Are you looking for a new siding material for your home? Are you considering aluminum siding but aren’t sure if it’s the right choice for you? From wood siding to vinyl siding, there are many different types of materials that you can use for your home’s exterior.
One of the most popular options is aluminum siding. It has a number of advantages but also some drawbacks.
In this blog post, we will be discussing the pros and cons of aluminum siding. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not aluminum siding is the right choice for your home.
Pros And Cons Of Aluminum Siding: What You Need To Know
For many homeowners, aluminum siding is an attractive option due to its durability, affordability, and versatility. Let’s take a closer look at some of the other pros of this popular siding material.
Aluminum Siding Pros
Pest-Proof
One of the biggest benefits of choosing aluminum siding for your home is that it is insect-proof. Most pests—especially wood-loving insects—are unable to burrow into or even penetrate the metal surface of aluminum siding.
This means that your home will be protected from potentially costly infestations, as well as damage to its exterior and structure caused by insects. This makes it an excellent choice for homes in areas where these potential issues are common.
Rot-Proof
Rotting wood is one of the most common causes of damage to homes due to water infiltration and moisture buildup in wooden exteriors. Fortunately, this isn’t an issue with aluminum siding since the metal won’t break down over time due to water exposure or become brittle when exposed to cold temperatures.
Waterproof
In addition to being rot-proof, aluminum siding is also waterproof – meaning that moisture won’t seep into your home through the exterior walls. You can rest assured that your home’s interior will remain dry and free from potential water damage–no matter what the weather brings!
Extreme Temperature-Resistant
Aluminum siding also has superior temperature resistance compared to other types of sidings, such as vinyl or wood clapboard siding. Since metal has a higher thermal conductivity than other materials, it can better withstand extreme hot and cold temperatures without incurring any type of damage or warping–something that could happen with more traditional sidings like vinyl or wood clapboard siding.
Fire-Resistant
Another advantage of using aluminum siding is its fire resistance; while most traditional materials like wood are highly flammable, metal has a naturally high melting point which makes it more resistant to fire than other materials. This means that your home will be better protected from potential fire hazards–giving you peace of mind knowing you’re safe from any potential disasters.
Paintable
Another benefit of using aluminum siding for your home is its paintability. Metal surfaces are much easier to coat in layers of paint in order to give them color and texture. This makes it easy for homeowners who want their homes to stand out from the crowd with unique colors and designs without having to replace their existing siding.
Energy-Efficient
Aluminum siding has excellent insulating properties–especially if you install one of the thicker gauges. It helps to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, saving you money on energy costs.
Easy To Install
Unlike other types of siding, which can require extensive installation time and labor, aluminum siding is relatively simple and quick to install. It’s also extremely lightweight, which helps contribute to its ease of installation.
Many Patterns And Textures
While old aluminum siding definitely had an industrial appearance, the latest generation of aluminum siding is available in a wide range of patterns and textures, including ones that reproduce the appearance of wood.
Low-Maintenance
One of the best things about aluminum siding is that it requires very little maintenance or upkeep once installed. Basically, all you have to do is rinse it off occasionally and check to make sure nothing gets lodged in one of the seams. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want a beautiful exterior without having to worry about ongoing maintenance costs or labor-intensive repair work.
Cost-Effective
Aluminum siding is one of the more cost-effective options out there when compared with other types of materials like wood or vinyl. According to Modernize, aluminum siding installation typically costs between $5.60 and $10.30 per square foot and can last for over 40 years.
Recyclable
Aluminum is also one of the most recyclable materials available today–meaning you can take comfort in knowing you are doing something good for our planet by using this type of product.
Aluminum Siding Cons
Easy To Dent And Scratch
One of the most significant drawbacks associated with aluminum siding is its tendency to dent and scratch easily. Because it is a softer metal, aluminum siding is more susceptible to damage from hail storms or other weather events than other types of exterior cladding materials.
Because aluminum is a lightweight material and thin, it can also be damaged by hand tools such as ladders or shovels that come into contact with it during lawn care or other yard work. That being said, you can lessen the chances of significant denting to your siding if you invest in a heavier gauge (more on that later).
Difficult To Repair
Another disadvantage of aluminum siding is that repairs are often difficult and expensive. If your aluminum siding does get dented or scratched, you may need to replace entire panels in order to make the repair. Furthermore, matching existing colors to the old siding may be difficult due to fading over time, meaning you may have mismatched colors on your home after repairs are complete.
Color Fading
Although the latest versions of aluminum siding are better at resisting fading, the sun will inevitably cause colors to fade over time. Most experts recommend painting your aluminum siding every 10-15 years to keep it looking its best.
Industrial Aesthetics
Aluminum siding has a certain industrial look that may not appeal to everyone. This type of material often looks best when used on commercial buildings rather than residential homes. As such, many homeowners prefer other exterior cladding materials that offer a more traditional look and feel instead.
Noisy
Another drawback associated with aluminum siding is its tendency to make a “pinging” noise when exposed to strong winds or heavy rains. The hot sun can also cause noises because the metal expands and contracts as temperatures change.
The noise can become quite annoying over time, so if you live in an area where strong winds are common; then aluminum might not be the ideal choice for your home’s exterior cladding material.
Aluminum Siding Thickness
When shopping for aluminum siding, the thickness (or gauge) of the aluminum is important to note. The standard is 44-gauge aluminum (or 0.44 inches thick), but 53-gauge aluminum siding offers superior durability and longevity.
It’s worth spending a bit more as this type of aluminum siding resists dents better than lighter gauges and can last for many years when properly maintained. For those looking for aluminum siding that will stand the test of time, 53-gauge aluminum should be your go-to choice.
Aluminum Siding Manufacturers
If you do decide to go ahead with installing new aluminum siding on your house, make sure you get them from a trusted manufacturer. Here are some of the top brands of aluminum siding products.
Duschene
This Canadian-based manufacturer of construction products has been in business for over 95 years. They offer aluminum siding as well as aluminum soffits and fascias.
Gentek
Gentek Building Products–a division of Associated Materials, LLC–has over 50 years of manufacturing experience. They make a variety of aluminum siding styles, including a Woodgrain texture aluminum siding and a Cedarwood aluminum siding that is supposed to resemble natural wood.
Kaykan
This family-owned company has been manufacturing aluminum siding since 1974. They also produce aluminum fascias, soffits, and trims.
Mastic (formerly Alcoa)
Now a brand name owned by the Ply Gem siding company, Mastic offers several styles of aluminum siding, including the extra-thick Envoy aluminum siding.
Westlake Royal Building Products
Although most of their siding products are vinyl, Westlake Royal Building Products also makes a Cedar Renditions aluminum siding product that replicates the look of real woodgrain.
Alternatives to Aluminum Siding
While aluminum siding has many advantages, it may not be the best siding solution for everyone. Here’s a brief overview of the top three alternative siding material options.
Fiber Cement Siding
Made from a combination of fibers, sand, cement, and other materials, fiber cement siding is fireproof and decays much more slowly than wood or vinyl sidings. You can learn more about fiber cement siding in our in-depth guide here.
Vinyl Siding
Often made to resemble more expensive wood siding, vinyl siding is composed of rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Its affordability and easy installation have made vinyl siding a go-to choice for homeowners who need to improve their home’s curb appeal with a sleek, modern look.
Wood Siding
Wood siding is the classic choice for any home exterior. It’s the most traditional type of siding and has been used in home construction for centuries. Siding made from wood is durable, long-lasting, and can give your home a beautiful wood grain aesthetic.
Let The Professionals At Urban Exteriors Give Your Home The Refresh It Deserves
In the end, deciding whether aluminum siding is right for your home is primarily a matter of personal preference. You must consider the pros and cons, color availability, and factors such as cost, installation, and warranty before making a decision on what type of siding to use.
If you have any more questions about this topic or need professional assistance in choosing the right siding for your home, please feel free to fill out our contact form today!