Pros And Cons Of Aluminum Siding: What You Need To Know

07 Oct.,2024

 

Pros And Cons Of Aluminum Siding: What You Need To Know

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.

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 . They also produce aluminum fascias, soffits, and trims.

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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!

The Different Uses for Aluminum in Construction

When it comes to construction, aluminum is one of the most versatile and cost-effective materials around. It's lightweight yet incredibly strong, making it ideal for structure support, insulation, cladding, and reinforcement. You can also find aluminum in construction applications, from window frames to siding to roofing materials.

Let's look at some of the different uses for aluminum in construction and how it can benefit a project.

Overview of Aluminum and Its Benefits as a Building Material

Aluminum is incredibly useful for construction because of its many advantages over other materials. Its lightweight nature makes it easy to transport and install. Aluminum is also corrosion-resistant, so it can withstand the elements without rusting. Additionally, aluminum is non-flammable, making it an excellent choice for areas with a high fire risk.

Aluminum also provides excellent insulation; even thin sheets can block out heat and cold in the summer and winter, making it a great choice for walls and roofs. Aluminum works well when used alongside other materials like wood, steel, concrete, and brick.

Cons of Using Aluminum in Construction

Aluminum has many advantages when used in construction, but it also has some drawbacks. Aluminum is a relatively soft metal and can be prone to denting and scratching if you don't take care of it during installation. It's also not as strong as other materials, like steel, so you may have to pair it with reinforcement bars in certain applications.

The cost of aluminum can also be a concern. Although it is generally cheaper than other metals, it can quickly increase in cost when purchasing large amounts for a project. Labor costs for installing this material can also be high due to the need for specialized equipment and knowledge.

Different Types of Aluminum Used in Buildings

You can use aluminum in a variety of ways in buildings. It can be used in window frames, siding, roofing, and structural supports. Aluminum is also commonly used for cladding, insulation, and reinforcement bars.

Aluminum sheets are often used in exterior siding and metal roofs. These sheets come in various thicknesses and can be bent or cut to fit the desired shape. Aluminum window frames are also very popular in buildings; these are generally constructed from aluminum extrusions and come in many different styles.

Aluminum reinforcement bars, or rebars, are commonly used in concrete structures such as foundations, walls, and columns. These bars provide extra strength and stability to the structure and prevent cracking and crumbling.

Aluminum frame connectors are also sometimes used; these connectors join two pieces of aluminum to form a single piece and provide increased structural stability.

Finally, aluminum cladding is often on buildings for aesthetic purposes. This material is lightweight, easy to install, and comes in many styles, including wood grain, stone, and metallic finishes.

Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Aluminum for Your Project

When selecting aluminum for your project, it's important to consider the type of application you're using it for. Different types of aluminum are better suited for certain applications. For example, thinner sheets may be better for siding, while thicker plates may be better for roofing. It's also important to know that certain grades of aluminum are better for specific applications; for example, marine-grade aluminum is better for use in areas near water or salt.

It's also important to consider the environment when choosing the right type of aluminum. If your project is in an area with high humidity, you may want to select a grade resistant to corrosion. If your project is in an area with extreme temperatures, you may want to choose a heat-resistant grade.

Finally, it's important to consider the cost of aluminum before making a purchase. Different grades and thicknesses will have different prices. Therefore, comparing prices between suppliers before settling on one is important. This comparison will help you get the best value for your money.

Creative Ways To Incorporate Aluminum Into Your Design

Aluminum can be used in various ways to create interesting and unique designs. For example, you could use aluminum sheets to construct an accent wall or ceiling in your home. Aluminum siding is also becoming increasingly popular; this material provides a modern yet classic look that will never go out of style. Additionally, aluminum extrusions can help create custom window frames for a unique look.

Aluminum cladding is also becoming increasingly popular due to its versatility and durability. You can install this material on the exterior of buildings to provide a modern aesthetic while still protecting against wind, rain, and other elements.

Finally, aluminum has many uses in furniture design. Aluminum chairs, tables, benches, and other furniture pieces can be beautiful additions to any room. Additionally, aluminum frames can be used in artwork or other decorative items.

How To Ensure Proper Installation and Maintenance of Aluminum Components

When installing aluminum components, it's important to use the right tools and techniques. For example, you should use a drill with a speed equal to or greater than the thickness of the aluminum material. Additionally, any holes you make in the aluminum should be slightly larger than the screws so that they fit properly.

It's also important to use the right sealants and adhesives when installing aluminum components. This step will ensure the components stay in place and won't be affected by water or temperature changes.

Finally, it's important to regularly inspect your aluminum components for any signs of wear and tear. If you notice any corrosion or damage, you should act quickly to repair or replace the affected parts. This quick action will help ensure your aluminum components remain in good condition.

Aluminum is a versatile and durable material used in many different applications. Aluminum can be used to create unique and interesting designs in a variety of items, from siding and roofing to furniture and artwork. By following the tips outlined above, you can ensure you choose the right type of aluminum for your project, incorporate it into your design creatively, and maintain its condition for years to come.

A-Line Automation has extensive experience working with aluminum in a variety of applications. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services and see how we can help you with your next project.

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