Vinyl Soffit vs Aluminum Soffit
- Vinyl Soffit Pros. Vinyl is an affordable construction material. ...
- Cons. For some people, vinyl gives a cheap look and has low aesthetic value. ...
- Aluminum Soffit Pros. Aluminum soffits help to conceal any imperfections better than vinyl. ...
- Cons. Aluminum soffit costs more than vinyl. ...
Which is better aluminum or vinyl?
Vinyl Windows
- Appearance. Aluminum windows come with a thinner frame, which provides your home with a more modern style. ...
- Installation. Both aluminum and vinyl windows should be installed by a professional. ...
- Noise Insulation. Aluminum windows are much better at stopping noise than vinyl windows. ...
- Maintenance. ...
- Resale Value. ...
Is aluminum siding better than vinyl?
Most is around R-3. If you consider energy efficiency from an environmental perspective, aluminum siding is more efficient than vinyl siding since it requires less energy to produce and is also recyclable. Vinyl siding takes more energy to manufacture and is not easy to recycle.
Which is better aluminum siding or vinyl 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 a vinyl soffit?
Vinyl soffits cost between $4 and $20 in 12-foot lengths, which means the average cost of vinyl soffits for a job totaling 1,200 square feet is $1,200 to $1,500. For a roof whose perimeter is 160 feet, the boards for the fascia would total about $100; the drip edge would come to $96.
Which is better aluminum or vinyl soffit and fascia?
Aluminum Soffits for Long Term Value It is very easy to clean and maintain. You can buy it painted and vented for optimum air flow. Aside from cost, the main disadvantage of aluminum is its ability to dent under force. Also, it is not a good insulator like vinyl.
Which soffit material is best?
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.
Is vinyl or aluminum soffit more expensive?
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.
How long do aluminum soffits last?
Wood, and vinyl can become faded, and look as if the sun took a personal disliking to it after only a few years, while aluminum colors are baked in, and once installed will continue to look great and protect your home for up to 20 years.
Does vinyl soffit look cheap?
Potentially less attractive: Some people find vinyl to look cheaper than other soffit materials.
What material is best for soffit and fascia?
The Materials You Choose Matter, Too Most roofing and siding professionals recommend that you go with either aluminum or vinyl for your fascia and soffit, as both are more water-resistant, and neither are as prone to rot.
Can you use vinyl soffit with aluminum fascia?
Use 1 ½” roofing nails to install soffit. Use white panel nails to install aluminum fascia. Use tin snips to cut F-channel, vinyl soffit, and aluminum fascia. against the house to hold one side of soffit.
How much does it cost to install vinyl soffit?
The national average materials cost to install a vinyl soffit is $1.56 per linear foot, with a range between $1.24 to $1.88. The total price for labor and materials per linear foot is $6.46, coming in between $4.82 to $8.11. A typical 25 linear foot project costs $161.62, with a range of $120.46 to $202.77.
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 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.
Can you put new soffit over old?
If you happen to be working on an older home, most contractors and homeowners find that they will need to install their vinyl soffit over top of old wood. This can definitely be done, but you will need to take several precautions to prevent the wood from rotting beneath this new layer.
Is PVC soffit good?
PVC is one of the most durable materials you can use for fascia and soffit, it's also affordable compared to other materials, easy to install and requires minimal maintenance. In most cases, it is necessary to ventilate the roof space to prevent condensation from causing damage to the roof structure.
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...
Why is aluminum soffit more expensive than vinyl?
Insurance costs are also higher for aluminum soffit. This is due to the risk of damage by impact caused by adverse weather conditions.
Why use aluminum soffit?
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. Aluminum soffit has a high durability, especially in the absence of impact damage. It does not chip, crack, or rot.
Why is my soffit brittle?
Over time, the soffit becomes brittle because of exposure to sunlight. 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.
What is soffit used for?
Vinyl soffit comes in handy for home improvement projects. Soffit is the material used on the underside of many features in the home. You can install it under eaves, stairs, arches, or cornices. The soffit seals an open space which helps to complete an installation. Soffits also help to protect your home. Vinyl and aluminum are two widely used ...
What are the best materials for soffits?
Soffits also help to protect your home. Vinyl and aluminum are two widely used materials for soffits. Some knowledge of the pros and cons of each can help you make a good choice. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day.
Why do we put vinyl soffits under the eaves?
When used under eaves, it helps to improve insulation. Less energy is utilized to heat and cool the house which brings down your energy costs with time. Vinyl soffit is low maintenance yet it keeps in good shape for a long time. It doesn’t require to be painted.
Does vinyl soffit fade?
Vinyl has a high durability and does not degrade or fade easily with time. Many manufacturers now produce more resilient vinyl soffits than previously. These do not easily become brittle or crack. Vinyl also has a higher impact resistance than aluminum which adds to its durability.
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.
Can aluminum air conditioners be damaged?
You’ll have to rely heavily on your air conditioner to stay cool. Also, since aluminum isn’ t as durable as vinyl, there’s a higher chance of aluminum getting damaged which can lead to cracks, leaks and holes causing it to lose energy efficiency.
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.
Does vinyl siding fade?
Vinyl siding will never fade because the colors are baked in during manufacturing ensuring that it’ll look as good as it did on installation day for many years to come. The only maintenance that vinyl siding will require is a good cleaning every now and then.
Is vinyl siding stronger than aluminum?
Vinyl siding is much stronger and it’s often twice as thick as aluminum. You won’t have to worry about anything such as hail or stray baseballs damaging your vinyl siding. It’s impact resistant and can absorb anything thrown at it without creating any eye sores on your home’s exterior.
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 or vinyl?
Aluminum performs well in harsher climates, and vinyl is a great choice for more moderate climates. Both have similar insulating properties, and both are insect and moisture-resistant. You may find that one has a color that works better for your home, or that one fits your budget better in the style that you want.
What is vinyl siding made of?
Vinyl siding is made of polyvinyl chloride, a type of highly durable plastic. The color of vinyl siding goes straight through the material, ...
What is the best siding material?
Aluminum is another popular siding material in the U.S. It’s been around since the 1930s and was one of the first alternatives to wood siding to come to the market. Like vinyl, it’s a lot more durable than wood, as well as much lower in maintenance. Aluminum is created to mimic the look of wood lap siding and is available in a wide range ...
How long does aluminum siding last?
Aluminum material doesn’t crack or break, so when it’s properly installed and maintained, aluminum siding can last for decades. Most aluminum sidings are also fairly easy to repair if necessary, so there’s not a lot of ongoing maintenance costs associated with it.
Why is siding important?
Siding is one of the most important parts of your home’s curb appeal and appearance. It gives your home its color and style, while also performing an even more important function: protecting your home from the elements. With so much depending on your siding, it can be hard to settle for a material like wood that will require a lot of scraping, ...
Is aluminum a recyclable material?
Both aluminum and vinyl are recyclable materials, but with aluminum able to be recycled indefinitely, it has the benefit of being an environmentally-friendly material as well. Plus, aluminum is made with and from recycled materials, for an added sustainability benefit.
Is vinyl siding thicker?
Vinyl is available in different thicknesses as well, so it’s possible to opt for a thicker, more durable vinyl if you live in a colder or hotter climate, or if you just want the peace of mind that will come from having a higher quality siding material installed on the exterior of your home.
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.
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. ...
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.
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.
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 ...
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 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 the best material for a house in the cold?
Aluminum is probably the best choice for people in extremely cold regions. This is because metal is unaffected by cold, while vinyl can become brittle. When vinyl gets brittle, it will crack easily and moisture can infiltrate the substrate, allowing rot and mold to form on the structure of the house.
Why doesn't vinyl show scratches?
This means that nicks and scratches don’t show up because there is no contrast in color. With modern manufacturing standards, today’s vinyl is more resilient to high temperatures. It is also resistant to high winds and keeps its color longer than older models. Most brands meet or exceed manufacturer claims.
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.
Aluminum Siding
Although there were houses with aluminum sidings in the 1880s, Francis Hoess invented and patented the modern version in 1937.
Vinyl Siding
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.
Aluminum and Vinyl Siding Features
Unlike wood, both aluminum and vinyl are artificially manufactured materials, but that is not the only feature they share. There are several things you can count on, no matter whether you choose one or another option for your home:
Aluminum Siding Advantages
Vinyl siding failed to suppress the popularity of aluminum when it appeared on the market, despite its attractive price. The reasons for this are some aluminum advantages, such as:
Aluminum Siding Disadvantages
Unfortunately, aluminum has its downsides that some homeowners can’t ignore. If you agree with them, you will probably choose vinyl siding instead.
Vinyl Siding Advantages
Modern vinyl has several advantages over aluminum, which makes vinyl siding more desirable to homeowners.
Vinyl Siding Disadvantages
There are several things to think about before making a long-term commitment to vinyl siding. Some of its major red flags are:
