A Tennessee Homeowner Reclaims His Time with EDCO Steel Roofing and Siding
Project Details
For 20 years, Jeff McNelley and his wife made their home in Decatur, Tennessee, their own. The house had become a special place, shaped by years of work and investment. But maintaining its western red cedar siding and aging asphalt shingle roof had become an increasingly demanding commitment.
Twenty Years of Upkeep Was Enough
Jeff’s asphalt shingle roof was more than 20 years old, and wind had already blown some shingles off. The western red cedar siding and shakes were showing their age, too, beginning to curl, peel, and split. With both the roof and siding needing attention, Jeff decided it was the right time to replace them together.
Cedar had given the home its natural, rustic appearance, but keeping it looking good took considerable effort. Jeff had researched finishing products and tried some of the best he could find, including products costing more than $100 per gallon. Even then, the finish typically lasted only about two years.
The size and height of the house made the work especially demanding. Jeff had even purchased a man lift to reach the exterior, and each round of refinishing could take two to three weeks. Despite the time and expense, the finish typically lasted only about two years before the process started again.
Looking back on those years of upkeep, Jeff summed up the experience simply: “It was a nightmare.” He had managed the maintenance for 20 years, but the prospect of repeating the same work indefinitely had worn thin. As he explained, “There was just no end to it.”
Eventually, he reached a point where he no longer wanted to keep fighting the same battle with the wood exterior. “I’m at a point now, I’m just not interested in fighting a wood-sided house any longer,” he said.
With the roof and siding both due for attention, he had an opportunity to rethink the entire exterior and choose materials better suited to how he wanted to spend his time.
Choosing Steel Without Compromising on Style
Reducing maintenance was important, but Jeff wasn't willing to sacrifice the appearance of his home to achieve it. He wanted an alternative to natural cedar that would preserve the home's rustic character, and vinyl siding didn't offer the aesthetic he was looking for.
Steel became a compelling option when he found products with the textures and finishes to achieve the natural appearance he valued. The woodgrain finish made a particularly strong impression. “I don’t know how you would improve on the woodgrain look,” he said, noting how impressive the soffit looked as well.
Jeff had also considered standing seam roofing, but it didn’t fit the look he wanted for his home. The finished exterior needed to do more than replace aging materials. It needed to feel right for the home he and his wife had spent years making their own.
His final selection included EDCO Infinity Textured Steel Slate Roofing in Aged Bronze, Vertical 12-inch Board & Batten Siding in T-Tone, 6-inch Steel Siding in Canyon, Perspectives™ Steel Shiplap Soffit in Hickory, and coordinating fascia and trim in Desert Tone.
For Jeff, EDCO’s steel roofing and siding complemented his home’s overall aesthetic, while the woodgrain finish of the siding maintained the natural appearance he loved without the recurring refinishing required by cedar.
Why EDCO Was the Right Choice
Finding the right look was only part of the decision. Replacing both a roof and siding was a significant investment, and Jeff wanted confidence in the products and the company behind them.
While researching roofing options, Jeff came across EDCO. The company’s long history, American-made products, and reputation for quality helped build his confidence. He also researched customer reviews to learn about other homeowners’ experiences.
Warranty coverage was especially important. Jeff valued the protection against fading and coverage for both materials and labor, recognizing the significant labor costs involved in replacing roofing or siding.
As he compared options, EDCO continued to stand out. “The company just kept coming back as appealing. Seemed to me it was just about the best I could find,” he recalled.
Choosing one manufacturer for both the roof and siding also mattered to Jeff. Products from different suppliers could look different because of variations in finish or in how they age, even when the colors matched. Choosing EDCO for both helped him avoid that risk while keeping warranty coverage with one company.
Ultimately, EDCO offered the combination Jeff was looking for, including the appearance he wanted, quality products he felt confident in, and warranty protection that supported his long-term investment.
A Finished Look That Exceeded Expectations
The new EDCO steel roof and siding brought together the exterior of Jeff’s home while preserving the rustic character he and his wife wanted. Coordinating the roofing, siding, soffit, fascia, and trim helped create a cohesive finished look.
Looking back on the transformation, Jeff said, “I think it exceeded our expectations. You always wonder until you see it. Afterwards, we were both very, very pleased.”
The home’s appearance has also drawn compliments from friends and strangers alike. People have stopped to ask what they did to the house and where he got the products. For Jeff, that response is welcome, even though it wasn’t the reason for the investment. As he explained, “I didn’t do it for them, I did it for me, but at the same time it’s nice.”
The positive feedback has reinforced his confidence in the products and colors he chose. More importantly, the new roof and siding give him the look he wanted without the recurring refinishing routine that came with his cedar exterior.
I Want My Time Back
For Jeff, the value of the renovation goes beyond the home’s appearance. It comes down to something that can be overlooked when comparing exterior materials: the time and effort required to maintain them over the years.
“Your time has to be considered in these things,” he explained. “When I was younger, I was willing to wrestle that sort of thing, but now that I’m older, I’d rather have my time. I want my time back.”
Rather than spending weeks refinishing the house, Jeff would rather be doing something he enjoys. As he put it, “Maybe call me back later, and I’ll be in a boat fishing, perhaps, instead of working on this house.”
His advice is straightforward: consider the long-term commitment, not just the initial cost. Looking back on the years spent maintaining the cedar, Jeff put it simply: “I wished I’d have done it earlier.”
Now, Jeff and his wife can enjoy the home they worked so hard to create, with the rustic look they love and without the same recurring refinishing routine. For Jeff, knowing he no longer faces that same cycle of upkeep brings peace of mind. As he reflected, “These are big projects – roofs and siding – it’s a big undertaking, so the fact that I don’t have to worry about it again, that’s pretty peaceful.”
Ready to Reclaim Your Time?
Your home’s exterior should complement the way you want to live, not keep you tied to recurring maintenance. Explore EDCO steel roofing and siding for a lasting exterior that fits your home, your style, and your priorities.