Ever since the 1930s, aluminum siding has been used to not only protect homes but also to make them more aesthetically pleasing. During the early years, aluminum was considered to be a durable, long-lasting, and affordable alternative to traditional wood siding. While vinyl siding is the go-to option these days, aluminum siding is still an effective option for protecting your home from the natural elements.
If your home has aluminum siding, it may be coming time to choose between aluminum siding repair or total replacement. To help you make the best decision for your home and your wallet, here are 8 pros and cons to know about aluminum siding.
1. Pro: Cost Effective
One of the biggest benefits of aluminum siding is that it’s extremely affordable. If you’re on a small budget, this is the siding to choose. In fact, aluminum siding can be almost 80% cheaper than other siding materials! This is because the siding is often made from recycled materials, which reduces the overall cost.
In the event that you hire contractors to install aluminum siding, you can also expect to pay much less in labor costs. The material is extremely lightweight and is very easy to install. In some cases, aluminum siding can be installed over existing siding.
2. Pro: Eco-Friendly
Not only is aluminum siding created using recycled material, it’s 100% recyclable. This means your old siding will never end up in a landfill.
Aluminum siding is also eco-friendly in that it’s very energy efficient. Aluminum is a great insulator during the hot and cold months. In the summer you can keep the heat out and during the winter, aluminum siding will keep the warmth in. By installing or repairing the existing aluminum siding, you can save money on your energy costs throughout the year.
3. Pro: Durable
Aluminum siding is usually made from aluminum coil stock and other hard materials, making it extremely durable. The siding is also coated with a protective top layer to prevent erosion and then finished with a color and texture.
If installed properly, aluminum siding can last for 50 years! This is almost a decade longer than vinyl and other siding materials.
4. Pro: Low Maintenance
Unlike other forms of siding that can rot or become mildewed, aluminum siding is extremely low maintenance. To take care of aluminum siding, you’ll have to rinse it a few times during the year to remove any debris that may have become lodged in the seams.
Aluminum siding is also waterproof and doesn’t rust. This is important if you live near the water or in an area where it’s extremely humid. The material doesn’t soak in moisture, swell, or shrink because of changes in temperature.
5. Con: Can be Noisy
Temperature changes can cause aluminum siding to expand and contract. This can cause pinging or popping noises that can be annoying to some homeowners. These sounds aren’t overly loud but can be heard if you have a keen sense of hearing.
High winds, rain, and hail will also be a little noisier on aluminum siding. The good news is that some homeowners never notice.
6. Con: Prone to Minor Damage
Even if you use heavy gauge aluminum, the fact is that aluminum is a soft metal which means it’s susceptible to dents and scratches. If you live in an area where hail is common or if there’s heavy traffic around your home’s exterior, you run the risk of minor damage.
Most dents are removed similarly to a dent in a car, but scratches can be harder to repair and mask because of the need to match the top coat color.
7. Con: Can Become Worn
Because aluminum siding is finished with a colored-top coat, over time, exposure to rain, wind, and other natural elements can cause the color to fade and become worn. This makes it much harder to match the siding color, especially if you only need to replace a few panels.
To minimize this issue, be sure the colored-top coat is applied using a high-quality exterior paint that can withstand everything Mother Nature has to offer.
8. Con: Out of Style
Since all sorts of other materials are now used for siding, some consider aluminum to be out of style and dated. Depending on where you live, having aluminum siding may reduce the value of your home or may sway a potential buyer into choosing another house.
Conclusion
Knowing the ins and outs of aluminum siding is important when it comes time to decide whether to repair or replace your existing siding. Before making the final decision, be sure to keep these pros and cons in mind so that you make the smartest choice for your home.
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