Life Cycle Cost
2008 RSMeans Survey Results
2008 INSTALLED COST OF METAL SIDING PANELS IS FAR LOWER THAN COMPETITIVE MATERIALS
p>The average cost of metal siding panels remains far lower than the average installed cost of stucco, tilt-up concrete, EIFS (synthetic stucco), and brick, according to new survey data released by RSMeans, a leading construction cost publishing firm that has been compiling such data since 1942.While the 2008 installed cost of metal siding panels averages $7.66 per square foot, including all accessories and insulation, the average installed cost of competitive materials is at least 60% higher, with single wythe brick walls nearly three times as expensive as metal panels.
Survey data also show the cost of metal siding panels to be rising slower than the cost of most competitive siding materials. While metal and single wythe brick increased only about 3% over the past year, the cost of EIFS, stucco, and tilt-up concrete increased about 4.6%, 5%, and 10%, respectively.
Below are specific 2008 comparative costs averaged across all product subcategories as reported by RSMeans:
- Metal siding panels: $7.66/sq. ft.
- Stucco: $12.28/sq. ft.
- Tilt-up concrete: $13.00/sq. ft.
- EIFS (synthetic stucco): $15.86/sq. ft.
- Solid brick (single wythe): $22.61/sq. ft.
Detailed cost comparisons are contained in section B2010 of the Assemblies section of the RS Means 2008 Square Foot Costs guide.
In compiling cost comparison data, RSMeans, which is owned by Reed Construction Data, contacted manufacturers, dealers, distributors and contractors to determine national average material costs. Labor costs were based on the average wage costs from 30 major U.S. cities.
RSMeans data is intended for use in estimating commercial, industrial and institutional projects costing $1,000,000 or more; costs are intended to be used primarily for new construction or major renovation of buildings, rather than for repairs or minor alterations.
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Photo courtesy of Umicore Building Products USA Inc
