Siding: Aluminum vs. Vinyl
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by Thomas Kral
As a contractor who installs siding, I am asked quite often "What is the
difference between vinyl and aluminum siding?"
Vinyl siding is an extruded plastic material. It usually ranges in thickness
from .040" - .046". Aluminum siding is a formed material, typically
.019" thick. Vinyl siding has a solid color, while aluminum siding has a
baked on enamel paint finish.
Vinyl siding is typically more durable than aluminum being that it is over
twice the thickness. Vinyl siding does become slightly brittle during the winter
time. Aluminum siding maintains the same properties year round despite the
temperature. Vinyl siding also expands and contracts in greater fluctuation than
aluminum siding.
As mentioned before vinyl siding has solid color, meaning even if scratched
the color won't change. Aluminum siding has the baked on enamel finish, if
scratched the paint will be removed and the bare metal below will be visible.
However due to the expansive properties of vinyl, aluminum siding takes paint
better if you ever decide to re-paint. It is not recommended to paint vinyl.
Aluminum siding has lost tremendous market share since the release of vinyl
siding. Some statistics report as much as 80% of all sidings installed are
vinyl. Aluminum siding is still very common for trim pieces because of its
flexible properties. It is very easy to custom bend an aluminum trim piece. All
vinyl has to be extruded or molded into shape.
In most situations it is recommended to install vinyl siding with aluminum
trim pieces. Overall vinyl is more durable, has solid color and is cheaper than
aluminum.
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