gable or entry wall

Metal Siding Styles

Board and batten. Tall vertical lines with raised strips. A modern farmhouse favorite.
Standing seam. Clean vertical panels with hidden fasteners. The most polished look.
Horizontal planks. A lap-style look in metal.
Corrugated. Wavy ribs for an industrial or barn look.
R-panel (ribbed). A flat ribbed profile, often used as an accent.
Wood-grain metal planks. The look of cedar with none of the upkeep.

Exposed-fastener or hidden-fastener? Exposed-fastener panels cost less and install faster, but you'll see the screw heads. Hidden-fastener panels look cleaner and cost more.

Metal Siding and Utah Weather

Hail. Steel handles hail better than aluminum, though large hail can still leave marks.
Snow and ice. Smooth panels shed snow, and they don't warp in the cold.
Strong sun. Quality finishes resist fading. Light colors stay cooler.
Wind. Properly fastened panels hold well in gusts.
Temperature swings. Metal expands and shrinks, so panels need room to move.
Fire risk. Metal doesn't ignite, which matters for homes near dry brush or open space.

Will Metal Siding Be Noisy or Hot?

These two worries are common, and both can be managed.

Noise

Solid wall sheathing helps
Insulation or foam backing dampens rain sound
Insulated metal panels cut noise even more

Heat

Wall insulation matters more than the siding itself
Light colors reflect more heat
A small air gap behind panels can improve performance

Metal siding doesn't make a house colder or hotter on its own. A well-built wall behind it is what controls comfort.

Installation Details That Protect Metal Siding

Metal doesn't forgive sloppy work. These are the details we focus on:

Panels left free to expand and shrink
Corrosion-resistant fasteners, not over-tightened
Careful cuts and clean edges
Trim and flashing sized for the style you choose
Isolation between different metals, to avoid reactions that cause corrosion
Touch-up on any scratches during the job

Caring for Metal Siding

Rinse once or twice a year with a garden hose and soft brush
Use mild soap on stains
Check after storms for dents, loose panels, and scratches
Touch up scratches on steel quickly to stop rust
Check caulk around windows, doors, and trim every year or two
Keep gutters clear and trim plants back from the walls
Avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemicals

Metal Siding FAQs

How long does metal siding last?

Steel often lasts 40 to 70 years. Aluminum often lasts 30 to 50. Finish, climate, and installation make a big difference.

Does metal siding rust?

Aluminum doesn't rust. Steel can rust only if the protective coating is scratched through to bare metal. Quick touch-ups prevent it.

Does metal siding dent?

Yes. Aluminum dents most easily. Thicker steel resists dents better, but heavy hail can still mark it.

Is metal siding noisy in the rain?

It can be, if the wall has no insulation or backing. Solid sheathing and insulation reduce the noise a lot.

Can metal siding be painted?

Often yes, with the right primer and paint. Factory finishes usually last a long time, so repainting isn't a frequent job.

Is metal siding better than vinyl?

It lasts longer and resists fire, hail, and wind better. Vinyl costs less and is quieter. The better choice depends on your budget and priorities.

Does metal siding add home value?

It can, especially with modern or farmhouse styles. Value depends on your neighborhood and how well it's installed.

Can I put metal siding over my old siding?

Sometimes, if the wall is flat and sound. We'll check for damage first, since covering moisture problems only hides them.

Get Your Free Metal Siding Estimate

Ready for strong, modern siding? Call West Jordan Siding Company at 385-525-3031 or request an estimate online. We'll bring samples, answer your questions, and give you a clear written price.