
Protective siding for your home
In the 1930s, a businessman from Indiana invented aluminum siding. By the 1940s and up until the 1970s, it has become the commonplace material for home siding. It was lightweight and installation was easy and fast. It was the next best thing to slice bread.
By the 1970s, other materials were being introduced and aluminum siding’s popularity began to wane. Today, it is still available and popular, but with different products on the market that are at or near the price point and ease of installing, the Pros and cons of aluminum siding have made it not as popular and well-desired as the other materials. Here, we offer a discussion as to why American’s have chosen Aluminum siding vs vinyl siding over the years.
- Requires Repainting: Aluminum siding has to be repainted every ten years and vinyl siding, the biggest competitor in siding, is resistant to the oxidization that aluminum siding experiences. That oxidization must be removed before the professional aluminum siding painter can paint it, which is a labor intensive step. Vinyl siding can be installed and with occasional soft power washing, it can be forgotten.
- Out of Style: Homeowner’s today aren’t finding the charm and aesthetics of aluminum siding today as they did in the earlier years. Because of the industrial appearance, aluminum siding today is more likely to be visualized on barns and sheds, not homes. There are other options available in siding materials today that blend in with modern communities and appearances.
- Dents and Scratches: Aluminum siding is easily dented and scratched, leading to quick deterioration and unappealing appearance. Because the dents and scratches aren’t easily repaired, usually required replacement, this is considered a large disadvantage over the other types of siding that are available today.
Is aluminum siding good for a house?
For its downfalls and faults, you have to wonder Is aluminum siding good for a home, right? Every home needs some form and style of siding, it provides aesthetics, a dynamic that makes a home complete and provides protection from the climate and elements. It is important to choose a siding that is the right style for your home because of the many different benefits and functions it offers.
Vinyl siding is made from a PVC material (polyvinyl chloride plastic resin) and the technology used in manufacturing it has improved greatly over the years. Some of the benefits of vinyl siding you can expect from having it installed on your home are:
- Less expensive compared to other popular options like brick, steel, stone, stucco, or engineered wood.
- Endless options in colors and textures that copy the look of cedar shake or other siding choices.
- Element strong, able to withstand hail, high wind, humidity, rain, and air pollution. The construction of PVC material has proven to be one of the most durable in the construction industry.
- Insect resistance makes aluminum siding more durable than wood siding along with the moisture resistance it offers, eliminating the threat of structural damage. It doesn’t corrode or rust like other metal type sidings.
- Easy to care for, aluminum siding doesn’t require the time-consuming for maintenance and upkeep of other siding materials.
- Provides a layer of insulation for your home, making it more energy efficient year round.
Which is better vinyl siding or aluminum siding?
This is a personal choice based on the style of your home and your budget. Homes in developed neighborhoods may have restrictions on building codes as well that can determine your choice between aluminum siding or vinyl siding.
The installation of aluminum siding includes the expense of having all old siding materials removed, but vinyl is a choice that is longer lasting and more superior. The energy efficiency and durability of vinyl siding gives it a lower cost overall with a higher ROI over the years.
Is it OK to paint aluminum siding?
Yes, with proper preparation, aluminum siding can be painted to look as good as it did new. It should be thoroughly cleaned and use only 100 percent acrylic latex paint product. Painting should not be done in direct sunlight because aluminum siding absorbs the heat and will dry unevenly.
Is it cheaper to replace aluminum siding or replace it?
Vinyl siding is a more affordable siding material than aluminum siding in general, but there are higher-end versions of this product that cost as much as $2.00 per square foot. Aluminum siding can cost can run as high as $6.00 per square foot.

The More Popular Questions on Aluminum Siding:
If you’re going to make the investment, you want to know How long will aluminum siding last, right? Getting the most from your money is important no matter what the material and with aluminum siding that is properly cared for, you can expect up to 50 year lifespan. A great ROI for this product that will give your home a finished look.
So, can aluminum siding rust? No, but it will corrode. Aluminum siding that is scratched is noticeable immediately, giving it an unsightly appearance that exposes the metal underneath. However, it will not rust, it simply corrodes, requiring it to be painted promptly to keep it looking good. Call (651) 796-2341 today for your siding needs in St Paul, MN.