Aluminum siding was first used for home cladding systems in the 1930s since it was affordable compared to other materials such as brick and wood. These building cladding materials became popular due to their durability and low-maintenance characteristics. Today’s aluminum siding panels offer other various benefits in the construction industry.
Why Use Aluminum Cladding?
Aluminum cladding panels are dent-resistant and inspect-proof construction materials. Additionally, panels that are made from metal are not flammable, so if you live in a region where brush fires are common, using metal cladding systems would be wise.
Modern aluminum siding manufacturers offer panels that do not require much maintenance. If you want to clean aluminum siding, an occasional power wash is all you should do.
Most manufacturers pre-paint aluminum siding panels, and the enamel finish on these cladding systems can last for 15 to 25 years without fading or chalking. If you take care of your siding, it will last more than fifty years.
The style of aluminum siding panels can be combined with beautiful wood patterns. Make sure to check our Wood Pattern ACM Panels.
Although most metal cladding systems are suitable for contemporary and industrial-style buildings, there are other ways that you can use them. For example, you can use them for soffits and roofs since they are durable.
Pros of Aluminum Siding Panels
Although you already understand that aluminum cladding systems are the perfect choice for modern buildings, you should also know their other primary advantages. Here are some of the main pros of aluminum siding panels:
Aluminum Siding Panels Cost
Aluminum sidings are one of the cheapest cladding systems available in the market. Generally, it costs about $2 per sq. ft, and the heaviest gauge is about $4 to $7 per sq. ft.
Aluminum siding panels are typically cheaper than 80% of other durable systems. Additionally, since these cladding panels are lightweight, the labor cost for their installation is lower.
Note: You can also remove one panel of the aluminum siding and replace it with a new one. Read our guide about:
Aluminum Claddings are Low-Maintenance
Cleaning aluminum claddings is extremely easy. It would be best if you rinsed the panels off about once a year to ensure no debris is stuck in the window sills.
Modern Aluminum Siding Panels and Energy-Efficient
Unlike other siding materials, aluminum panels are considered good insulators, and if you want your home to be perfectly insulated, you should opt for heavier gauge panels.
The energy efficiency of modern metal claddings will keep your interior warm during cold seasons and will not let the heat go out during cold seasons.
So, by installing aluminum siding panels, you can decrease your utility bills.
Metal Claddings are Environmentally Friendly
Modern aluminum siding panels are considered green home products. Aluminum siding is recyclable, and manufacturers can use recycled panels to produce new ones.
If you want to learn more about the recycling process, click the link: Recycle Aluminum Siding
Aluminum Panels are Waterproof and Do not Rust
If your home is located in a humid region, aluminum sidings are the best cladding systems for you. Modern metal claddings such as ACM panels do not rust or absorb water.
Additionally, aluminum does not swell in humidity and does not shrink in the heat.
Variety of Styles and Colors
One of the best benefits of aluminum siding panels is that manufacturers provide them in various textures, styles, and patterns. Some of them have metallic characteristics, some have wood textures, and others come with solid colors.
Metal panels come pre-painted in the baked-on color finish of your demands, or you can paint the siding panels yourself.
While most homeowners think of horizontal panels or planks when picturing the aluminum siding panels, these building facade systems are also available in vertical boards. This characteristic of metal siding panels gives architects the freedom to design any appearance that will match their preferences.
Aluminum Siding Panels are Insect Proof
Another benefit of aluminum panels is their insect-proof characteristics. Unlike wood or other traditional materials, these sidings are not susceptible to insect damage.
Fire-Resistant
Homeowners that live in areas that experience frequent brush fires are always under stress. However, they should choose metal cladding panels like aluminum sidings to prevent disasters.
Aluminum composite panels and sidings are non-flammable, which means they will not ignite. Additionally, they do not melt or burn. In the worst case, the paint finish will become scorched, but you can clean and repaint it easily.
The fire-resistant characteristic of aluminum sidings makes them a better construction material than vinyl. Additionally, the non-flammability of aluminum panels makes them a popular choice with insurance companies.
Note: Some insurance companies will discount you if you choose fire-resistant materials such as aluminum composite panels.
Aluminum Panels are Extremely Durable
Most manufacturers produce aluminum sidings from coil stock material which is obtained from recycled panels. These metal sidings are coated with certain chemicals that will prevent corrosion.
Then, aluminum siding suppliers and manufacturers bake the color on them with the final layer of color or texture you have chosen. So, these metal panels are strong and do not crack during their lifespan.
If you install and maintain your aluminum siding panels properly, they will last longer than 50 years. So, if you live in a part of the region that has extreme temperatures, aluminum or steel sidings are the better choices.
Note: Unlike other materials such as vinyl or wood, metal sidings will not crack and get brittle in winter or warp in scorching summers.
Cons of Aluminum Siding Panels
Although aluminum siding panels are beneficial construction materials, they have their drawbacks that you should know. However, we have provided a guide for buying quality aluminum sidings that don’t have all the disadvantages below.
Aluminum Panels May Dent and Scratch
Although aluminum is a flexible metal and manufacturers can fabricate them quickly, it is prone to dents and scratches. With this said, if you live in heavy traffic areas, you should expect to repair your sidings.
Small or big dents are repaired in the same way, and it needs to be done by a professional. The expert will drill a small hole in the center of the dented area and pull it out, followed by filling and sanding the hole. After your siding is repaired, you should paint it.
Repairing most metal sidings is challenging since once the panel’s color is faded, they are hard to be matched with others.
Note: If you want to avoid such dents and scratches, you should opt for heavy gauge aluminum siding panels.
Traditional Aluminum Siding Panels are not Good Sound Insulators
Metal panels expand and contract slightly with temperature change during a year. This expansion and contraction can create noise. Additionally, extreme wind loads can also produce an annoying sound. Rain and hail can sound loud on the surface of your traditional aluminum sidings.
The good news is that today’s metal cladding manufacturers produce modern aluminum siding panels that decrease the annoying noises. However, the best metal cladding systems in noise insulation are ACM panels.
Industrial Appearance
Although the texture and style variety has improved drastically in recent years, aluminum siding panels still look like metal. Some homeowners prefer a natural feel of wood or want their home to look more traditional. For such people, aluminum claddings are not suitable.
The cold feel of metal cladding is very obvious when you stand close to your building. However, current architecture requires modernity, and to provide contemporary designs, metal sidings are necessary.
Alternative Cladding Systems
Current metal panels and building cladding system manufacturers offer various materials for your house or business building. Here are some of the most popular alternative cladding systems that you should know. Make sure to read their differences with aluminum siding to choose the best material for your next project.
Another alternative is wood siding which is a traditional material for building cladding systems. Wood is only suitable for people dedicated to using natural components for their homes. Wood sidings are available in a wide array of profiles. However, the panels require regular and complex maintenance. Additionally, wood sidings are vulnerable to termites and insects.
Note: Building codes and regulations in some areas banned the wood siding usage since it can spread fire quickly.
Can You Paint Aluminum Sidings?
This is the question that most homeowners ask. The answer is yes. Actually, we recommend you paint your siding panels once in a couple of decades.
If you want to paint your metal sidings for a new look or repair project, you should prep the panels by removing all of the boards and creating a smooth surface.
If you want to learn more about painting aluminum sidings, make sure to click this link: How to Paint Aluminum Sidings.
