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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
This family-owned company has been manufacturing aluminum siding since . They also produce aluminum fascias, soffits, and trims.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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’re a homeowner, you know how important it is to make the right choices for keeping your home safe and comfortable. You also see the importance of protecting your property to the most significant possible degree. Your house is one of your most important investments, after all. Saving your home starts with the exterior. Many people don’t know where to begin with all the options for siding. Aluminum siding is a popular, practical choice, no matter the location of your home.
Aluminum siding has been popular since the s. It has many advantages over other materials when it comes to durability, cost, and even aesthetics. Before making a final decision on whether aluminum will be the right siding for your home, there are a few details to consider.
Everyone should be mindful of exactly what the installation will consist of, including total cost, overall look, and process. You will also want to know what to do when you need to look for aluminum siding repair. To ensure you are as informed as possible before hiring contractors to install siding on your home, here are 10 of the most important benefits of aluminum siding:
Aluminum siding can last a long time. So long that many people may never need to replace their siding for the entire duration of their time in the home. Provided that the aluminum siding is appropriately installed and undergoes regular maintenance, it can last well over 50 years! On average, that’s about ten years more than wood or vinyl. Knowing that you won’t have to worry about replacing your siding can be incredibly reassuring.
People who choose aluminum siding have many choices regarding the house’s look. The aluminum can be installed either vertically or horizontally, depending on what looks best for the house’s style. Most companies have a complete range of color options and customized trims and accessories, allowing for a virtually no-limit design process.
The material’s versatility also means companies can produce it to match other materials that may already be present on the home’s exterior, such as wood or stone.
Finally, people also have a choice on the thickness of the aluminum. The thinnest type available is called 40-gauge, which is 0.4 inches. The most popular option is the thicker 44-gauge, and the thickest type is the 53-gauge. This choice will provide the home with the most protection. With so many ways to customize the look of your aluminum siding, your home will always have excellent curb appeal!
Aluminum is non-flammable, so it’s an excellent choice for areas that might be prone to dry weather and brush fires. Unlike wooden siding, aluminum won’t exacerbate a fire. Unlike vinyl, it will not emit toxic fumes when heated past a specific temperature.
Because of this and other safety factors of the aluminum, some insurers may also provide a break on home insurance costs. It’s a nice little perk that can save significant money in the long run.
Out of all the available siding options on the market, aluminum is on the lower end of costs per square foot. On average, it is cheaper by about 80% compared to the other popular materials. Depending on the specific thickness and other choices, aluminum can cost nearly half the price of vinyl and much less than stone, wood, or stucco.
Thinner types of aluminum, such as 40-gauge, are usually available for less than $2 per square foot. Of course, the thicker, more durable versions have price points that can climb higher– about $7 per square foot. Since it is so light in weight, it is easy to transport and install. Contractors tend to charge less because of this.
People can even save money on removing their old siding since there are certain situations where installation can take place directly over the old material. That’s a massive advantage for jobs that need a quick turnaround.
Aluminum siding is a strong insulator, especially the thicker gauges. It will help a home retain heat in the winter and keep heat out in the summer at a better rate than vinyl, saving the homeowner lots of money over time.
Unlike a material such as wood, aluminum will not absorb any moisture. This is especially important for people who live near the coast or in areas with extremely high humidity and lots of rainfall. People can gain real peace of mind knowing that their siding will not rot away or allow moisture into the side of the house. No one wants to face a situation with costly water damage. As a bonus, it’s also resistant to rust.
Aluminum will not become damaged or brittle in the cold weather, unlike vinyl which may crack in extreme temperatures. The aluminum can become affected by the heat, however, expanding to the point where it may cause pinging sounds. Overall, though, the extreme temperatures will not hurt the material.
Maintenance on your aluminum siding could not be easier. Most years, it will require no more than an occasional power wash to remove some dirt and pieces of debris that may have gotten stuck between the joints of the panels. The sun can fade the colors over time, making it necessary to put on a paint job every decade or so.
Aluminum siding is environmentally-friendly in two significant ways. First, it is 100% recyclable. When the siding eventually needs replacing, it will never hurt the environment by ending up in a dump and contributing to the world’s waste problem.
Many manufacturers even offer a product made from 100% recycled materials. The option allows the eco-conscious consumer a choice they can always stand by. Secondly, the insulation properties of aluminum allow homes to use less energy for heating and cooling in extreme temperatures.
Insects and other small critters cannot penetrate the barriers of aluminum siding, so it’s convenient for homes near areas with many trees and wildlife. The extra protection will be beneficial if a home is susceptible to carpenter ants and termites. Keeping these pests away will protect the house and keep it beautiful for a more extended period.
Occasionally, you will need to seek aluminum siding repair for several reasons. Inexperienced homeowners will probably want to consult a trusted contractor for the best results. Still, there are a series of steps that handy folks can take for fixing dents, replacing sections with an aluminum siding patch, or repairing holes in the aluminum siding. This section discusses the process of replacing a piece of siding.
A. Remove the damaged part of the siding
You can use a sharp utility knife to cut and remove the damaged aluminum area carefully. People should always take great caution when cutting metal! A pair of thick gloves will be helpful for this part of the process, especially when dealing with the sharp edges exposed.
B. Measure and cut the new patch of siding
Cut the new aluminum patch a few inches thicker than the removed, damaged area to ensure the entire hole will be covered when you snap the repair into place. It should be able to overlap the panels on either side.
C. Use caulk or silicone to seal the new patch in place
Whether or not you need to remove the nailing strip on the patch, you will need to set the material into place. First, clean the area to make sure it is free of any dirt or debris. Then spread the silicone or the caulk to the back and press the patch into the hole.
D. Interlock the new patch into the existing siding
The design of aluminum siding allows it to interlock together on the top and the bottom, so you should lock the new patch into place on both ends. Some people will then apply duct tape to hold everything tightly in place as the caulk dries. It should be transparent when dry.
E. Wipe off any excess caulk and clean the patched area
By now, the damaged area should be looking as good as new. All it will take is a rag to remove some excess material and dirt. After cleaning, the patch will blend in with the rest of the wall and look as good as new!
There are so many reasons to choose aluminum siding for your home. From affordability to durability, to style, to protection, a modern homeowner can’t go wrong when choosing to protect with aluminum. These homeowners will enjoy the advantages and benefits for decades to come.
Sometimes in certain circumstances, it may be necessary to seek a professional aluminum siding repair company. There is an easy process in those instances, and plenty of professional contractors are ready to come to your home and get your job done quickly and efficiently.
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