Metal siding, made from aluminum and steel, a durable, low-maintenance, fire-resistant house cladding, has been used on homes since the 1940s and ’50s. It grew significantly in popularity in the 1980s, when the quality and look gained a new sophistication with embossing and coatings lending a realistic similarity to wood. But aluminum and steel siding have negative traits, too. They are energy-intensive to manufacture, the metals are not a renewable resource (though some can be recycled), and the products often require long-distance shipping.

In this section of HomeTips, you can gain a closer look at the ins and outs of buying, installing, and caring for metal sidings.