Metal Wall Cladding That Holds Up to Okanagan Weather
Metal siding in Kelowna has to handle a lot, because the walls of your home take as much weather as the roof: hot Okanagan sun, driving rain, snow piled against the bottom courses, and big temperature swings all year. Metal siding and wall cladding hold up to all of it with very little upkeep, and they give a home or building a clean, modern look.
I’m Jared Hanson, a journeyman architectural sheet metal worker and building envelope specialist based in Kelowna. I install modern metal wall cladding, ACM panels and custom architectural wall details, and I do the work myself from start to finish.
Why Metal Siding Makes Sense in Kelowna
Metal cladding isn’t just for farm buildings anymore. You see it on contemporary homes, modern farmhouses, lake houses and commercial buildings across the Okanagan. Here’s why I often recommend metal siding. Kelowna’s weather is a big part of it, but it’s not the only reason:
- Low maintenance. Pre-finished metal doesn’t need staining or regular repainting the way wood does, and it won’t rot, crack or get eaten by insects.
- Handles our climate. Metal suits dry, hot summers and snowy winters, and it doesn’t soak up moisture.
- Non-combustible. Metal cladding doesn’t burn, which is worth thinking about in wildfire country. FireSmart BC has good general advice on protecting a home from wildfire.
- A modern look. Long, straight lines and crisp corners suit contemporary architecture, and metal pairs well with wood, stone and fibre cement.
- It matches a metal roof. Wall panels in the same colour as a standing seam roof make a house look intentional from top to bottom.
Metal Wall Cladding Options
Every building is different, so I don’t push one product. These are the main options I install:
Metal wall panels
Vertical metal panels give a home strong, clean lines and work well on full walls, accent walls, gables and entry features. I roll-form standing seam wall panels in my shop and fabricate board and batten myself. Other profiles, like corrugated and ribbed panels, I order in. My wall panels are 24 gauge.
ACM panels
ACM (aluminum composite material) panels are flat, rigid panels made of two thin aluminum skins bonded to a core. They give the smooth, crisp, large-panel look you see on modern commercial buildings and high-end homes, with precise reveals between panels. I order ACM panels from a supplier, made to standard ACM specifications, and install them myself.
Custom architectural wall details
Beyond standard siding, I build custom wall features: metal-clad entry gables, column wraps, accent bands, window surrounds and other details.
The Details That Make Cladding Last: Flashing and Water Management
The cladding you see is only part of the wall. What keeps a wall dry for decades is the detailing behind and around it: the window head and sill flashings, inside and outside corners, transitions between materials, drip edges at the base, and the joint where the wall meets the roof.
My RCABC apprenticeship covered building envelope systems, not just roofing, and I still apply those standards on every job. I think about where water goes, how it gets out, and how each piece of metal laps over the next. I fabricate my own custom flashings, so the trim is made to fit your wall instead of forced into place from off-the-shelf pieces. Rainscreen strapping or a drainage gap behind the cladding is standard on my jobs, so any water that gets behind the panels has a way out.
Pairing Metal Siding with a Standing Seam Roof
I also design, fabricate and install standing seam metal roofing, so I can do the roof and the walls as one project. The colours match, the trim and flashings tie together at the eaves and rakes, and one person is responsible for how the whole envelope performs. It’s also simpler for you: one quote, one schedule and one person to call. If you want to finish it off, I build metal awnings to match as well.
Residential and Commercial Cladding
I clad homes, from full exterior makeovers to a single accent wall, and commercial buildings, including ACM panel work. Commercial cladding projects are welcome.
Metal Siding: Kelowna, West Kelowna and Across the Okanagan
I install metal siding and wall cladding in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, Vernon, Penticton, Peachland, Summerland and throughout the Okanagan. Whether it’s a lake house, a new custom build or an older home that needs a new exterior, I’ll come out, look at the building and give you my honest opinion on what will work.
Why Local Homeowners Choose Me
- I do every job myself. I measure, plan and install your cladding. No sales rep and no crew rotating through your job.
- A building envelope specialist. My RCABC training in architectural sheet metal and building envelope systems means the flashings and transitions get as much attention as the panels.
- Roof and walls together. I can do your standing seam roof, siding, awnings and flashing as one project.
- Custom flashings made to fit. I fabricate trim and flashing to suit your building instead of making do with stock pieces.
- Upfront and honest. Clear pricing, realistic timelines and a clean site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is metal siding a good choice for homes in Kelowna?
For most homes, yes. It handles hot summers and snowy winters well, needs very little maintenance and gives a clean, modern look. I’ll tell you honestly if another material suits your house or budget better.
What’s the difference between metal siding and ACM panels?
Metal siding is usually formed steel or aluminum panels with a profile, like vertical seams or ribs. ACM panels are flat, rigid aluminum composite panels with a smooth face, often used for a sleek, large-panel commercial look. Many modern buildings use both.
Will metal siding dent?
Any metal can dent if it’s hit hard enough, but properly installed wall panels hold up well to normal life. The panel profile and the thickness of the metal both make a difference. My wall panels are 24 gauge. I’ll help you choose a profile that suits where it’s going, especially near driveways or play areas.
Can you combine metal siding with wood or other materials?
Yes, and it often looks great. The key is clean, watertight transitions between materials, and that’s exactly the kind of custom flashing work I do.
Can metal siding go over my existing siding?
No. I always tear off the old siding first and never clad over it. That way I can see the condition of the wall and get the flashing and drainage right.
How much does metal siding cost?
It depends on the wall area, the cladding type, the number of windows and corners, and access. A detailed wall takes more time than a plain one. I’m upfront with pricing and give free quotes.
Ready to Talk About Your Walls?
If you’re thinking about ACM panels, a mixed exterior or metal siding, Kelowna or anywhere in the Okanagan, call or text me directly at 250-503-7577 with a few photos of your home. I’d be happy to come out, measure and walk you through your options with no pressure.