The Pros and Cons of Aluminum Siding

July 4, 2018

At one point, aluminum was perhaps the most common material used in siding for homes across the United States. But when the energy crisis of the 1970s hit and the price of raw aluminum soared while new material alternatives hit the market, aluminum siding began to take a backseat to vinyl and other materials.

However, there are still plenty of people who actively seek out aluminum siding, as it still does have its benefits and is offered by most siding contractors.

Here are some of the pros and cons of aluminum siding you’ll want to consider when analyzing your various options for siding materials in Dodge City, KS.

Pros

Here are a few of the biggest advantages of using aluminum siding on your home:

  • It’s lightweight: Aluminum is extremely easy to work with because of its light weight. This is one of the biggest reasons why it’s so frequently used in construction projects—it’s easy and light.
  • It does not rust: Aluminum makes sense as a siding material because it will not rust, meaning it’s capable of withstanding rain and snow for years without corroding and having its structural integrity weakened.
  • It adds waterproofing: When properly installed, aluminum siding adds some excellent waterproofing ability to a home, which means the rest of your home also gets further protection from the outdoor elements.
  • It’s recyclable: If going green with your siding choice is something you care about, you’ll be happy to know that aluminum is popular with ecologically minded consumers, as it is very “green” and can easily be recycled.
  • It can last for years: Aluminum siding can last anywhere from 25 to 40 years or even longer, depending on how well you maintain it.

Cons

Aluminum siding is not without its drawbacks. Here are a few examples of issues you’ll want to consider before making the choice to go with aluminum siding:

  • It is difficult to repair or replace: If the siding suffers any damage, it can be difficult to repair or replace it. This can be a problem, as it dents rather easily. It’s up to you, then, to figure out what level of denting you’re willing to live with in your siding.
  • The paint can oxidize: The paint finish is similar to the enamel on a vehicle, and will oxidize similarly over time. This means you’ll likely need to repaint it after 10 years or so, and removing that oxidization can be a lot of work.
  • Flaws are noticeable: Any scratches that form in the paint finish are very obvious to onlookers—similar, again, to scratches in the finish of a vehicle.
  • It might decrease home value: Aluminum siding is considered less desirable by today’s homebuyers, who by and large have embraced vinyl as the siding option of choice. This means it could potentially decrease the value of your home.

For more information about the pros and cons of aluminum siding, contact Wes-Kan Siding Windows & Doors and we’ll tell you about the various siding materials in Dodge City, KS we have available.

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