Standing Seam Metal Siding: [Installation, Cost + Panel Systems]

When someone thinks of standing seam, a picture of the bold, clean lines that makes standing seam so attractive most likely comes to mind. However, that mental picture is most likely up on a roof.

This is a question we’ve been hearing more often at Western States Metal Roofing lately. As a manufacturer of metal roofing and siding panels, we work with customers that are interested in using metal panels for both applications. 

If you look on our website, you’ll notice standing seam is listed under metal roofing panels, but not under metal siding/wall panels. Since standing seam is one of our most popular roofing panels, it would make sense to wonder if they would work for siding also. 

Weather Metallic® Standing Seam Siding

The short answer is yes: standing seam can be used for siding. 

However, standing seam is not used for siding often. Why? There is no one definitive reason. However, there are some factors that make it not the best option for everyone.

Before you decide on your siding, there are a few things to consider first. In this article, we go over 4 top factors to consider when choosing standing seam siding so you can decide if it’s the right panel for you.

4 Factors To Consider When Using Standing Seam Panels For Metal Siding

1. Standing Seam Is Best As Vertical Siding
2. Not All Standing Seam Panel Systems Are Best For Siding
3. Standing Seam Siding Is Not Common
4. Standing Seam Siding Cost Is Higher Than Other Steel Siding Panels

A606 Standing Seam Siding

Standing Seam Is Vertical Siding

Standing seam panels need to be installed vertically when used as siding. The laps on the panels are not set up for horizontal installation. 

Take this into consideration when visualizing the look of your siding: the seams will be vertical and not horizontal. Make sure this is what you want the final outcome of your siding to look like. 

Not All Standing Seam Panel Systems Are Best For Siding

There are three types of standing seam panel systems: mechanically seamed, snap lock, and nail strip. However, not all of these are right for siding applications.

When using standing seam panels as siding, either snap lock or nail strip panels should be used. 

Mechanically seamed panels should be avoided for siding because of the installation process. Having to bring a heavy mechanical seamer tool up the side of a house to install the panels vertically is a massive safety hazard. Using a panel system with a less complex installation is a better and safer choice.

For more information on the differences between the panel systems, we recommend reading:

Snap Lock Standing Seam v. Mechanical Seamed Panels: The Pros And Cons

Standing Seam Siding Is A Not Common Siding 

If you take a look around your neighborhood, you might see a standing seam roof. It is, however, very unlikely that you’ll ever see standing seam siding. 

The reason we are writing this article is, as we mentioned earlier, because we have been asked about standing seam siding more frequently so perhaps the popularity of standing seam siding will change in the future. 

For now, standing seam panels are not a common siding panel. This doesn’t mean they can’t be used, or shouldn’t be used for siding. It just means that they are not used often. If you’re looking for your home to be unique and stand out, standing seam siding will help you accomplish that.

Though we are asked about it on a more regular basis, we rarely have customers end up choosing standing seam siding. If they are looking for a metal siding with concealed fasteners for a smooth appearance, most homeowners end up choosing the similar-looking T-Groove flush wall panel.

Standing Seam Siding Cost 

Standing seam roofs are known in the steel roofing industry as being the premium metal roof. This is another way of saying “more expensive”. The same is true when it comes to siding.

Corten AZP Raw Standing Seam Siding

How Much Does Standing Seam Siding Cost?

The cost of standing seam siding for materials is $3 to $5 per square foot. 

The total cost for materials and installation of standing seam siding is $10 to $16 per square foot.

By comparison, the cost of ⅞” corrugated metal siding for materials and installation is between $7 to $12 per square foot. 

When compared to all other types of steel siding panels, standing seam is going to cost more for both material and installation. The additional costs are due to its premium PVDF paint system and having a concealed fastening system which provides superior weathertightness. 

A standing seam roofing system costs more because it's an overall higher quality roof.

To compare the cost of standing seam siding to more popular types of metal siding, we recommend reading:

The 5 Best Metal Siding And Wall Panels. And What You’ll Pay

Using Standing Seam Panels For Metal Siding

Standing seam panels, when installed correctly, can serve as a beautiful siding to your home for 40-60 years or longer. To get the maximum longevity out of the siding, keep the following in mind:

• Standing seam siding should only be installed vertically, not horizontally.
• Snap lock or nail strip panels are best to use for siding. Avoid mechanically seamed panels.
• Standing seam siding is not used often. 
• Standing seam is a more premium type of metal siding that costs twice as much as corrugated metal siding.

If you know standing seam is the siding you want to use, you need to next pick out the color of the siding. Check out our metal siding color cards for all the available design options and request a free sample of your favorite colors.

If you want a concealed fastener siding panel with a similar appearance to standing seam, we recommend checking out our T-Groove flush wall panel.