Constructing your home could be one of the most exciting things of your life. Yet, you must be anxious and worried about getting things right and ensuring that your dream house does not have a flaw. It is understandable that there are several things that you have to oversee and lots of options to choose from, which at times gets frustrating. If you are stuck between aluminum and vinyl siding and are unable to select one, here is a brief analysis that can help you make an informed decision.
Let’s begin.
But first, What Is Siding, And Why Is It Important?
Also known as wall cladding, siding is a material attached to the exterior of the wall of a home. Siding plays a multi-functional role as it keeps the interior of the home insulated, protects from elements, and adds to the exterior’s aesthetic appeal. But not all kinds of siding have the same effectiveness, durability, aesthetic appeal. Therefore, it is a matter of prime importance to choose the material for siding cautiously. Of all, there are two names that the general contractors will commonly recommend to you, such as aluminum and vinyl. Even if you browse the internet, you will just see persistent rivalry of aluminum vs. vinyl siding. But in this blog, you will hopefully know which one is an ideal option for you.
Vinyl Siding:
Vinyl siding was introduced back in the 1950s as an alternative siding material to aluminum siding. It is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic resin, a manmade material. Today it is a more popular and prevalent siding option due to its low cost and good strength. Although vinyl siding was not very strong in the early days, thanks to technological advancements, it is one of the durable siding options today if you are looking to save money as it can be installed over existing siding in some cases. Insulated vinyl siding is the better option for the vinyl siding family as it adds more durability to the siding panel and adds R value to the building envelope.
Pros Of Vinyl Siding:
- Durability
Vinyl siding is one of the most durable siding options that can withstand rain, humidity, storms, hails, scorching sun, and almost all kinds of harsh weather. After installing vinyl siding, you can rest assured that no matter what the weather condition outside is, you will be safe inside your home.
- Cost-effective:
The best thing about vinyl siding and the main reason it has become a very common choice of homeowners is that it is very affordable. It costs even less than engineered wood, brick, stone, steel, etc.
- Vast options:
When it comes to vinyl sidings, there are vast options to choose from, in terms of colors and texture. Remember, one of the functions of vinyl is to advance the appeal of the house. So, you can pick a color and texture that enhances the beauty of your house from the outside. With other materials, you rarely get to choose a color or texture.
- Moisture and termite-resistant:
Vinyl siding is moisture-resistant due to which it does not absorb water and eventually does not get damaged. Also, it is termite resistant.
- Requires less maintenance:
Another reason why you would like to choose vinyl siding is that it does not require frequent upkeeps to help retain its strength and robustness. While maintenance, per se, is a daunting task, it is a costly process to inspect regularly. Vinyl siding needs to be inspected just once a year or even less. Since it is not painted, you do not need to refresh the paint after some months or a year.
Aluminum Siding:
Aluminum siding is made of aluminum coil stock which is backed at a high temperature to increase its strength and durability. Also, it is painted and polished with enamel to obtain a quality texture.
Pros of Aluminum Siding:
- Durability:
Aluminum siding is relatively more durable than vinyl as it is baked at a high temperature and comes in a thick size. It can withstand rain, dust, hails, winds, and all other harsh weather conditions. So, if you have been asking yourself if the aluminum siding is worth money, I think you have got your answer.
- Comes in different shapes:
When it comes to designs, aluminum siding comes in horizontal and vertical formats to choose from. You can choose whichever you like.
- Lightweight:
Although aluminum siding is thick, it is very light in weight and therefore is easy to install.
- Flexible:
One of the best things about aluminum siding is that you can paint and re-paint it with any color. When you want to change the color of your house, you would not need to remove it but paint it the color you want.
- Moisture and termite-resistant:
Aluminum shows great strength against water and elements. It resists rain, water, and termites from entering the house.
Does Vinyl Siding Insulate Better Than Aluminum?
When it comes to durability and better insulation, both vinyl and aluminum siding are excellent choices, as both are moisture and termite-resistant material. But it is preferable to choose aluminum siding if your home is located in a region that experiences harsh weather. Vinyl siding, on the other hand, is the best choice for moderate climate regions.
Which Is More Expensive Vinyl Or Aluminum Siding?
One of the common questions that people ask is whether vinyl siding is cheaper than aluminum siding or vice versa. The simple and accurate answer to this question is that the cost of vinyl siding range from $2-$7 while aluminum range from $3-$6 per foot. But there are other elements that depend on their costs such as thickness and designs. The thicker the siding, the most expensive it will be.
Bottom line:
Now that you are fully acquainted with each type of siding, you must make the choice suitable to you. To identify which one is suitable for you, select the category that best describes your situation.
Aluminum Siding | Vinyl Siding |
– House located in a harsh climate region | – House located in a harsh climate region |
– No financial constraints | – Have a limited budget |
– Can maintain it | – Can’t do regular maintenance and upkeep |
Did you identify what do you need?
Kudos, then. Good Luck already with home construction or renovation!