Aluminum Siding for Homes – Pros and Cons Explained

Aluminum siding celebrated its 50th anniversary on Sept. 9, 1995. On that date, a Washington Post article called the budget siding material “a marvel of mass production” but also “a suburban eyesore.” Those two phrases pretty much sum up the main pros and cons of aluminum siding house applications.

In 1995, sales of aluminum siding were estimated to be between $6 and $20 billion annually. Although that figure rose to $151 billion in 2020, aluminum now commands only a small percentage of the national siding market. That may be because many homeowners associate aluminum siding more with sheds and outbuildings or with budget siding for lakeside vacation homes than with their primary residences.

Empire Roofing Company offers three reasons why aluminum siding has fallen out of favor: industrial appearance, color fading and vulnerability to denting—key disadvantages of aluminum cladding. Before discounting aluminum, however, it’s important to realize that the list of aluminum house siding advantages is quite long.
Like all siding materials, aluminum has evolved, even since 1995. Modern aluminum siding is more durable and attractive than earlier versions while remaining budget-friendly. If you’re considering siding for a new or existing residence, there are some good reasons to consider aluminum — and some equally good reasons to pass.

Why Choose Aluminum Siding?

For homeowners looking for a combination of low maintenance, durability and affordability, aluminum siding remains a wise choice. Urban Exteriors says that aluminum siding is still employed in home building because it is cheap and easy to maintain.

Taking care of it is easy; you only have to rinse it down with a garden hose when it looks dirty or dusty. It’s also a good idea to check the seams occasionally to ensure that dirt hasn’t built up between the panels. It is one of the most fundamental metal siding maintenance tips for keeping it in good shape for a long time.

Modernize says that aluminum siding usually costs between $5.60 and $10.30 per square foot on average to buy and put up, which makes it a good choice for those on a tight budget. Aluminum siding may last 40 years or more if you take care of it. This makes it one of the more environmentally friendly siding options in terms of how long it lasts and how easy it is to recycle.

The Advantages of Aluminum Siding

Cost is definitely a factor in aluminum siding’s favor. It’s slightly cheaper than vinyl, fiber cement and stucco and much cheaper than brick, stone and wood.
Here are some other reasons to choose aluminum over other siding options:

• Rot- and pest-proof: One of the key aluminum house siding advantages is its resistance to common pest and moisture issues. It requires little maintenance and may warrant a reduction in homeowner’s insurance premiums, depending on the insurer.
• Weather-resistant: Besides being waterproof, aluminum doesn’t expand and contract with changing temperatures the way vinyl does. It doesn’t crack or turn brittle with age. Aluminum rusts, but the rust compound — aluminum oxide — forms a protective barrier that prevents further corrosion.
• Paintable: Aluminum siding comes in various colors. When the factory finish fades, you can repaint it without any of the issues you encounter with vinyl.
• Good insulator: Aluminum siding comes in various gauges and the heavier gauges insulate really well. This makes aluminum a good choice in extreme climates.
• Lightweight and easy to install: Installation costs tend to be lower for aluminum than other types of siding materials.
• Recyclable: Aluminum is considered a green building material because used siding is 100 percent recyclable. This is offset, however, by the environmental impact of aluminum mining, which is considerable.
• Fire resistant: Aluminum is almost completely fireproof (according to United Home Experts). That’s also partly why homeowners who use aluminum siding for houses often get lower homeowners’ insurance rates.

Aluminum Siding Cons

For many people, the main drawback of aluminum is its appearance, which can be dated and industrial. Cognizant of that, manufacturers have tried to make aluminum more closely resemble wood, imprinting the panels with a grain and finishing them with earth-tone colors. This hasn’t eliminated the stigma for everyone, however.

Besides its appearance, aluminum has other significant drawbacks:

• Easy to dent and scratch: Tree branches flying around in the wind are one possible source of dents and scratches. Dents immediately belie the metallic nature of the material. Homeowners can avoid the worst by installing 53-gauge panels, which cost more than the standard 44-gauge ones.
• Colors fade: The factory finish inevitably fades in the sun and panels can become chalky. This can present a problem for homeowners hoping to replace a single damaged panel because it can be difficult to find a good color match. Aluminum siding generally needs to be repainted every 10 years to keep it looking its best. Here, find out the cost of replacing the siding.
• Pinging noises: Aluminum siding may “ping” in high winds and sometimes on broiling summer days when heat causes the metal to expand. The noise bothers some homeowners.

Aluminum Siding Manufacturers

Although aluminum has been used in construction by manufacturers like Alcoa since the 1920s, Frank Hoess was awarded the first patent for aluminum siding in 1937. The small company he founded stayed in business until about 1960 in spite of heavy competition from larger players, such as Reynolds Metals.

Neither of these companies is still producing siding for the modern aluminum siding house, but many others are. Here are some of the main ones.

Kaycan

Kaycan began producing aluminum siding in 1974 and expanded its product line to include vinyl siding in 1983. The company has outlets in several U.S. states and Canadian provinces and manufactures two product lines.

Kaycan siding is their standard offering, available in a selection of light colors and a few dark ones. Highly textured Urbanix siding, available in a darker color palette, offers a more contemporary appearance.

Duschene

Quebec-based, family-owned Duschene has been manufacturing roofing and siding products since 1927. It’s a trusted supplier in Canada and sells its products throughout the U.S. Duschene offers horizontal and vertical aluminum siding house solutions with plain and textured surfaces in three colors: white, ivory and chocolate. The selection is more basic than extensive, but the company also provides aluminum soffits, fascia and other moldings. It also offers advice on combining aluminum with other materials, like vinyl.

Gentek

Gentek Building Products, a division of Associated Materials, LLC, has been producing aluminum and steel building products for 50 years. It offers three lines of aluminum siding products. The Deluxe line is the original, while the Woodgrain 2000 Series and the Cedarwood series are more recent offerings with textured surfaces that closely resemble wood grain.

One advantage of Gentek siding is that it’s manufactured with an extra-deep 1/2-inch butt height, giving it an added dimension you would expect from a material other than aluminum.

FAQ

Is aluminum siding good for houses?

Yes, aluminum siding is good for houses because it’s affordable, easy to maintain, sustainable, and durable. An aluminum siding house comes in various styles, so it can beautify and add personality to a variety of homes. Traditional aluminum lap siding can also be manufactured to look like and have all of the beneficial qualities of wood siding. This makes it one of the top aluminum house siding advantages.

How long does aluminum siding last on a house?

When properly maintained, aluminum siding can last over 40 years. However, its lifespan depends on several factors, including the quality of the material, the installation method, and the climate in which it is used. Following metal siding maintenance tips, such as regular cleaning and periodic repainting, can help extend its longevity.

Aluminum siding tends to degrade more quickly in regions with heavy snowfall or high humidity. Under these conditions, it may oxidize, forming a powdery, chalk-like coating on the surface. Additionally, aluminum can corrode over time when exposed to certain chemicals due to chemical reactions.

What is the difference between aluminum and vinyl siding?

Aluminum siding is a bit more expensive than vinyl siding. Aluminum is made from metal, while vinyl is made from plastic. Vinyl doesn’t rot or rust, and aluminum doesn’t rot easily, either. Vinyl siding doesn’t dent as easily as aluminum, but it is more prone to cracking—something aluminum typically resists. Additionally, vinyl siding requires less frequent painting compared to aluminum siding. Choosing between the two depends on your climate, budget and preference for eco-friendly siding options.

Sources:

• Empire Building: “Roofing Company in Allison Park”
• Kaycan: “Kaycan Aluminum Siding & Accessories.”
• Duchesne: “Aluminum Soffits, Mouldings and Flat Stock.”
• Gentek: “Aluminum Siding.”
• United Home Experts: “The Pros and Cons of Aluminum Siding”
• Urban Exteriors: “Pros And Cons Of Aluminum Siding: What You Need To Know”
• Modernize: “How Much Does Aluminum Siding Cost?”