There are a lot of good things that can be said about aluminum siding. It is very budget friendly; light weight yet durable; doesn’t rust; and can be recycled when it needs to be replaced. However, before deciding to invest in this siding material, here are some common aluminum siding issues you might encounter.
Dents and Scratches
Because aluminum is such a malleable material, it can be easily dented and scratched. If there are kids in the household who like to play ball, a hailstorm occurs, or a windy day throws stones against the siding, aluminum siding can be vulnerable to dents and scratches.
Painting Every few Years
If you choose aluminum siding for your home, you’ll have to apply a new coat of paint every few years. The colour of aluminum siding is baked on to the surface of the siding material during the manufacturing process. Depending on how much exposure to direct sunlight, the colour can fade.
It is often difficult to replace just a section of aluminum siding because of colour matching – the colour is no longer available, the brand has been discontinued, etc. So the only viable options are to paint or to replace. Of course, painting is less expensive, but it still can be a bit pricey if you hire someone to do the painting for you or time-consuming if you DIY.
Loses its Good Looks
Since the colour is applied to the surface as opposed to being a part of the composition of the siding panel, in addition to fading issues, aluminum siding can become chalky and dull over time. While it might still look good from a distance, exposure to the elements can give the siding the appearance of being viewed through fog or mist when up close and personal. This chalky condition doesn’t affect the integrity of the siding or its performance, but some homeowners prefer that the colour remains crisp and clean.
Aluminum Siding can be Noisy
When it becomes very windy or during a heavy rainfall, aluminum siding can be noisy even if walls have been well-insulated. If something is loose such as a siding panel or a piece of aluminum soffit, it can sound very loud and become annoying quickly.
It’s not just active weather that can make your siding noisy. As temperatures rise during a summer day, aluminum siding expands slightly, then contracts in the evening as it cools off, producing ringing sounds.
Prone to Leaks
Aluminum siding can be prone to leaks when gaps form between the exterior wall and the back of the aluminum siding panel. As temperatures change from day to night or season to season, the natural contract-expansion cycle of aluminum can create gaps. Cleaning the siding in the spring with a garden hose or a strong wind that pushes rain or snow in behind the siding might cause leaks.
Not Energy-Efficient
If using eco-friendly materials on your home’s exterior is a priority for you, aluminum isn’t the most energy-efficient choice. Because metal conducts heat, during a hot sunny day it might cost you more to cool your house. And in winter, particularly if the insulation isn’t thick, aluminum siding absorbs heat, increasing your heating bill.
