Standing seam and metal panel siding offers superior durability and contemporary aesthetics. Built for Ottawa winters with 25-40 year lifespan and virtually no maintenance.
Extreme Durability
Metal siding lasts 25-40+ years with minimal maintenance. That's longer than vinyl or wood and nearly as long as fiber cement, but with less ongoing maintenance.
Handles Temperature Extremes
Heavy Snow Load Resistance
Metal panels are strong enough to handle snow accumulation without bending or warping. They shed snow and ice more readily than vinyl.
Wind Resistance
High wind events won't damage properly installed metal siding. The fastening system is designed for stress. Metal panels won't crack or puncture in storms the way vinyl can.
Minimal Maintenance
Unlike wood (requires painting every 5-7 years), metal siding just needs occasional rinsing. No painting, staining, or seasonal maintenance.
Energy Efficiency
Metal reflects solar heat, reducing cooling costs in summer. When properly installed with air sealing, it significantly improves building envelope efficiency.
Modern Aesthetics
Metal siding gives homes a contemporary, premium appearance. It's perfect for modern designs and popular with homeowners wanting a distinctive look.
| Profile | Appearance | Cost | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standing Seam | Vertical raised seams, clean modern look | $$$ | Contemporary homes, premium aesthetic | Most popular for residential; sleek appearance |
| Metal Panels | Horizontal panels, various profiles available | $$ | Modern designs, traditional hybrid homes | More affordable than standing seam; various depths available |
| Corrugated Metal | Wavy horizontal pattern | $ | Industrial look, agricultural settings | Budget-friendly; distinctive appearance |
| Metal Shingles | Shake or shingle profile | $$$ | Modern homes wanting traditional look | Combines metal durability with shingle appearance |
| Metal Board & Batten | Vertical board profile with battens | $$$ | Modern farmhouse, cottage look | Trendy option; distinctive aesthetic |
Most Popular for Residential:
Standing seam metal siding is the most popular residential choice in Ottawa. It offers the most contemporary look and best water shedding performance.
Steel
Aluminum
Coatings & Finishes
| Coating | Durability | Cost | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galvanized | 15-20 years | $ | Occasional touch-up | Budget option; limited color |
| Powder Coat | 20-30 years | $$ | Minimal maintenance | Most residential; many colors |
| Paint Baked-On | 20-25 years | $$ | Occasional maintenance | Good durability; various finishes |
| Kynar 500 | 30-40+ years | $$$ | Nearly none | Premium homes; maximum durability |
Our Recommendation for Ottawa:
Powder-coated aluminum or steel is the best value for most homes. Kynar coating is ideal for premium homes or if you want maximum durability.
We assess your home's exterior, verify proper wall structure and water barriers, and prepare all materials.
Old siding is carefully removed. We inspect sheathing and framing for any underlying issues.
Proper house wrap or felt paper is installed to create a secondary moisture barrier.
All flashing around windows, doors, and corners is installed before metal siding goes on.
Starter strips at foundation level establish proper alignment and slope.
Panels are installed with proper fastening that allows for expansion/contraction. Fastener spacing and type are critical for performance.
All seams, joints, and transitions are sealed with appropriate sealant to prevent water intrusion.
J-channel, corner posts, inside corners, and all trim pieces are installed and sealed.
We inspect all details for proper installation, sealing, and customer satisfaction.
All debris and old materials are removed. Your home is left clean.
Superior Material Properties
Metal doesn't rot, warp, or become brittle like wood or vinyl. It maintains its structural integrity indefinitely with proper coating protection.
Quality Coating System
Modern powder-coat finishes are engineered to resist fading, chalking, and UV degradation. A quality coating keeps the underlying metal protected from corrosion.
Proper Fastening
Metal expands and contracts with temperature. Our fastening system allows this movement without fastener failure or panel separation.
Water Management
Metal panels are designed to shed water efficiently. Proper seaming and overlap prevents water intrusion behind panels.
Minimal Weather Impact
Metal doesn't absorb moisture like wood. Snow, ice, and rain don't damage the material itself—only the protective coating if compromised.
Age-Related Improvements
Unlike wood or vinyl that deteriorate with age, metal siding often looks better after 10-20 years as the finish develops a patina while remaining protective.
Regular Rinsing
Inspection
Touch-Up & Recoating
Sealant Maintenance
Metal vs. Vinyl
Metal vs. Wood
Metal vs. Fiber Cement
Winter Challenges
Spring/Fall Challenges
Summer Challenges
Year-Round
Metal siding is designed for Ottawa's specific climate challenges. It truly excels in our environment compared to vinyl or wood.
Solar Reflection
Metal reflects much of the sun's heat instead of absorbing it like dark vinyl or wood. This reduces cooling loads in summer.
Thermal Mass
Properly installed metal siding provides thermal mass that helps moderate temperature swings, reducing heating/cooling demand.
Air Sealing
When installed as part of a complete exterior system (with proper water barriers and sealed transitions), metal siding improves overall building envelope air tightness.
Insulation Enhancement
Metal panels can be installed with foam backing, adding insulation value directly. This combination is highly efficient.
Energy Savings Estimate
Noise Performance
Concern: Metal can be loud in heavy rain or hail.
Reality: Properly installed metal with backing, insulation, and interior materials dampens noise significantly. Modern installations aren't noticeably louder than other materials.
Solution: Ask about acoustic backing options during installation.
Weather Tightness
Metal siding properly installed creates an excellent weather-tight envelope:
Performance in Extreme Weather
We've installed metal siding on hundreds of Ottawa homes. We understand the climate demands and proper installation techniques.
We're expert in both standing seam and metal panel installation. We know the nuances of proper fastening and sealing.
We don't just install panels—we integrate metal siding with proper water barriers, flashing, and sealing for optimal performance.
We source from trusted manufacturers and specify appropriate coatings for Ottawa's climate.
Fastening is critical for metal siding. We use proper spacing, fastener types, and installation techniques for long-term performance.
We warrant our workmanship against defects in materials and installation. We stand behind our work.
Licensed & Insured
Full insurance coverage and proper licensing protect you and your home.
Contact Burnham Brothers for professional service and expert assessment.