is aluminum or vinyl soffit better

Aluminum soffits

help to conceal any imperfections better than vinyl. This is partly because of the soft nature of aluminum. It makes it easier to work with and fit into the earmarked space.

Full Answer

What is the best type of soffit to install?

Vinyl soffit is also an easy product to work with, and most people find installation quite straightforward. Vinyl and aluminum soffit can both be effective, but aluminum tends to provide better durability and performance that gives it an edge over vinyl soffit.

Is aluminum siding more expensive than vinyl?

Soffits and fascia cost more toward the high end of that range, because they are more complex pieces of siding and take more experience to attach. Aluminum siding, although a metal, is also lightweight and can easily be painted, with little maintenance necessary in the coming years. It is more expensive than vinyl as a whole.

Why choose aluminum soffits over vinyl soffit?

Mold can also develop on vinyl soffit, especially in damp conditions. Extensive development of mold spoils the appearance of your home. It also necessitates maintenance which adds to your home improvement costs. Aluminum soffits help to conceal any imperfections better than vinyl. This is partly because of the soft nature of aluminum.

Is aluminium soffit fireproof?

Aluminum soffit has a high durability, especially in the absence of impact damage. It does not chip, crack, or rot. In the event of a fire, it won’t burn since it is non-combustible. Aluminum soffit can actually slow down fire progression.

What is the best material to use for soffits?

While there are a lot of materials on the market for soffits, only fiber cement resists moisture, insect activity, cracking, chipping, and fading. This makes it a better material overall for your home's exterior.

Does vinyl soffit look cheap?

It's harder to bend, cut and install into spaces of varying size and shape. Potentially less attractive: Some people find vinyl to look cheaper than other soffit materials.

Are aluminum soffits good?

Aluminum offers better damage protection compared to wood, as well. It won't rot and is resistant to bugs. Plus, it's better at resisting moisture, which protects your rafters and attic from rot and other damage.

Are vinyl soffits good?

Vinyl is a popular option for homeowners who want a soffit material that is both easy to clean and low maintenance. Vinyl soffit is known for its affordability and clean appearance and comes in either perforated or vented varieties. You can paint them if you really want to down the road, but there is no need.

How long will aluminum fascia last?

Aluminum painted surfaces usually last around 10-15 years from looking superior. After about 10 years the aluminum will begin to oxidize. When this happens the fascia capping doesn't look as appealing. Sometimes you can repaint the surface and make it look better but it won't return to how it looked when it was put up.

Does vinyl siding devalue your house?

Vinyl siding helps increase a home's value by adding a fresh appearance, durability, low maintenance and energy efficiency. According to the 2019 Home Remodeling Impact Report, a vinyl siding upgrade will increase a home's value by 63 percent of the project's cost.

Does aluminum soffit expand and contract?

To help aluminum soffits and fascia perform their best, it's important they be installed properly by an experienced home contractor. If nailed too tightly to supporting boards, they can bow or ripple as they expand and contract with temperature changes.

Is steel or aluminum soffit better?

Metal Soffit Both are good options since they are durable, long-lasting, and fire-resistant. Aluminum soffit does not rust and tends to be easier to maintain than steel soffit.

Which is more expensive vinyl siding or aluminum siding?

Aluminum may be less expensive than vinyl because it is often thinner. Covering your home in a thin to medium aluminum siding will probably produce a lower bill. However, vinyl isn't that much more expensive than aluminum. Vinyl tends to pay for itself quickly with energy, maintenance and longevity savings.

How are vinyl aluminum panels different when used for soffits?

Vinyl Soffit Vinyl is more easily affected by heat compared to aluminium. It can develop mold in damp climates. It's not as malleable as vinyl, making it harder to cut, bend, and install in varied spaces. Vinyl can become brittle if exposed to regular sunlight.

Are vinyl soffits better than wood?

While there are short-term costs to replacing wood soffits with vinyl, in the long-term, you'll see reduced upkeep and repair expenses. While painted wood peels over time, the color on vinyl soffit is embedded in the material, so you will not need to repaint the soffit.

When should I replace soffits?

5 Signs That It's Time to Replace Your Soffits and FasciaCracks and Flaking Paint. As we mentioned, these components of your roof play a functional and aesthetic role. ... Evidence of Pests. Nothing can be more annoying and troublesome than having pests in your home. ... Suspected Asbestos. ... Water in Roof Void. ... Lack of Ventilation.

Should you paint vinyl soffits?

The good news is you can paint both vinyl soffit and fascia. These smooth vinyl surfaces don't require much prep work, and exterior acrylic paints adhere well to primed vinyl. Additionally, paint protects the vinyl surface and adds a variety of color options to coordinate with your home exterior.

Is vinyl fascia any good?

Vinyl is widely used for siding and fencing because it is durable and low-maintenance. The same is true when using it for fascia and soffit as well. It is fade-resistant and not susceptible to insect damage or rot. There is no need to paint vinyl; maintenance usually involves spraying it clean with a hose.

Can I paint vinyl soffit black?

If your siding is looking faded or worn, or if you've just grown tired of the color, you might be wondering: “Can vinyl siding be painted?” The answer is: Yes, vinyl siding can indeed be painted! On homes in which siding covers most of the exterior, painting vinyl siding can be a large project.

Can I paint over soffit vents?

So, why can't I paint aluminum soffit? Vented aluminum soffit allows airflow with hundreds of tiny perforations: if you paint these you will severely reduce the amount of air that can flow through these holes. In some cases, you might eliminate the airflow completely.

What is soffit material?

Also known as the eaves, the soffit is the gap between the roofline and the siding. Soffits may project out a few inches and contain vents for moisture control and attic ventilation.

What is the best material for soffit?

Two of the most popular types of soffit material these days are vinyl and aluminum.

What are the disadvantages of aluminum?

Aside from cost, the main disadvantage of aluminum is its ability to dent under force. Also, it is not a good insulator like vinyl.

Is aluminum soffit good for a roof?

The other main contender for soffit material is aluminum, which is more expensive but easier to install, even in cold weather. Very malleable, it allows you to make a sharp bend in the soffit material; is easy to install even on roofs where the rake changes; and on an attic or gable end of the roof, it can produce a more air-tight seal. It is non-combustible and resistant to rotting, chipping, and cracking. It is very easy to clean and maintain. You can buy it painted and vented for optimum air flow.

Is vinyl good for a home?

Vinyl is an affordable product and is very customizable to your home. You can buy it in a variety of colors, textures, and grains to make it match or contrast with the rest of the building. Once in place, it is easy to clean and resistant to chips and cracks, so it looks great for the long run. Since it is resistant to water, it works well in high moisture area. As a bonus, it is also a good insulator.

Can you damage siding when cleaning?

Is your house getting dingy? Cleaning siding will make all of the difference and give your property a fresh look. However, if you are not careful, you can damage your siding while cleaning it. Follow a few guidelines to protect your house.

Is vinyl a good insulator?

Since it is resistant to water, it works well in high moisture area. As a bonus, it is also a good insulator. Though vinyl is durable, there are a couple downsides. Installation can be tricky, as the material is hard to cut, bend, and fit into spaces near the roofline.

What is the difference between aluminum siding and vinyl siding?

As a baseline, aluminum looks less trendy and a little more dated than vinyl siding.

What is vinyl siding made of?

The Benefits of Vinyl Siding. Vinyl siding is made from a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic resin. This man-made material was introduced in the 1950s as a replacement for aluminum siding. Though early vinyl siding models weren’t as durable as aluminum, the technology has come a long way since then.

What is aluminum siding?

Aluminum siding is manufactured using aluminum coil stock. Siding planks are coated with chemicals to protect the metal and covered with paint for visual purposes. Each siding piece is baked to increase its durability, and manufacturers may add enamel to give the pieces texture. Aluminum siding rose to popularity in the 1940s and was a common choice until its decline in the 1970s. Today, aluminum siding still offers several benefits over other materials.

What is the best thickness of aluminum siding?

44-gauge aluminum: This is the standard siding thickness that features moderate durability. 53-gauge aluminum: This is the most expensive type of aluminum siding, but it features superior durability when compared to other thicknesses. One of the primary concerns for aluminum siding durability is denting.

Why is siding important?

It provides critical protection from the elements, helps to insulate the interior and supports the aesthetic appeal of your home’s exterior. With so many important functions, choosing the right siding for your home is paramount.

How long does aluminum last?

Both aluminum and vinyl have impressive lifespans. High-quality aluminum may last for up to 35 years. For many homeowners, this may be long enough to cover the duration of their time in the home. Vinyl, on the other hand, often comes with a lifetime warranty for the original individuals who install it.

Which is better, aluminum or vinyl?

Though both vinyl and aluminum have respectable longevity, it’s clear that vinyl wins this match-up.

APPEARANCE

One of the biggest attractions of vinyl siding is that it is available in a very large range of architectural styles such as rustic “faux” log profiles, classic clapboard, dutch lap, beaded, board & batten, shakes, shingles and more. Often vinyl siding is also embossed to give it texture that mimics wood siding.

DURABILITY

No matter what siding you get, if it is not properly installed to suit the many factors that may affect its performance, then it won’t last very long at all! So, assuming excellent installation has happened, on the face of it, aluminum appears to last longer than vinyl.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY & ENVIRONMENTAL CREDENTIALS

The point of siding is to clad the structure of your home in order to keep it safe from exterior weather damage and to improve the overall energy efficiency of you home. So, as you would expect, both vinyl siding and aluminum siding have good energy efficiency ratings, especially when combined with an insulating backing.

MAINTENANCE

Brand new vinyl and aluminum siding are both very easy to keep clean. You need only wash down the siding once or twice a year.

COST

Both vinyl siding and aluminum siding are competitively priced in the market. Vinyl siding is the cheaper option, at $3-$7 per square foot installed. But aluminum siding is also relatively affordable, at $5-$9 per square foot installed.

Best siding for families with kids: Vinyl

There’s a reason that vinyl siding is so popular, and particularly for families. Not only is it the cheapest option, which helps with a family’s budget, but the fact that it won’t dent and doesn’t show up scratches is a huge factor if you have kids who are going to be playing ball games and having adventures outside!

Best siding for choice of style and colors: Vinyl

Being the most popular material, and because of its plasticity which makes it easy to mold, vinyl siding is available in a lot more different siding styles than aluminum. And because of its popularity, vinyl siding is also more widely available in a much larger range of colors than aluminum.

What is a soffit?

Soffits are areas facing down, such as the spaces on the undersides of rooftops and porches. Fascia refers to the trim that edges the house horizontally, serving as ornamental decoration but also providing key protection.

How much does aluminum siding cost?

It is more expensive than vinyl as a whole. Though at the low end it can average around $2.50 to $3.50 per square foot, varieties with coatings can cost as much as $15 to $30 per square foot.

What is vinyl siding?

Vinyl is a plastic component created from a resin. It is lightweight, easy to install and durable in many different climates. It is one of the cheapest options available for all types of siding, with prices in 2011 ranging from the low end of $1 per square foot of material to $7 or more for expensive siding that is professionally installed. ...

Is soffit the same as fascia?

Both soffits and fascia are types of siding, and though they be slightly higher-priced than the bulk of the siding, they are made of the same materials. Homeowners can find a useful idea of the difference in price between vinyl and aluminum soffits and fascia by looking at the general costs of siding, in which soffit and fascia costs are typically ...

Can vinyl siding be ripped off?

Vinyl siding can last for a long time, especially with thick versions, but it is susceptible to certain types of damage. Heat and cold can warp the siding material, and vinyl may be ripped off a house during high winds. Aluminum, on the other hand, can fade over time with exposure to sunlight (not an issue with soffits) and maybe corrode in very wet climates, but it is highly resistant to heat.

Is soffit more expensive than fascia?

When dividing costs out, soffit materials tend to be more expensive than fascia materials, and the thicker the siding the more expensive it will be to purchase. Vinyl, in particular, comes in several thicknesses.

Wood, Aluminum, or Vinyl for Your Rental's Fascia and Soffit?

Choosing the right material for your rental property’s fascia and soffit is an important part of keeping your rental in good condition. The soffit keeps rainwater from blowing into your rental home and collecting under the roof. Fascia protects the rafters and keeps pests like bats, birds, and squirrels out.

Wood

different types of wood, all of which can be painted or varnished. This gives property owners a great deal of flexibility in the style and appearance of the home’s fascia and soffit. This can help investment property owners maximize your property values. This also adds an upgraded look to a rental home to attract better tenants.

Aluminum

The disadvantages of wood prompt many property owners to consider aluminum instead. Aluminum fascia and soffit can be a good choice because it is both lightweight and very low-maintenance. A good quality aluminum material won’t corrode, fade, or crack, even in extreme weather.

Vinyl

The drawbacks to both wood and aluminum have some property owners seeking a solution in vinyl fascia and soffit. Vinyl is widely used for siding and fencing because it is durable and low-maintenance. The same is true when using it for fascia and soffit as well. It is fade-resistant and not susceptible to insect damage or rot.

Which is better, aluminum siding or vinyl siding?

While you may pay a little more upfront, vinyl siding is the better investment since it’ll help improve your home’s value. If you’re only considering upfront costs, then aluminum siding usually beats out vinyl, but you get what you pay for.

How much does siding reduce energy costs?

Plus, our siding has a backing system that gives it four times the r-value as conventional siding and can reduce your energy costs by as much as 20%.

Does Feldco install vinyl siding?

Also, your vinyl siding from Feldco will be professionally installed to ensure a proper and secure fit . Get a free quote right now for your vinyl siding replacement project.

Is aluminum siding dented?

Vinyl siding gets the nod in this category as well. Aluminum siding can be dented or scratched easily and will need to be repaired or replaced depending on how bad the damage is. Plus, aluminum is prone to fading and will require repainting every so often.

Is Feldco siding energy efficient?

Vinyl siding is resistant to cracking, warping, rotting and will protect against any rodents from burrowing their way underneath the siding. When you choose Feldco for your vinyl siding, you can rest assured knowing that you’re getting the most energy efficient siding on the market. It’s insulated with a full thermal support system ...

Is aluminum siding cheaper than vinyl siding?

Aluminum siding is usually a little cheaper than vinyl siding but there’s a reason for that. Vinyl siding has a better cost recovery and will increase the value of your home for resale more than aluminum would. Since aluminum is more prone to damage, it can hurt your home’s value over time. In terms of cost and affordability, we believe ...

Is vinyl siding good for exterior?

Durability is one the most important features of exterior cladding. The last thing you want as a homeowner is a worn-down looking house because your siding isn’t up to standards. Both aluminum and vinyl siding have good durability but when you take all factors into consideration, vinyl siding is the front runner.

How long does vinyl siding last?

It is relatively inexpensive, yet durable when installed correctly. It is low maintenance and easy to clean. If your climate is fairly mild and it is properly maintained, vinyl siding will last for 40 years or more. In harsh climates with extreme heat or cold, it won’t last as long but is relatively inexpensive to replace.

What is a good alternative to aluminum siding?

Alternative to Aluminum or Vinyl: Steel Siding. Steel siding is a great alternative to both aluminum or vinyl. It is stronger and harder than aluminum and can better withstand hailstorms and low-velocity impacts. It is immune to insects and offers an excellent long-term value at $7 per sq. ft. and 30 years of service.

How much does it cost to install vinyl siding?

The cost for professional installation of vinyl siding ranges from $3 to $7 per sq. ft. , while aluminum siding ranges from $5 to $9 per sq. ft.

What is the R value of vinyl siding?

Vinyl and aluminum each have an R-Value of .61. This alone can add some insulation to your home. However, if you opt for insulated siding, you can increase the R-Value to between 2 and 5.

Why replace siding?

If you are planning to replace your siding, it is an excellent chance to improve your home’s energy rating. New siding will make your home more airtight, helping it to maintain the temperatures you have set indoors. This reduces electricity usage and the stress on your air conditioner and furnace.

When was aluminum siding introduced?

Aluminum siding was introduced In the 1930s, and immediately began to replace wood siding. It was cheaper, easier to install, fire-proof, and lower maintenance. The advent of WWII in the 40s and then the energy crisis of the 70s took their toll on the aluminum market, causing vinyl to take its place as the low-cost, low-maintenance option.

Which siding has the most options?

Vinyl has the most options of plank size, color, style and texture. Metal siding has fewer options, but is easier to paint. Both types of siding can be ordered in a variety of colors and textures. Vinyl siding has more options including dutch lap, clapboard, scalloped, beaded, shake and board and batten.

What is the difference between vinyl and aluminum windows?

Aluminum frames are more prone to dents, corrosion, and fading. Both types of windows are very resistant to scratching, cracking, and marring. Vinyl windows, however, boast extra durability when it comes to dents and chips, too. In the rare circumstances that your frames were to be damaged, vinyl frames—which are constructed ...

Why are vinyl windows better than aluminum windows?

Vinyl windows excel when it comes to insulation and improving energy efficiency because the vinyl material minimizes heat transfer. Aluminum windows tend to conduct heat (and cold) and, therefore, are less energy efficient. You may look for more advanced aluminum options labeled “thermally improved,” or install special “thermal breaks”—insulation within the frame to prevent thermal energy loss—which just happen to be made of vinyl. When seeking maximum energy-efficiency, look for ENERGY STAR-qualified windows, which can lower your energy bill by an average of 12 percent annually.

What is the best window for hurricanes?

This strength also translates to a higher degree of impact resistance—key for homeowners who live in the path of frequent hurricanes. While there are impact-resistant vinyl windows available, these typically cost 20 to 30 percent more than impact-resistant aluminum windows.

What is a thin aluminum frame?

Thinner aluminum frames are typically finished in a smooth or textured powder-coated enamel for an ultimately sleeker, modern appearance that is more conducive to fitting in with contemporary architectural styles.

What are the most popular replacement windows?

While in the past most homes in the United States were constructed with wooden windows—and older homes can still be found with these charming if inefficient features—vinyl and aluminum windows have become the more popular choices for new installations and replacements.

How much does it cost to replace a window?

Contractor referral website Angie’s List says that members report paying an average of $729 per replacement window, including installation. Add that up for every window in your home, and you could pay anywhere from $8,000 to $24,000—a lot of money on the line.

Is vinyl window thicker than aluminum?

That said, vinyl window frames are typically thicker than aluminum frames and offer options of smooth, textured, or faux wood finishes. In fact, the wood-grain texture achievable with vinyl windows is a big plus for homeowners who like the look of wood but long for the durability of newer materials. With aluminum frames, a wood look would be ...