Aluminum Siding Pros
- Strength - Aluminum siding is a sturdy material that is less susceptible to breaking or cracking than vinyl.
- Can be painted - This can be a pro or a con, depending on preference. Aluminum siding can be repainted if you get bored with the color of your home. Vinyl won’t hold paint.
Full Answer
What is the best insulated vinyl siding?
Top 10 Manufacturers
- CertainTeed. Easily one of the top premium brands, CertainTeed’s best siding lines, such as Monogram and Monogram XL, meet or exceed all quality characteristics.
- Alside. Also among the country’s best brands, Alside covers all the bases. ...
- Royal Building Products. ...
- Georgia Pacific. ...
- Mastic by Ply Gem. ...
- Exterior Portfolio. ...
- Mitten. ...
- Norandex. ...
- Napco. ...
- Kaycan. ...
Is vinyl siding the same as aluminum siding?
Vinyl siding is a form of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Aluminum siding consists of aluminum, a light yet durable metal. Unlike natural wood or rock siding, vinyl and aluminum siding is non-organic and produced in a factory.
Is insulated vinyl siding worth the extra cost?
Yes, there is a greater cost, but consider the advantages that come at the price of an added insulated backing. Durability is one benefit you’ll see with insulated vinyl siding. Regular vinyl siding is known to be brittle in colder temperatures and prone to cracking on impact.
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.
Is aluminum siding better than vinyl?
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.
Is aluminum siding more expensive than vinyl?
Aluminum siding is usually just slightly more expensive than a standard vinyl siding replacement. However, aluminum has significant advantages over vinyl, discussed below. Compare top siding contractors in your area.
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 the best siding to put on a home?
Durable and solid, fiber cement siding is an excellent exterior siding option for those who are looking for something that will last at least 30 years. Fiber cement siding is especially good for homeowners who live in an intense climate, because it can stand up to harsh weather, including hail and strong winds.
Does aluminum siding make house warmer?
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.
What are the drawbacks of vinyl siding?
Before you reside your home, make sure you understand the drawbacks of vinyl to help make the right decision for your home.Appearance. ... Sustainability. ... Warping. ... Cracking. ... Melting in Cold Climates. ... Moisture Problems.
How long will aluminum siding last?
Aluminum siding, if properly taken care of, can last over 50 years.
Should I use aluminum siding?
Aluminum Siding Pros It's slightly cheaper than vinyl, fiber cement and stucco, and much cheaper than brick, stone and wood. Here are some other reasons to choose aluminum over other siding options: Rot- and pest-proof: Aluminum is impervious to insects and other pests, and cannot be damaged by mold and mildew.
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.
How often should you paint aluminum siding?
every 4-6 yearsHow Long Does Paint Last on Aluminum Siding? Paint lasts on aluminum siding for about 40 years. That is if it is well-maintained and painted using the right equipment and product. To maintain the appearance of your aluminum siding, you should repaint it every 4-6 years depending on its condition.
How much does it cost to replace aluminum siding with vinyl?
Aluminum Siding Costs vs. Aluminum siding costs $3 to $6 per square foot installed. For a home with 1,500 exterior square feet, the total average aluminum siding cost is $4,500 to $9,000. Vinyl siding cost is $2 to $12 per square foot installed (or $3,000 to $18,000 for a 1,500 square foot home).
Which is cheaper vinyl or aluminum 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.
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.
How long does aluminum siding last on a house?
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 much is vinyl siding for a 1500 sq. ft house?
The average cost for vinyl siding installation on a 1,500 sq ft. home can range from $4,658 to $5,795. The cost for vinyl siding is usually around $3.50 per square foot. A high quality vinyl siding would increase the price and you could expect to pay as much as $7 per square foot.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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 was aluminum siding invented?
Although there were houses with aluminum sidings in the 1880s , Francis Hoess invented and patented the modern version in 1937.
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.
How long does aluminum siding last?
Homeowners who are careful about maintaining their aluminum siding can easily last up to 40 years.
When did vinyl siding come out?
During the aluminum siding craze, other materials began hitting the shelves. In the 1950s , vinyl siding came out as a substitute for the metal alternative. The earliest versions weren’t great as they were prone to sagging, buckling, fading, and cracking. Since then, vinyl siding has made tremendous strides and today is an industry-leading siding material.
What to look for when picking siding material?
One of the essential features to consider when picking your siding material is its durability, especially if you live in areas with harsher climates. It can be unfortunate for a homeowner to spend the time and money picking out your ideal siding to find out it makes your home look worn down after a few years because it’s just not holding its own.
What is the purpose of cladding on the exterior of a house?
The exterior of your home’s cladding not only provides an aesthetic appeal but can also play a significant role in the insulation and overall protection of your home.
When was aluminum siding invented?
Aluminum siding was invented in the late 1930s and reached its peak in popularity over the following four decades. It became a homeowner’s favorite because of its easy to install features and lightweight design.
Is vinyl siding stronger than aluminum?
Because of its added thickness, vinyl is known for being much stronger as a siding and less prone to scratches and dents like the aluminum alternative. So, whether you live in a climate that has hailstorms or you live nearby a golf course, you’ll want to be mindful of which material you’re choosing for your siding. Vinyl’s impact-resistant features will help to prevent any eye sores in your siding, while aluminum might not hold up as well over time.
Is vinyl siding better than aluminum siding?
Between the two, vinyl siding will reign superior as it is often double the thickness of aluminum siding.
What Is Aluminum Siding?
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.
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.
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, ...
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 vinyl siding good for exterior?
That’s why so many homeowners turn to lower maintenance materials like vinyl and aluminum siding for their homes. Vinyl and aluminum can both offer you a much lower maintenance exterior, with all the beauty and interest that you want on your facade. While these are both very different materials, they are also both good choices for a variety ...
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 the difference between aluminum siding and vinyl siding?
As a baseline, aluminum looks less trendy and a little more dated than vinyl siding.
Which is better, aluminum or vinyl?
Though both vinyl and aluminum have respectable longevity, it’s clear that vinyl wins this match-up.
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.
Is vinyl siding fading?
In comparison, vinyl siding is the lazy man’s dream. Once it’s in place, you’ll never have to worry about repainting: during its manufacture, the color is “baked” in, effectively making it resistant to fading.
Is vinyl siding good for insulating?
The insulating qualities of vinyl siding are increased exponentially by its durability: as it’s resistant to almost anything you or the weather can throw at it, it’ll do a better job of maintaining the temperature of the house.
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.
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.
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.
