Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding is one of two common metal sidings. It is still found in a number of Denver area homes but has decreased in popularity over the last few decades.
Siding technology has developed and changed very much over the years. These new developments have changed how common metal siding is. That is largely because there are a number of other options available by now that offer more advantages.
Aluminum siding may not be the best siding option available to you anymore. To help you make an informed decision, here is a look at the advantages and disadvantages of aluminum siding.
Pros & Cons of Aluminum Siding
Compared to vinyl siding, aluminum has some advantages. The biggest advantage is that it comes pre-colored from the manufacturer but it can also be painted later whereas vinyl siding cannot. That means that you can change the color of your home in a couple of years without having to replace the siding.
Another clear advantage is that aluminum has several natural resistances. It is fire resistant and will not burn, which is a clear advantage compared to other siding material. This fact could even lower your insurance premium. Additionally, aluminum siding does not rot, mold or rust.
Aluminum does not absorb moisture, which is especially important during our harsh Colorado winters. This means that you do not have to worry about mold or fungus growth on your siding. Since it is a metal, aluminum also does not attract insects and is thus save from insect damage.
With aluminum siding, maintenance could not be easier. It does not require much attention, which will save you time and money over the years. The only maintenance necessary is painting it when the color fades or changes.
Aluminum is not significantly more resistant than vinyl. It does not crack or break like vinyl will when there is impact damage but it does dent. Colorado usually sees several hailstorms a year that can damage your siding.
Aluminum is a soft metal that is easily damaged by hail or other impact, like falling branches or a flying baseball. Even washing it off with a pressure washer might damage the aluminum. It can easily be dented which will leave your siding looking less than beautiful.
A clear disadvantage is the price of aluminum siding. With the rising prices of metal, aluminum has become increasingly expensive. It is no longer a very cost-effective siding option. Now it is more expensive than vinyl and comes close in price to fiber cement siding.
Aluminum siding does not offer great insulation or noise protection in of itself. To improve the insulation of your home you would have to add insulation under the siding before having it installed, which is something we can do but it does add to the overall cost.
Another disadvantage of aluminum siding is that it can be hard to replace just parts of it. Aluminum does not retain color well and can thus change quite a bit over time. The color can fade or turn chalky and can even run off in some cases.
Matching this changed color when replacing parts of the siding can be difficult. Colorado Siding Repair does offer partial siding replacement whenever possible. We can also paint the entire house when matching the color is impossible.
After considering all advantages and disadvantages of aluminum siding, it might not be your best option. However, if aluminum siding is your clear preference, we can install it for you. But keep in mind that there are other siding options with more advantages, like fiber cement siding.
Fiber cement siding comes in a great variety of styles and textures and can look very similar to metal siding, if that is the look you are going for and want. James Hardie, the leading manufacturer for fiber cement siding, offers wonderful color options as well so you can get exactly the look you want.
James Hardie offers great warranties for their premium product with 30-year product and 15-year finish warranties. Fiber cement is very durable, versatile, and resistant. Additionally, this siding has a great ROI and significantly increases the curb appeal of your home.