When considering the exterior of your home and possible options, you may find yourself unsure as to whether to go with a vinyl or aluminum siding. While in appearance you may find that both are similar and can be ordered to look exactly how you envision your home, it is important to understand the difference between vinyl and aluminum siding, so you’re able to make a well-informed choice that doesn’t just help create a home which looks nice, but also functions well and works best for your environment and lifestyle.
Thickness
The first difference you’ll find between vinyl and aluminum siding is the thickness. Vinyl siding is a plastic material that ranges in thickness from .040 – .046, while aluminum siding is a formed material with a much less dense thickness of 0.19 on average, according to Do It Yourself. This gives vinyl siding an advantage in terms of durability, given the fact its thickness is generally twice that of aluminum. However, due to its material, vinyl siding does become more brittle during the cold winter months, and also experiences fluctuation in greater quantities than aluminum siding, which retains the same properties year round, despite changes in climate.
Texture
The second major difference between vinyl and aluminum siding is the texture. Vinyl siding is a solid color and does not require any additional treatments. Aluminum siding on the other hand is painted. For homeowners who like to change the color of their house, this is an excellent choice as aluminum siding is cost efficient and capable of being painted easily. This does mean that it will fade over time, though, and therefore requires more general maintenance to keep its sheen and appearance than vinyl siding.
Ease of Installation
Another advantage to aluminum siding is its ease of installation. The fact that aluminum siding is lighter than vinyl makes it much easier to transport and install. Although most homeowners generally enlist the expertise of a professional contractor to install their siding, those who are planning on doing the job themselves may want to consider the amount of work and physical labor involved and compare the amount that will required depending on the size of the house.
The second advantage to aluminum siding is that it is fire proof as well as water proof, which means that homeowners have no need to be concerned over fire or any rain damage, wood rot or termites. However, it doesn’t have the modern look of vinyl siding so those who are looking for a more recently updated style for their home may want to consider vinyl instead.
Related Resource: How To Install Siding
According to Cornerstone Ecaxteriors, while both are durable, the main difference between vinyl and aluminum siding comes down to durability and required maintenance. Vinyl siding is overall more long lasting and requires less upkeep, but aluminum siding is more equipped for a variety of harsh conditions and can also be changed frequently, albeit still retaining a rather old-fashioned style. When making a final decision, it’s most important to consider the look you want your finished home to have, the climate and general conditions that the exterior of your home are exposed to, as well as the amount of time and money that will be available for future maintenance. Knowing the major differences, it should be easy to make a well-informed selection on a type of siding that fits your lifestyle, environment, and budget.
