When choosing a siding material for your home, you want something that looks good and will last a long time. Aluminum siding and vinyl siding are the top two siding materials used for residential buildings. Aside from the obvious (one is made of metal, the other is a type of plastic), what is the difference between vinyl and aluminum siding?
Vinyl siding is made from a plastics formula with the colour “built-in.” Typically twice the thickness of standard aluminum siding panels, vinyl siding can act, not only as a weather barrier, but as a sound barrier as well. It is very durable. However, vinyl siding tends to expand and contract more than aluminum, which means in extreme conditions (too hot or too cold), it can split or crack. Relatively low maintenance, it is the most cost effective siding material on the market and is relatively easy to maintain.
Aluminum siding has a baked-on enamel paint finish. While it is more prone to dents and scratches, aluminum siding is easier to repair and paint. Aluminum siding does not expand and contact in fluctuating climatic environments like vinyl siding can. In general, aluminum siding has a sleek, modern look that is appealing to many homeowners. It is easy to maintain and can be painted if the colour becomes outdated, chipped or too scratched.
Even though an estimated more than 80 percent of siding being purchased is made of vinyl, both vinyl siding and aluminum siding are popular choices. While vinyl siding and aluminum each have their own disadvantages, these two types of siding are low maintenance, durable and resistant to rot and insect damage.
