Table of Contents
Are you planning to replace your siding soon? Perhaps you’re just starting your home improvement project and pondering the best material. Aluminum vs vinyl siding is a common debate amongst renovators, as both offer their own set of pros and cons.
So which one is better? Is it aluminum or vinyl?
Keep reading to find out just how different the two are and what might work best for your home.
The Basics
When it comes to protecting your house from the elements, it can be tough to decide between aluminum and vinyl siding. So before you start your house project, let’s first explore the basics of aluminum vs vinyl siding.
Aluminum Siding
What is aluminum siding exactly? Aluminum siding is a popular and cost-effective home exterior cladding option used to cover and protect the outer walls of a structure. It is made from pieces of aluminum that interlock, making it flexible and easy to use on any type of building.
It also serves to protect the surface from moisture, which can damage wood and other materials over time. Aluminum siding can come in a variety of colors, textures, and sizes, allowing for a range of design options.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is another type of protective siding material used to cover the exterior of a house. It has synthetic chemical compounds that help to make it last longer and look better.
While it holds its own against the elements, you can also paint vinyl siding to change its appearance. Painting vinyl siding requires a specialized primer, sealants, and primers that are specifically designed to adhere to the vinyl. This will allow you to achieve unique and vivid colors.
Durability
When it comes to durability, aluminum and vinyl may appear to be similar on the surface. But, they have drastically different lifespans. Let’s explore the differences between the two options.
Aluminum siding is one of the most durable siding options on the market. It is almost maintenance-free, which is one of its greatest advantages.
Aluminum siding is dent-proof, and won’t corrode or rust. It is also resistant to fire and pests, as well as certain types of mold and mildew.
Additionally, aluminum siding is lightweight but still very strong. It will last a very long time in harsh climates and can stand up to most types of severe weather. Aluminum siding will likely last 15 to 20 years if it is checked for damage and repaired.
On the other hand, vinyl siding is often used as an alternative to wood and other similar materials when it comes to building homes. It is known to be much more durable than wood, and this is due to a few factors.
Firstly, vinyl siding is more resistant to withstand harsh weather conditions such as hail and wind damage. Secondly, vinyl siding is much easier to maintain than wood because it does not need to be sanded, painted, or stained.
Cost
This time, let’s discover aluminum vs vinyl siding and their respective costs to help us choose the best option for our needs.
Aluminum siding is not much more expensive than other siding materials. While many factors can affect the cost, including the type of siding, the size of the house, and any unique features, in general, aluminum siding is affordable compared to other siding options.
It is also often cheaper than brick or stone and requires no painting or other treatments.
Additionally, it is more prone to denting than some other materials, so if you live in an area with hail, you may need to factor that into your costs.
The cost of vinyl siding varies depending on the quality and size of the siding you want. Generally speaking, it is not considered one of the more expensive home siding materials, but it can be more expensive than other options. Many factors can influence the cost, such as labor, access to power, and style.
That being said, this type of siding can be an affordable option for those wanting to update their exterior without breaking the bank.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, both aluminum and vinyl siding have proven to be low maintenance. Aluminum siding requires periodic pressure-washing to maintain its appearance, but it does not take a lot of extra time and effort. Painting and caulking may be required in certain instances.
On the other hand, vinyl siding is maintenance-free. It does not need to be painted, yet high-pressure washing from time to time will help to preserve its like-new appearance. Any repairs needed are quick and easy to perform.
Aesthetic Properties
When it comes to aesthetic properties, aluminum and vinyl siding both may provide an excellent option for homeowners. Aluminum siding has a more modern look, with a sleek, smooth finish and low gloss shine. With the variety of colors aluminum offers, it can be a great accessory to complement the existing exterior of a home.
Vinyl siding is more classic and versatile, with a variety of classic colors that can fit in with almost any design palette. While both come in tones and grays, vinyl offers more variety in grain and interesting textures. Overall, both aluminum and vinyl siding are great for aesthetically enhancing the look of a home.
Aluminum vs Vinyl Siding: A Comparison
Vinyl siding is an affordable and durable choice for most homes. In comparison, aluminum siding offers more custom options, is better at weatherproofing, and offers a unique look. When deciding between aluminum vs vinyl siding, it all comes down to personal preference and budget.
For more information and to make an educated decision, you can always ask a local contractor.
If you found this article helpful, please check out some of the other great content on our blog.