
Which is better vinyl or aluminum siding?
Vinyl Siding
- Looks “fake” against wood, stone or brick
- Can melt, warp or even burn, has a lower heat rating than aluminum siding
- Can crack and become brittle in cold temperatures
- Can be punctured
- Will not withstand extreme high wind
- Cannot be recycled
How much does it cost to install vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding will cost you anywhere from $3.50 to $7.50 per square foot installed for an average 1,500 square ft. home with installation. In other words, the total cost will be $5,250 to $11,250 for a cape-style or split ranch home. The siding cost is dependent on style and thickness ratings.
What is the average cost of aluminum siding?
Installing aluminum siding costs $10,000 to $19,000 or $14,500 on average for a typical home. One-third of this amount is for the materials and the rest is for labor time and removing waste. It takes up to 90 hours of work to complete an entire house.
What is the average cost per square foot for vinyl siding?
On average, vinyl siding costs $11,100 but ranges from $6,000 to $16,400. The type of vinyl siding you purchase, and the size and style of your home, will determine the total cost. Vinyl siding costs $4 to $5 per square foot on average, not including labor and materials for installation.

Is aluminum siding better than vinyl siding?
Vinyl is considered superior because both aluminum and vinyl are resistant to exposure and wear, but aluminum is so susceptible to scratching and denting. Vinyl wins over aluminum in this aspect because it's thicker than aluminium. The cost difference between vinyl and aluminum is very minimal.
What are the disadvantages of aluminum siding?
The disadvantages of aluminum panelsIt can be susceptible to impacts and scratches, depending on the quality and thickness of the planks.It can be noisy when there are strong winds.It's a relatively costly material (often 15 to 20 percent more expensive than other types of siding, such as wood, wood fiber, vinyl, etc.)
Why is aluminum siding no longer used?
Aluminum siding is more prone to scratches and dents compared to alternative siding materials. Furthermore, these can be difficult to fix. This characteristic is considered the top disadvantage of aluminum siding. Empire Roofing & More offers better materials for your siding – vinyl and fiber cement.
What is more expensive aluminum or vinyl?
Aluminum fencing materials are cheaper than iron and vinyl.
Does aluminum siding make a house hotter?
Aluminum provides excellent insulating properties, especially the heavier-gauge metal. In fact, aluminum siding insulates a home better than vinyl siding and can save the homeowner a considerable amount on heating and cooling costs over the lifetime of the product.
Does aluminum siding affect WIFI?
The aluminum siding on your house is grounded, that's why it's hard to get a signal through it. (Because it works as a Faraday cage, you'll also get small dead spots inside; but that's another story.) You probably have crummy radio reception, too.
What type of house siding lasts the longest?
Types of Siding and How Long They LastVinyl Siding: 60+ years (warranties last between 20-40 years)Fiber Cement Siding: 50+ years.Stucco Siding: 50-80 years, depending on how it is backed.Metal Siding: Up to 40 years.Wood Siding: 20-40 years.
Is aluminum siding a good idea?
Aluminum siding is a great choice for most homes and has been popular since the 1940s. It does everything that siding should do better than wood. Aluminum doesn't rot, it doesn't snap off in strong wind, and properly installed, is far better at keeping your home insulated, fire-safe, and termite free.
What is the longest lasting home siding?
What Is the Most Durable Type of Siding?Engineered Wood. As the most durable siding on the market, engineered wood combines the aesthetics of real wood with engineered wood strand technology for superior durability. ... Vinyl Siding. ... Fiber Cement. ... Traditional Wood. ... Cedar Shake. ... Aluminum.
Which lasts longer vinyl or aluminum?
Aluminum also faces corrosion and fading, whereas vinyl doesn't. However, aluminum is the stronger window material option of the two. It has a higher impact ratio and can withstand every climate out there.
Which is more durable vinyl or aluminum?
Aluminum is a stronger and more durable material than vinyl and offers structural advantages due to its build strength. Also, the quality and design of locks can help increase the levels of security of your windows.
Which is cheaper vinyl or metal siding?
Vinyl is the more affordable option of the two materials. Metal is more expensive because it's a higher-quality material and usually has higher installation costs. However, with the low maintenance and long-lasting qualities of metal, many homeowners find the upfront one-time cost to be well worth it in the long run.
Is aluminum siding a good idea?
Aluminum siding is a great choice for most homes and has been popular since the 1940s. It does everything that siding should do better than wood. Aluminum doesn't rot, it doesn't snap off in strong wind, and properly installed, is far better at keeping your home insulated, fire-safe, and termite free.
Which is a major disadvantage of aluminum?
While being praised for its malleable qualities, this particular property of aluminium can also act as a disadvantage. It can be more easily dented and scratched in comparison to steel. Steel is strong and less likely to warp, deform or bend under any weight, force or heat.
What is the life expectancy of aluminum siding?
Aluminum siding may last up to 30 years with basic maintenance (and you'll probably have to repaint it at some point). Cedar siding, meanwhile, often come with 25-year warranties but does require regular maintenance. Fiber cement siding, developed by James Hardie Inc.
How often should aluminum siding be replaced?
Aluminum, as a metal, lasts for decades without needing replacement. However, after about 15 years, aluminum siding starts fading, especially on the baked-on enamel. It, later on, becomes chalky, which can be washed away in the rain. To ensure the aluminum siding lasts long, you have to repaint it.
Aluminum vs Vinyl Siding: Durability
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 you...
Vinyl vs Aluminum: Affordability
The cost difference between aluminum vs vinyl siding is very minimal. Aluminum siding is usually a little cheaper than vinyl siding but there’s a r...
Aluminum vs Vinyl Siding: Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is probably the most important factor to consider when deciding between aluminum vs vinyl siding. Your exterior cladding needs to...
Aluminum vs Vinyl Siding: Maintenance
Maintenance is also an important factor to consider when deciding between aluminum vs vinyl siding. You want a material that’ll require the least a...
Vinyl vs Aluminum Siding: Variety
When you’re thinking about replacing your siding with something new, you’ll either want to keep the same look or be able to give your home a fresh...
Vinyl Is The Clear Winner of Aluminum vs Vinyl Siding
It’s pretty much a clean sweep of vinyl siding vs aluminum siding. In terms of durability, energy efficiency, maintenance and variety, vinyl siding...
How much does it cost to install aluminum siding?
Installing aluminum siding will cost you around $3 to $6 per square foot. Depending on the quality, vinyl might cost more or less. Although highly durable, vinyl-wrapped metal siding is significantly more costly than both. In fact, the cost of your preferred siding depends on the square footage of your house. The bigger the area, the more expensive it will be.
How long does aluminum siding last?
Not only that, but the current aluminum siding is resistant to dents, insects, and fire. It is also low-maintenance and may last for up to 40 years if you take proper care. Moreover, the siding color is also baked on, which means it will not require frequent repainting like with the installation of wood siding.
How does location affect siding price?
Your location has an impact on the pricing since it determines how far the siding must be transported . The price is determined by the style, quality, and profile you select, as well as the difficulty of installation.
Can you paint vinyl siding?
You will also never need to repaint it. In fact, you cannot paint vinyl siding since it will not keep the color. Vinyl siding is also lightweight and includes holes that are pre-drilled.
Is vinyl siding safer than aluminum siding?
It is due to all these extra components added to aluminum siding that this siding is more expensive.
Is aluminum siding more expensive than vinyl siding?
Depending on the quality, aluminum siding is somewhat more costly than the replace ment of vinyl siding. It can also give your home a new look while still providing long-term protection from the weather. This siding is available in a number of colors and may imitate the appearance of a more costly wood siding. These features are what make it more costly.
Is vinyl siding cheaper than wood?
On the other hand, vinyl siding is more affordable. Thicker vinyl will be more costly but also durable. Vinyl in the low- and mid-grade is on the cheaper end of the scale, but high-quality vinyl intended to appear like cedar shingles or wood can cost $7 or even more per square foot.
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.
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.
Who is the best company to replace vinyl siding?
When the time comes to replace your siding, look no further than Feldco. We’ve proudly served the Midwest for over 40 years and provide the most energy efficient and beautiful vinyl siding on the market.
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%.
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.
Which is better, aluminum or vinyl siding?
In general, vinyl siding is a better option when compared to aluminum siding. While, on average, they both last between 20 years and 40 years, vinyl siding is better in terms of durability because it is less prone to denting or scratching. It is a less noisy siding material. It offers slightly better insulation. And it provides more options in terms of color, size, and styling.
What is the difference between vinyl siding and aluminum siding?
The metallic appearance of aluminum can have aesthetic appeal on the right house, and they even come pre-painted in a variety of colors, but in general , vinyl wins as it comes in a much larger range of styles and colors and also does a great job to mimic wood siding making your home’s exterior look a million bucks.
What is the cheapest siding material?
But if what you want is the cheapest siding material, then low-cost vinyl siding will be your siding material of choice. This is because its cheapest option is cheaper than any aluminum option.
Why does aluminum siding chip?
This is because this siding is usually covered with enamel, and so when this enamel wears off or when it gets scratched, the siding’s appearance gets compromised.
How much does aluminum siding cost?
As for aluminum, its costs range between $3 per sq ft to $6 per sq ft.
How long does vinyl siding last?
Stucco siding can last as long as 80 years, which makes it the longest-lasting. Vinyl lasts up to over 60 years. And Fiber cement siding lasts up to over 50 years or more.
What is the cheapest way to side a house?
The cheapest way to side a house is to use vinyl siding.
Which is stronger, aluminum or vinyl siding?
Strength - Aluminum siding is a sturdy material that is less susceptible to breaking or cracking than vinyl.
How much does vinyl siding cost?
Vinyl siding is affordable. Depending on quality, it generally ranges from $2 to $7 per square foot installed. The thicker the vinyl, the more durable and expensive the siding will be. Low- and mid-grade vinyl fall on the low end of that price spectrum, while high-end vinyl designed to mimic the look of wood or cedar shingles can cost $7 or more per square foot.
What was the siding material before vinyl siding?
Before the advent of vinyl siding some 50 years ago, aluminum was the siding material of choice for American homes. It was less expensive than wood and required very little maintenance.
Why is vinyl siding so popular?
Now, vinyl has far surpassed aluminum in popularity, largely because it is economical and has a longer lifespan.
How much does it cost to install vinyl siding on a 2 story house?
For a two-story house with 2,800 square feet of exterior space, the total project cost would be $5,600 for the cheapest variety of vinyl siding you can buy and $19,600 for a top-of-the-line variety.
How much does it cost to build an aluminum siding house?
Let’s say you have a two-story house with 2,800 square feet of exterior space - which is fairly average - that works out to a total project cost of $8,400 to $16,800 for aluminum siding.
How to find a good siding company?
Hire a company with experience. The quality of a siding job has a lot to do with the contractor’s level of expertise. Find out how long any company you’re considering has been in business. What is the average rate of turnover for employees? Does the company have experience working with the siding material you choose? Ask for pictures to prove it.
How much does vinyl siding cost?
Generally, you can find vinyl siding for $2 to $10 per 1 sq ft (0.09 m2). Aluminum siding ranges between $3 to $6.
What is the R value of aluminum siding?
Both aluminum and vinyl sidings have a 0.61 R-value, which makes them excellent insulators. Plus, you can invest in additional insulated siding, both for aluminum and vinyl.
How does siding help your house?
A well-installed siding increases your house’s energy efficiency and lowers your bills by keeping the inside temperature stable.
What is the main factor that influences the durability of siding?
The main factor influencing siding durability is its thickness. Both vinyl and aluminum come in different gauges. The thicker material you purchase, the longer your siding lasts.
Why is siding important?
A house siding has several purposes besides contributing to your home’s aesthetics. It also protects exterior walls from moisture, pests, and weather conditions. Therefore, choosing the perfect siding material is a vital decision.
When did vinyl siding become popular?
Aluminum siding’s popularity somewhat dropped in the 1970s, when manufacturers introduced vinyl sidings to the market. Vinyl was even cheaper and came in a wider range of colors than aluminum.
When was aluminum siding invented?
Although there were houses with aluminum sidings in the 1880s , Francis Hoess invented and patented the modern version in 1937.
Why is insulated vinyl siding so expensive?
Insulated vinyl siding is higher in price due to being a heavier material and having a more complicated installation than non-insulated vinyl. However, it also provides energy savings that can lower your utility bills and make up for the higher upfront cost over time.
Why is vinyl siding so affordable?
With vinyl siding, you will save time and money on installation because it’s a less expensive material to install. You could even do the installation yourself.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Aluminum Siding?
Aluminum siding is the only material we’re going to discuss that can be used in any climate. However, as a result, aluminum is also the most expensive.
What Are The Cons Of Steel Siding?
Steel is not the most expensive siding material on the market, but it’s certainly not the least expensive either. When compared to vinyl siding , the price of steel can be significantly higher.
What was the most common siding material in the mid 20th century?
While aluminum siding was actually the most common siding material in the mid 20th century, it has since gone down in popularity.
How much does vinyl siding cost?
Vinyl siding costs anywhere from $3.50 to $12.00 per square foot installed. The range in price depends on if you choose insulated or non- insulated vinyl.
How long does aluminum siding last?
Aluminum siding can last for 50 years or longer.
How Cost-Effective is Aluminum Siding?
Aluminum siding is one of the most cost-effective siding materials on the market, at just $1.75 to $7 per square foot on average. You can expect it to last at least 40 years, which makes the investment well worth it.
How much does it cost to install aluminum siding?
Aluminum siding costs anywhere between $1.75 and $7 per square foot to install on a home. If you were to install aluminum siding on the average 1,500 square foot home, you could expect to pay a national average of $6,563 in total installation costs at about $4.40 per sq. ft. Project costs will vary depending on the size and design of your house, additional materials needed, local labor rates, and the cost to remove old siding if necessary. Aluminum siding is usually just slightly more expensive than a standard vinyl siding replacement. However, aluminum has significant advantages over vinyl, discussed below.
How long does aluminum siding last?
Aluminum siding is one of the more cost-effective materials on the market ($2 to $7 per square foot) and you can expect it to last at least 40 years. Because of the lightweight panels, aluminum siding installation is relatively simple. Replacing your home siding can yield a 77% rate of return on your investment.
What is aluminum siding?
Aluminum siding is a great option if you want to give your home a fresh look, as well as long lasting protection from the elements. Believe it or not, aluminum siding does not simply come in metallic, silver planks that look like industrial buildings. This siding comes in a wide variety of colors and can convincingly create the look of more expensive wood siding, as well as other high-quality types of siding, at a much lower cost.
What to use on bare metal siding?
If your siding is bare (no colored enamel baked on), use a zinc oxide primer to keep your siding looking good. If the need arises to patch an aluminum surface, use a filler that is specifically made for metal, like Bondo for cars.
What is the best primer for unpainted siding?
Use a primer for unpainted siding. If your siding is bare (no colored enamel baked on), use a zinc oxide primer to keep your siding looking its best.
Is aluminum siding eco friendly?
Eco-friendly. If you are looking to reduce your environmental impact, most aluminum siding contains up to 30 percent of recycled materials. To put that in perspective, covering a 2,000 square foot home in wood siding would take the equivalent of 40 to 50 trees, or one whole acre. In contrast, covering the same size home in aluminum siding is the equivalent of salvaging the metal from 6 scrapped cars.
