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Siding:
Aluminum vs. Vinyl
As a contractor who installs siding, I am asked quite often “What
is the difference between vinyl and aluminum siding?”
Vinyl siding is an extruded plastic material. It usually ranges in thickness
from .040” - .050”. Aluminum siding is a formed material,
typically .019” thick. Vinyl siding has a solid color, while aluminum
siding has a baked on paint finish. Typically this aluminum paint
is acrylic or enamel.
Vinyl siding is typically more durable than aluminum being that it is
over twice the thickness. Vinyl siding does become slightly brittle during
the winter time. Aluminum siding maintains the same properties year round
despite the temperature. Vinyl siding also expands and contracts in greater
fluctuation than aluminum siding.
As mentioned before vinyl siding has solid color, meaning even if scratched
the color won’t change. Aluminum siding has the baked on enamel
finish, if scratched the paint will be removed and the bare metal below
will be visible. However due to the expansive properties of vinyl, aluminum
siding takes paint better if you ever decide to re-paint. It is not recommended
to paint vinyl.
Vinyl siding also has many features which aluminum siding does not have.
These features include reinforced nailing hems which increase the wind
resistance of the siding. Also ultraviolet fade protection, which defends
the siding color against fading.
Aluminum siding has lost tremendous market share since the release of
vinyl siding. Some statistics report as much as 80% of all sidings installed
are vinyl. Aluminum siding is still very common for trim pieces because
of its flexible properties. It is very easy to custom bend an aluminum
trim piece. All vinyl has to be extruded or molded into shape.
In most situations it is recommended to install vinyl siding with aluminum
trim pieces. Overall vinyl is more durable, has solid color and is cheaper
than aluminum.
Written by Thomas Kral, the founder of Reliable
American, Inc.
Contact Thomas for your free vinyl
siding estimate or for further information.
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