How Much Does EDCO Steel Siding Cost In 2024?

Steel siding is a popular choice among homeowners and Edco steel siding is among the most sought-after siding manufacturers.

If you want to renovate your home and add a new siding, you’ll need to find the best balance of style, durability, and versatility to fit your budget.

How Much Does EDCO Steel Siding Cost?

Steel siding prices can vary wildly every six months or so because it’s a hot commodity that hits the market already manufactured.

The cost to cover 1,500 square feet today might not be the same in a few weeks or months. Of course, this also means that you might be able to remodel your home for a lower price if you wait.

With that in mind, understand that various factors and material properties will affect the cost of your steel siding.

In general, you can pay anywhere from $3.50 to $8.50 per square foot if you also include the installation costs.

But while the material price can fluctuate a lot, labor costs tend to stay the same.

If you want to cover a 1,500-square-foot home with the cheapest alloy steel siding, you could be looking at material costs of $5,250.

To that, you can add another dollar per square foot if you want better insulation.

Did you know? Some states have strict guidelines for attached and detached dwellings.

Depending on your area, you might need to pay extra attention to your state’s siding regulations to ensure you’re allowed to use steel siding, have exposed panels, or have a design that your state considers aesthetically pleasing.

The higher the material quality, such as its structural integrity, strength, and gauge, the more you can expect to pay.

Midrange steel siding can cost you up to $6 per square foot or $8,000 for a 1,500 square foot home. Labor costs might also increase when you’re working with higher-quality materials.

If you’re opting for premium materials, you really have to dig deeper into your wallet. The cost can easily exceed $8.50 per square foot or $12,700 for a 1,500-square-foot house.

Factors like finish, and style will also influence the final price.

That’s why the only way to figure out how much you can expect to pay is to ask for a quote for your home after picking the material with your preferred features and qualities.

Labor Costs To Install Edco Siding

Installation costs can be as low as $2 per square foot but can exceed $9.50 per square foot. This is what makes figuring out the total cost very difficult.

Cheaply installed metal siding can create lots of problems, so you can’t afford to use nonqualified and inexperienced professionals.

But why can installation prices go so high? First, the limited supply of professional steel siding installers can drive the price up.

Secondly, the labor rates differ greatly between states. It’s not uncommon for installers to charge up to $85-90 per hour if you live in New York or California.

But if you’re in a low-income state, perhaps Nebraska, you could be charged 30% less by professional installers.

You should also factor in other details like the number of stories of the building, the complexity of the architecture, accessibility, custom metalwork, disposal of the old siding, etc.

In addition, the installation type, vertical or horizontal, can also influence the cost, with some installers charging up to a 20% premium for vertically-installed steel sidings.

Why Choose Edco Steel Siding?

Edco is a manufacturer of steel siding that is highly regarded for its elegant style. The company has a clear understanding of natural wood grain designs and creates its steel panels with a natural look and a proprietary coating.

The company also offers industry-leading warranties and works with a large network of contractors who are ready to carry out your renovation projects.

Edco also has over 70 years of experience in this space and has consistently innovated and improved its products.

Did You Know? Edco was incorporated back in 1946. The family-owned company from Minnesota wanted to try and capitalize on the housing boom in the U.S. at that time.

Led by war veteran Art Edwards Jr., the company’s focus on innovation, longevity, and quality made them a success in the asphalt siding industry.

It wasn’t until the ’90’s that Edco broke into the steel roofing market. Although the company was a new player, it garnered immediate success, mostly thanks to its culture, vision, and leadership.

To this day, it’s still the only remaining full-line manufacturer of siding materials.

Edco Steel Siding Features

Take a look at some of Edco’s standout features:

-Versatile Styling: Edco offers steel siding in four styles: Lap, Dutchlap, Vertical, Shake. This gives potential buyers a good range of styles to choose from to create unique designs and raise the value of their homes.

The range also allows for multiple installation types, from budget-friendly to premium for more labor-intensive projects.

– Premium Siding Colors: the company provides a wide assortment of colors that embrace natural and artificial looks, depending on what you envision for your home.

What’s even better is that Edco’s proprietary ENTEX formula comes in all colors and enjoys a 35-year fade warranty

Gorgeous Finishes: Edco offers four distinct finish textures: prism, solid, HD Blend

Although HD and Blend finishes are the most realistic and reminiscent of natural wood, homeowners report they all look amazing.

What Customers Think About Edco Steel Siding

Most buyers agree that Edco steel siding displays superior quality and durability compared to many of its competitor products.

Thanks to its proprietary finish, the long warranties, and excellent fade resistance are hits with homeowners and contractors.

However, some customers have voiced complaints about customer service or the sometimes limited inventory. Others have hinted that without proper insulation or thicker walls, some Edco steel siding might make popping noises on occasion.

But in general, the reviews of the company and its products are favorable.

Edco Steel Siding Pros

Here are some of the benefits of choosing steel siding.

Pro No. 1 – Low Maintenance

Low maintenance is by far one of the biggest advantages of strengthening your home with metal siding.

This material doesn’t need complex stain removal processes or deep cleaning. Mold and fungus aren’t issues because metal siding won’t retain moisture.

However, the quality of the siding and its performance will rely on the quality of the installation.

Pro No. 2 – Durable and Strong

Steel siding can last decades longer than

other materials, hence the longer warranties. Its water- and fire-resistant properties make it less likely to crack, chip, or break.

Other fire-resistant materials may still burn under various circumstances, but metal siding is pretty much fireproof and rarely requires additional fire-retardant coating.

Pro No. 3 – Energy Efficient

The reflective properties of metal siding won’t absorb UV rays. Instead, it will reflect them, keeping your home much cooler in the summer.

This will allow you to use your air conditioner less frequently or at lower settings, thereby lowering your bills.

Pro No. 4 – Insect Resistant

Steel isn’t an insect-friendly material. It doesn’t attract them or make for a hospitable environment. Therefore, termites and other pests won’t damage your siding.

Thus, spraying for pests becomes a non-issue, lowering your maintenance costs and reducing the number of chemicals you need to use around your home.

Did you know? The U.S. residential siding market is expected to grow by 3.9% in volume through 2023, with siding replacements driving the highest demand.

Vinyl siding and fiber cement are the two most popular material choices, with steel siding, stucco, wood, brick, and engineered wood trailing behind.

Among home styles, single-family dwellings are the most popular candidates for replacement siding.

Pro No. 5 – Recyclable and Environmentally-Friendly

Sustainability is a growing concern among homeowners. People are trying to be more environmentally friendly.

If this is something of interest to you, metal sidings are ideal because they’re often 100% recyclable, and many sidings are made with recycled materials.

Edco Steel Siding Cons

Here are some general disadvantages of choosing steel siding.

Con No. 1 – Cost

Steel siding wins most comparisons to its popular alternatives. But that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. The first drawback concerns homeowners or contractors on a tight budget.

Regardless of the type of metal used, steel siding almost always has a higher upfront cost.

Couple that with pricier installation in many instances, and the fact that steel siding has a longer warranty, and more longevity doesn’t necessarily make it the best choice for every project.

Con No. 2 – Rust

When it comes to steel, rust will always be a problem. Of course, steel siding doesn’t easily rust or corrode, especially when protected by a high-quality coating.

But steel siding used on beachfront properties tends to degrade much faster than in other climates.

Con No. 3 – Difficult to Replace

Most steel or metal sidings are made of panels. In some circumstances, this won’t be an advantage, especially if you need to repair or replace a small portion.

First, you’ll likely need to replace an entire panel. Secondly, it may require hiring a professional.

Steel Siding vs. Fiber Cement Siding

Choosing between steel siding and fiber cement siding can be challenging for many homeowners. The reason is that fiber cement siding often looks gorgeous and can reliably mimic real wood siding.

However, the two materials couldn’t be more different, and one of them is definitely an overall winner.

Both materials are durable, but steel siding gets the edge. Unlike fiber cement, it isn’t susceptible to shrinkage, doesn’t swell, absorb water, or promote mold development.

Because of its superior durability, steel siding often comes with transferrable limited lifetime non-prorated warranties.

In contrast, fiber cement siding rarely comes with a warranty of over 30 years, and the coverage for flaking and fading can be even shorter.

In terms of fire resistance, steel and fiber cement present strong arguments. Fiber cement contains mostly sand, making it fire-resistant but not fireproof like steel.

Furthermore, deformation is less of an issue with fiber cement when it’s exposed to heat sources.

What some homeowners may not find attractive about fiber cement siding is its higher weight and the fact that it isn’t recyclable.

For comparison, a 100 square feet of steel siding can weigh around 100 pounds, while the same coverage of fiber cement will weigh close to 300 pounds.

When it comes to maintenance, steel requires very little. While fiber cement needs periodic painting, it isn’t that inconvenient. What really gives steel the edge is its versatility.

The material acclimates to all weather conditions, and extreme moisture, cold, or heat won’t cause it to crack or chip.

Fiber cement doesn’t enjoy the same range and is much more situational because of its rigidity. This is one of the most significant drawbacks.

Pro Tip: Depending on where you live, you might not have access to curbside collection for steel siding.

This means that disposing of your old siding can be tricky if you don’t have the means to take the steel panels to a scrap dealer.

You may want to talk to your contractor and see if they can help you dispose of the recyclable material properly.

Steel Siding vs. Vinyl Siding

The difference between these two siding materials often comes down to durability. It’s the category that makes the strongest case for steel siding.

In general, steel and vinyl can both offer substantial protection to your home. However, long-term durability favors steel siding significantly.

It’s a more reliable option, especially if your area is prone to extreme or volatile weather conditions. Furthermore, steel is the preferred choice if you want to increase your home’s fire resistance.

Regarding maintenance, both steel and vinyl siding require minimal upkeep. The materials are easy to clean.

But vinyl may need slightly more attention to maintain its appearance if your home gets lots of heat, wind, and direct sunlight.

Another category in which steel siding and vinyl siding are almost neck and neck is recyclability.

Environmentalists or anyone who wants to be more eco-friendly will often weigh the recyclability factor before deciding on a siding material.

Compared to fiber cement siding, steel and vinyl are much easier to work with. In fact, steel is even easier to recycle because more recycling centers accept the material, while fewer ones are willing to take vinyl.

Personal preferences and needs can also factor into the buying decision. For example, vinyl siding is often a homeowner’s favorite pick in terms of design.

It’s more versatile and enables more design options that can improve a house’s aesthetics.

In addition, vinyl is considerably cheaper in most cases. If your budget is a primary concern, paying a lower upfront cost could be the deciding factor, as vinyl siding has cheaper production and material costs.

But the longevity of steel will pay for itself eventually, so it might be the better overall choice if you can afford it upfront.

How Long Does Edco Steel Siding Last?

Edco offers a 35-year warranty against fading and a limited lifetime non-prorated warranty.

Realistically, this steel siding should last at least 50 years. But its longevity will differ depending on geographic area and climates, with beachfront-installed sidings probably degrading faster.

Is Edco Steel Siding Resistant to Hail and High Winds?

Steel is one of the most durable materials you can use for siding. Its strength makes it resistant to high winds and pressure and can easily fend off hail.

How Should You Clean Edco Steel Siding?

Performing regular maintenance or cleaning on steel siding is fairly simple. You won’t even need a power washer to get the job done.

A garden hose is recommended to lower the pressure and prevent damaging the finish. Using a mild soap solution and a soft brush is generally the best way to protect the finish.

How Does Edco Steel Siding Deal With Rust?

Each steel siding panel comes with a protective layer of zinc to increase its resistance to rust and corrosion. This form of galvanized steel is intended for outdoor use and increases the material’s longevity.

How Does Steel Siding Improve Energy Efficiency?

Steel siding has reflective properties and therefore deflects radiant heat. It can prevent overheating during the summer because the paint reflects the sun’s UV rays.

This helps lower energy use by allowing you to use your air conditioner less. Those same radiant heat reflective properties help trap heat during the winter to keep the house warmer and reduce heating costs.

Is Steel Siding The Right Choice For You?

Steel siding has a long way to go before it becomes the most popular siding material in the U.S. With that said, it offers more benefits than any other material.

It’s more long-lasting than vinyl, less prone to cracking than fiber cement, and definitely stronger and more fire-resistant than wood.

In terms of aesthetics, Edco steel siding offers visually stunning wood grain-like textures that can give your home a more natural appearance.

Of course, to the trained eye, these won’t be as impressive as real wood. But steel siding is still quite stylistically versatile.

The only real issue with steel siding is its higher upfront cost. You’ll generally want midrange or premium steel siding to get the best protection and aesthetics.

This means higher material and labor costs. However, the low maintenance, advantageous warranties, and excellent long-term return on investment compensate for the higher price tag.

The choice comes down to your budget and what pleases your eyes the most.