Aluminum Siding: The Favored Siding

Few materials match up to aluminum siding when it comes to cost, downsides, maintenance, and effectiveness. Aluminum siding truly is one of the longest lasting, most durable, cheapest materials to use when considering siding options. It is favored by the housing industry because of it low cost and few shortcomings.

Aluminum is a weather resistant as well as corrosion proof material. This means that it’s not going to rot or rust or fall apart after a few harsh winters. Compared to other materials that provide this unique function aluminum siding is a very cost effective siding material. Consider that it is almost completely customizable because it can be painted over and over again and it quickly becomes clear why aluminum siding has, over the past sixty years become the preferred siding material.

Aluminum Siding Downsides:

Aluminum siding is unfortunately, not an entirely perfect product. There are downsides to using it as a siding material. For instance, it is fairly easy to dent or scratch aluminum siding in the hands of careless or clumsy homeowners. What this means is that if you are currently using aluminum siding you’ll need to keep a can of touch up paint on hand and be extra careful whenever unique materials might touch the siding. Ladders are a good example. Most homeowners wouldn’t hesitate to toss a ladder up against the side of the house. With aluminum siding you’ll need to take extra care not to dent or scratch the surface with a ladder.

Another potential aluminum siding downside is its tendency to corrode over time. Typically this shortcoming is at the fault of the homeowner, as they haven’t properly maintained their aluminum siding. Regular cleaning, repairing any dents or scratches, and a new coat of paint every few decades or so will ensure that your aluminum siding won’t corrode.

Aluminum Siding Installation Tips

Aluminum Siding is a particularly easy material to install. You don’t need to be a seasoned contractor to properly install aluminum siding. This means increased savings for the average homeowner making it an even more enticing product.

• Plan ahead – Aluminum siding will expand anywhere from 1/16th to 1/8th of an inch in inclement weather. Plan ahead when you cut and measure your aluminum siding to account for the potential expansion.
• Install Proper Backing – Install foam board and a proper amount of furring to increase the insulation value and ensure a level and seamless installation of your aluminum siding.
• Use the Correct Nail Type – Use aluminum nails and don’t bolt them all the way in. Extra room is critical with aluminum siding because of its expanding properties in harsh weather.

Avoid these common installation mistakes and your aluminum siding will hold up for years to come up no matter the circumstances and situation.