10 Benefits of Choosing Aluminum Siding for your Home

If you’re a homeowner, you know how important it is to make the right choices for keeping your home safe and comfortable. You also see the importance of protecting your property to the most significant possible degree. Your house is one of your most important investments, after all. Saving your home starts with the exterior. Many people don’t know where to begin with all the options for siding. Aluminum siding is a popular, practical choice, no matter the location of your home.

Aluminum siding has been popular since the 1930s. It has many advantages over other materials when it comes to durability, cost, and even aesthetics. Before making a final decision on whether aluminum will be the right siding for your home, there are a few details to consider.

Everyone should be mindful of exactly what the installation will consist of, including total cost, overall look, and process. You will also want to know what to do when you need to look for aluminum siding repair. To ensure you are as informed as possible before hiring contractors to install siding on your home, here are 10 of the most important benefits of aluminum siding:

1. It’s Incredibly Long-Lasting

Aluminum siding can last a long time. So long that many people may never need to replace their siding for the entire duration of their time in the home. Provided that the aluminum siding is appropriately installed and undergoes regular maintenance, it can last well over 50 years! On average, that’s about ten years more than wood or vinyl. Knowing that you won’t have to worry about replacing your siding can be incredibly reassuring.

Related article

5 Easy Tips to Plan and Budget for a Roof Remodel

Remodeling or replacing a roof can cost a pretty penny. That’s one reason why you should start planning early for a remodel. But how can you go about budgeting for it? Here’re 5 tips on how to best prepare and plan financially for a roof remodel…

2. It’s Completely Customizable

People who choose aluminum siding have many choices regarding the house’s look. The aluminum can be installed either vertically or horizontally, depending on what looks best for the house’s style. Most companies have a complete range of color options and customized trims and accessories, allowing for a virtually no-limit design process.

The material’s versatility also means companies can produce it to match other materials that may already be present on the home’s exterior, such as wood or stone.

Finally, people also have a choice on the thickness of the aluminum. The thinnest type available is called 40-gauge, which is 0.4 inches. The most popular option is the thicker 44-gauge, and the thickest type is the 53-gauge. This choice will provide the home with the most protection. With so many ways to customize the look of your aluminum siding, your home will always have excellent curb appeal!

3. The Non-Flammable Material Means More Safety

Aluminum is non-flammable, so it’s an excellent choice for areas that might be prone to dry weather and brush fires. Unlike wooden siding, aluminum won’t exacerbate a fire. Unlike vinyl, it will not emit toxic fumes when heated past a specific temperature.

Because of this and other safety factors of the aluminum, some insurers may also provide a break on home insurance costs. It’s a nice little perk that can save significant money in the long run.

Related article

12 Common Kitchen Layout Mistakes to Avoid

If you intend to stay in your home, but your kitchen doesn’t fit your lifestyle and add enjoyment to the time you spend there, it’s time for a renovation. Updating a kitchen takes a lot of planning, and it’s easy to overlook some crucial things—especially in the layout. Here’s a list of common kitchen layout mistakes and how to avoid them.

4. Installation and Materials are More Affordable

Out of all the available siding options on the market, aluminum is on the lower end of costs per square foot. On average, it is cheaper by about 80% compared to the other popular materials. Depending on the specific thickness and other choices, aluminum can cost nearly half the price of vinyl and much less than stone, wood, or stucco.

Thinner types of aluminum, such as 40-gauge, are usually available for less than $2 per square foot. Of course, the thicker, more durable versions have price points that can climb higher– about $7 per square foot. Since it is so light in weight, it is easy to transport and install. Contractors tend to charge less because of this.

People can even save money on removing their old siding since there are certain situations where installation can take place directly over the old material. That’s a massive advantage for jobs that need a quick turnaround.

5. Insulation Saves Money 

Aluminum siding is a strong insulator, especially the thicker gauges. It will help a home retain heat in the winter and keep heat out in the summer at a better rate than vinyl, saving the homeowner lots of money over time.

Related article

Points to Consider Before Choosing Roof Restoration

There are good reasons to consider restoration before committing to a replacement, but it’s not the best option in every situation. Factors such as cost, age, and condition can help to determine the right approach for your roof...

6. It’s Waterproof

Unlike a material such as wood, aluminum will not absorb any moisture. This is especially important for people who live near the coast or in areas with extremely high humidity and lots of rainfall. People can gain real peace of mind knowing that their siding will not rot away or allow moisture into the side of the house. No one wants to face a situation with costly water damage. As a bonus, it’s also resistant to rust.

7. Cold Weather will not Cause Damage

Aluminum will not become damaged or brittle in the cold weather, unlike vinyl which may crack in extreme temperatures. The aluminum can become affected by the heat, however, expanding to the point where it may cause pinging sounds. Overall, though, the extreme temperatures will not hurt the material.

8. Cleaning is a Snap

Maintenance on your aluminum siding could not be easier. Most years, it will require no more than an occasional power wash to remove some dirt and pieces of debris that may have gotten stuck between the joints of the panels. The sun can fade the colors over time, making it necessary to put on a paint job every decade or so.

Related article

10 Productive Activities You Can Do at Home to Stay Healthy

We all know the value of a healthy lifestyle, but in today’s fast-paced world, fitting wellness activities into the day can be a challenge. There're plenty of opportunities throughout the day to improve your health and wellness while getting things done. Here're the top 10 productive activities you...

9. It’s a Green Material

Aluminum siding is environmentally-friendly in two significant ways. First, it is 100% recyclable. When the siding eventually needs replacing, it will never hurt the environment by ending up in a dump and contributing to the world’s waste problem.

Many manufacturers even offer a product made from 100% recycled materials. The option allows the eco-conscious consumer a choice they can always stand by. Secondly, the insulation properties of aluminum allow homes to use less energy for heating and cooling in extreme temperatures.

10. It’s Resistant to Pests

Insects and other small critters cannot penetrate the barriers of aluminum siding, so it’s convenient for homes near areas with many trees and wildlife. The extra protection will be beneficial if a home is susceptible to carpenter ants and termites. Keeping these pests away will protect the house and keep it beautiful for a more extended period.

Related article

What You Can Do if Your Air Conditioner Breaks Before Selling Your House

Homebuyers expect to step into a perfectly temperature-controlled environment and be able to trust that the existing HVAC will continue to work for a while. So, if your A/C is not functioning when selling your house; here’re a few solutions that could help you sell your home quickly…

How to do a small repair of your aluminum siding 

Occasionally, you will need to seek aluminum siding repair for several reasons. Inexperienced homeowners will probably want to consult a trusted contractor for the best results. Still, there are a series of steps that handy folks can take for fixing dents, replacing sections with an aluminum siding patch, or repairing holes in the aluminum siding. This section discusses the process of replacing a piece of siding.

A. Remove the damaged part of the siding

You can use a sharp utility knife to cut and remove the damaged aluminum area carefully. People should always take great caution when cutting metal! A pair of thick gloves will be helpful for this part of the process, especially when dealing with the sharp edges exposed.

B. Measure and cut the new patch of siding

Cut the new aluminum patch a few inches thicker than the removed, damaged area to ensure the entire hole will be covered when you snap the repair into place. It should be able to overlap the panels on either side.

C. Use caulk or silicone to seal the new patch in place

Whether or not you need to remove the nailing strip on the patch, you will need to set the material into place. First, clean the area to make sure it is free of any dirt or debris. Then spread the silicone or the caulk to the back and press the patch into the hole.

Related article

What You Should Know About Repairing Duplex Roofing

When it comes to roofing, duplex homes or twin homes are among the most challenging to address. If the properties have two different owners, there are many factors that you need to consider to avoid getting into problems during roofing work. Here’re some tips that will help you with repairing duplex roofing…

D. Interlock the new patch into the existing siding

The design of aluminum siding allows it to interlock together on the top and the bottom, so you should lock the new patch into place on both ends. Some people will then apply duct tape to hold everything tightly in place as the caulk dries. It should be transparent when dry.

E. Wipe off any excess caulk and clean the patched area

By now, the damaged area should be looking as good as new. All it will take is a rag to remove some excess material and dirt. After cleaning, the patch will blend in with the rest of the wall and look as good as new!

Conclusion

There are so many reasons to choose aluminum siding for your home. From affordability to durability, to style, to protection, a modern homeowner can’t go wrong when choosing to protect with aluminum. These homeowners will enjoy the advantages and benefits for decades to come.

Sometimes in certain circumstances, it may be necessary to seek a professional aluminum siding repair company. There is an easy process in those instances, and plenty of professional contractors are ready to come to your home and get your job done quickly and efficiently.

Related article

Why You Must Hire an Insured General Contractor for Your Home Construction Project

If you decide to venture out on your own and have a custom built home with a custom home builder, do make sure you do your due diligence and find out as much as possible about your potential builder or in another word, your general contractor...