The short answer
Metal cladding for houses uses panels or planks of aluminium, steel or zinc fixed over a framework to form a weatherproof, contemporary outer skin. Aluminium is the most common domestic choice — lightweight, corrosion-resistant and usually powder-coated in any colour; steel (galvanised or coated) is strong and economical; and zinc is a premium architectural metal that develops a natural protective patina. Metal cladding is durable, low-maintenance and non-combustible, with a long service life often measured in decades. It suits modern designs, extensions and feature elevations. The main considerations are cost (it sits at the higher end), the need for skilled installation, and detailing to avoid corrosion at cut edges and fixings.
Metal cladding gives homes a clean, modern, architectural look with very low upkeep. Here is what the common metals are and how they behave.
Metal cladding at a glance
- Metalsaluminium, steel, zinc
- Finishpowder-coat or natural patina
- Firenon-combustible metal
- Maintenancevery low
- Fitted costaround £70–£160/m²
The common metals
Three metals dominate domestic cladding:
- Aluminium — the most popular for houses. Lightweight, naturally corrosion-resistant and almost always powder-coated, so it comes in any colour and keeps it well. It is easy to handle and long-lasting.
- Steel — galvanised or coated steel is strong and cost-effective, used in profiled sheets and panels; the coating protects against rust.
- Zinc — a premium architectural metal that forms a self-protecting patina over time, giving a soft grey, evolving finish. It is durable and recyclable but costs more.
Copper is also used occasionally as a high-end feature metal that weathers to a green patina.
How metal cladding performs
Metal scores highly on durability and upkeep:
- Non-combustible — the metal itself does not burn, which helps on fire-sensitive buildings.
- Long life — coated aluminium and zinc commonly last for decades with little attention.
- Low maintenance — an occasional clean is usually all that is needed.
- Lightweight (aluminium/zinc) — reduces load on the structure.
- Design flexibility — panels, standing-seam, profiled sheets and shingles allow varied looks.
The trade-offs are higher cost, the need for skilled detailing (especially around cut edges, junctions and fixings to prevent corrosion), and that bare or thin sheet metal can dent or show oil-canning if poorly specified.
Panel profiles and finishes
Metal cladding comes in a wide range of profiles that strongly affect the look. Flat panels and cassettes give a sharp, minimal, architectural finish; standing-seam systems run continuous raised joints up or along the wall for a classic zinc or aluminium look; profiled or corrugated sheets add texture and are economical; and shingle or tile formats break the surface into smaller units. Finishes are equally varied: aluminium and steel are usually powder-coated or PVDF-coated in almost any colour, including matt, metallic and textured options, while zinc and copper are typically left to develop their natural patina. This flexibility lets metal suit anything from a crisp contemporary box to a softer, weathering rural building. The profile also influences performance and cost — flat cassettes need a flatter substrate and careful detailing to avoid visible waviness, while profiled sheet is more forgiving and cheaper.
Cost and value
Metal sits toward the upper end on price but delivers a long, low-maintenance life in return.
| Metal | Character | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | Light, coated, versatile | Mid–high |
| Steel | Strong, economical | Mid |
| Zinc | Premium, natural patina | High |
| Copper | Feature, green patina | High |
Indicative comparison for guidance; fitted metal cladding is broadly £70–£160/m². Sources: Checkatrade and HomeOwners Alliance cost guides.
Durability and corrosion detailing
Metal cladding's long life depends on protecting it from corrosion at the vulnerable points. Aluminium and zinc are naturally corrosion-resistant — aluminium forms a self-protecting oxide layer and zinc develops a patina — so they cope well with the British climate. Steel relies on its galvanising or coating, so any cut edges, drilled holes and fixings must be detailed and treated correctly to stop rust starting where the protective layer is broken. Good practice includes using compatible, corrosion-resistant fixings, avoiding contact between dissimilar metals that can cause galvanic corrosion, and detailing junctions and flashings so water drains away rather than sitting on the metal. Coastal and polluted environments are more aggressive, so material and coating choice matters more there. Handled correctly, coated aluminium and zinc routinely last several decades with little more than occasional cleaning, which is a large part of metal cladding's appeal despite its higher upfront cost.
Sustainability and recyclability
Metal cladding scores well on several environmental measures. Aluminium, steel, zinc and copper are all highly recyclable, and at the end of a building's life the metal can be recovered and reused rather than going to landfill — a clear advantage over bonded composites. Many products also contain a proportion of recycled content to begin with. The long service life of coated aluminium and zinc means the cladding rarely needs replacing, reducing the resources spent over time. The counterpoint is that producing virgin metal, particularly aluminium, is energy-intensive, so the embodied energy can be high, though recycled content and longevity offset this. If sustainability matters to you, ask about the recycled content of the specific product, its expected lifespan and the recyclability of the finished system. Overall, metal's combination of durability, low maintenance and high recyclability makes it a reasonable choice environmentally, especially where it lasts for decades.
Is metal cladding right for your home?
Metal cladding suits contemporary designs and homeowners who want a sharp, low-maintenance, long-life finish, or a feature elevation. Aluminium is the practical default for most houses, with zinc reserved for premium projects. Because the metal is non-combustible, it can be helpful on flats and taller buildings, though the whole build-up — including any insulation and backing behind the metal — must meet the fire requirements, not just the outer skin. Installation needs an experienced contractor to detail junctions, fixings and cut edges correctly and avoid corrosion. As always, the work must comply with Building Regulations, and on sensitive buildings you should confirm the fire performance of the complete system.
Frequently asked questions
Does metal cladding rust?
Aluminium and zinc are naturally corrosion-resistant and do not rust like iron. Steel can rust if its protective coating or galvanising is breached, so cut edges and fixings must be detailed correctly. Good specification and installation keep all three durable for decades.
Is metal cladding noisy in rain?
On a properly built wall system with insulation and a backing behind the metal, rain noise on house cladding is not usually a problem — it is more associated with thin, uninsulated roofs. Correct construction and insulation dampen any sound.
Is aluminium cladding safe after Grenfell?
Solid aluminium is non-combustible, but concern centred on certain aluminium composite panels with combustible cores used on high-rise buildings. For domestic cladding, the key is to check the fire classification of the specific product and the whole system, and to comply with current Building Regulations for your building type.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific property. They are guidance, not a quotation.