Concealed fastener metal wall panels are attached to the substructure without any visible fasteners. Instead, concealed fastener panels are installed with clips and/or screws that are attached behind the face of the panel. Once installed, concealed fasteners are not visible on the exterior of the wall. They are hidden inside interlocking panel joints for protection from the elements, creating a smooth appearance that is more aesthetically pleasing than exposed fastener roofing panels. Concealed fastener wall panels will cost significantly more than an exposed fastener panel.
- Contemporary Appearance – Hidden fasteners provide a sleek, clean appearance. The modern aesthetics of the panels make them often used in high-end real estate.
- More Weather Tight – Metal wall panels that have a concealed fastener will be more weather-tight. The screw is concealed so it’s never exposed to the weather.
- Less Maintenance – Fewer inspections are required to check for loosened fasteners or failed sealing washers.
When choosing the right metal panel for your home, you should consider the disadvantages of concealed fastener siding panels:
- More Expensive – Concealed fastener panels can be 2-3 times as much as exposed fastener panels.
- Longer Installation Time – The installation process is more complex, and requires more time and labor. Concealed fastener panel installation requires more effort and skill than the installation for an exposed fastener system. This means the installation costs for concealed are higher as well.
- More Trim And Flashing – Exposed fastener panels have simple flashing details that usually just require one piece of trim per wall condition. For example, an outside corner detail for a corrugated metal roofing panel is simply one piece of outside corner.
