Hi, new to the forum, trying to get info on steel sips. I would like to use cedar siding panels for the exterior. My builder says that they usually place  hardie siding screwed directly into the steel  panels. I am wondering if I could use prefabbed cedar panels like the ones make by Shakertown and predrill, countersink the panels and use the same screws that are used for hardie that are made to hold in the galvalume/foam panels. The specs for shakertown panels call for direct nailing into wood. But since the panels are not OSB , I am thinking the screws would be the way to go. Was wondering if anyone had any experience with cedar on steel sips?

Kellyr,

That will work just fine.

Welcome to the world of metal SIPs! Happy building :)

Kelly;

any attachment for sidings or claddings are the same as for steel framing

thanks for the replys, I was assuming that ring shank stainless nails normally used for the cedar would not work in the steel panels even though nails with an airgun would be faster. 

Kelly,
I would look at using furring strips behind your cedar siding. This will allow air movement around the siding and encourage drying of the siding. A definite plus in extending the usuable life of the siding. This will also allow the siding to be attached in the method approved by your siding supplier.

Nails won't work but, if you need stainless they are available in screws too

I am on the beach, I think I would need to use 316 Stainless. I was looking at screws called Sharx. Do you think they would hold in the galvalume skin/foam and what length screw should I use? I appreciate the replies.

I am not familiar with sharx are they made to go into metal?

Not knowing what your region and climate is like, what 'wes' suggested is a good idea. It is possible to apply cedar siding directly to metal SIPs, but understanding how the material reacts in diffrent climate conditions is the key to having it last. If the siding you are planning to install has a warranty and you want to comply with it, you must follow the method of installation the warrenty recomends to the letter. If the warranty specs nails then applying wood furring strips to the SIPs and then the siding to the furring. This is the way to comply with the warranty. If you don't care about the warranty and just want to build in a quality way, understand how the material will react to your climate condition and design an apppropriate installation detail for the siding for your climate.

Here are the installation instruction http://www.midamericacedar.com/literature/Cedar_Booklet.pdfs

Great info. Looks like i will be going with the furring strips and 316 stainless.