Installing steel siding horizontally - math problem

BarnyardEngineering · Mar 13, 2017

Any reason, other than looks, to not run steel siding horizontally along a wall?

I have a low lean-to that I want to close in. 39' long, and about 6' tall.

I have 20 sheets of 8' long x 3' coverage corrugated steel roofing that I bought last fall off Craigslist.

If I run the sheets vertically, it will take 14 sheets, and I will have to cut 2' off each sheet.

If I run the sheets horizontally, it will take 10 sheets, and I will have NO CUTTING, and NO WASTE.

I think it's a no-brainer.

farmerwithmutt · Mar 13, 2017

You wouldn't even have to cut just overlap.
Grain bins are horizontal sheets of tin.

Tracy Brown · Mar 13, 2017

Sounds like a plan.

hydro70guy · Mar 13, 2017

My uncle did it on a garage, it was odd looking at it the first time for no particular reason but works fine. Just start on bottom and work
up.

kcm.MN · Mar 13, 2017

He can't overlap. He said his lean-to walls are 6' high, but the sheets are 8' long. Only way not to cut them if vertical would be to have them sticking up in the air or to bury them 2' in the ground. ...I ain't grabbing a shovel!!

Mounting them horizontal will work fine.

Mike M · Mar 13, 2017

I see the Amish do this on their buildings. They usually do block foundations and then stick frame. Likely works out better for when you have studs to fasten it to.

Russ from MN · Mar 13, 2017

We put pole shed steel on our cabin walls horizontal, bought the steel full length, no spices. Only a 20 x 24 cabin.

teddy52food · Mar 13, 2017

Corner trim may be a problem???

Dave Sherburne, NY · Mar 13, 2017

It will work fine . Make sure you put the screws in the valleys not on the ridges

coshoo · Mar 13, 2017

Those pre-fab carports that are so popular now use horizontal sheeting, even on the roof. I have one that's 42 feet long, and they made one end about 6" higher than the other, so the water would move down to the end and run off. Seems to work fine.

Janicholson · Mar 13, 2017

It is not a no brainer because you already used yours!! Do it. If there is more than 3 feet between vertical supports, i would
bolt the sheets together where they lap to avoid driven rain or vibration from wind. Jim

bjb in TX from Ne · Mar 13, 2017

If you are using the panels to brace the shed, then there will probably be a slight reduction in ability for the panels to resist the lateral loading (wind) on the building, since you do not have a continuous panel running top to bottom. The proper
installation for this purpose should be stated by the manufacturer.

However, if you already have already braced the lean-to internally with either cross braces or cables, then the panels could be installed in any direction you want since you are not relying on them for stability.

moresmoke · Mar 13, 2017

Only good reason I have is that the horizontal ribs collect dirt. The inside of my shop is lined with horizontal steel. It came out so 4 sheets fit perfectly for the height without cutting. Plus if I had wanted to
go vertical, I would have had to strap the studs. Studs 1 foot on center, I put up 3 sheets, and insulation retaining fabric around the top. Blew the walls full of fiberglass, then put up the last sheet.

BarnyardEngineering · Mar 13, 2017

Thanks.

This was originally an open lean-to which has been walled in over the years with a hodgepodge of wooden picket fencing and those translucent green fiberglass roofing panels.

My plan is to install vertical "purlins" every 2' to secure the steel to.

flying belgian · Mar 13, 2017

I did my old hog house where I have the chickens horizontal. 28X60. Second sheet up I ran a clear poly sheet the entire length. Really lets in lots of Sun light for the layers. Went over the old lap
siding. I like the looks. Also keeps the mice out.

Fritz Maurer · Mar 13, 2017

That's an interesting idea though. Wouldn't that deter ground hogs? Or would they just dig down 2-1/2 feet? I wouldn't grab a shovel either. I'd use a 555C.

kcm.MN · Mar 13, 2017

If your chickens are horizontal, I bet that makes laying eggs more difficult. *LOL*

farmerwithmutt · Mar 13, 2017

Vertically he can't but horizontal he can

BobReeves · Mar 13, 2017

Closed in 3 sides of a the cheap metal carport 4 years ago and ran the metal siding horizontal. No problems in Oklahoma 40-50 MPH winds.

Bob M · Mar 13, 2017

Did exactly that inside my father in law's shop for the same reason as you. (Lined it with steel for protection against welding sparks, etc)

45 years later it still looks/works great.

RodinNS · Mar 13, 2017

We have three convention frame buildings here that are done horizontally... It's OK for the most part. Once and a while the wind will get at
some sheets, but that's probably as much a reflection of the location and the wind here. Losing roof sheets happens too...

Rod

Installing steel siding horizontally - math problem

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