When it comes to home exterior options, aluminum and vinyl siding are two popular choices that offer durability and aesthetic appeal. Homeowners often find themselves weighing the benefits of each material against factors like cost, maintenance requirements, and longevity. Vinyl siding typically costs $4-$8 per square foot installed, while aluminum ranges from $3-$6 per square foot. Both materials have distinct advantages: aluminum offers excellent fire resistance and recyclability, while vinyl provides superior insulation and color retention. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which siding option aligns best with your budget, climate considerations, and aesthetic preferences.
Aluminum siding emerged as a popular housing exterior option in the mid-20th century, peaking in the 1970s before vinyl began dominating the market. Made from aluminum coil stock, this siding is factory-finished with baked-on enamel paint that provides lasting protection. Standard aluminum siding thickness ranges from 0.019 inches for residential applications to 0.024 inches for premium or commercial installations.
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Available in horizontal and vertical panels, aluminum siding comes in various styles including traditional lap, Dutch lap, and board and batten designs. The material offers exceptional durability against harsh weather conditions and doesn’t crack or become brittle in extreme cold. Modern aluminum siding systems have significantly improved from earlier versions, featuring better paint finishes and insulated backing options that enhance energy efficiency.
Overview of Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding, introduced in the late 1950s, is made primarily from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. Today, vinyl accounts for approximately 30% of the exterior cladding market for new homes in the United States, according to the Vinyl Siding Institute. The material has seen significant technological improvements over the decades, resulting in products with better impact resistance, color retention, and overall performance.
Modern vinyl siding comes in various thicknesses, typically ranging from 0.040 to 0.046 inches, with premium products offering greater thickness for enhanced durability. Available in countless colors and stylesâincluding traditional lap, Dutch lap, vertical panels, and decorative shakesâvinyl provides versatility for different architectural styles. Many manufacturers now offer insulated vinyl siding, which includes a layer of foam backing that improves energy efficiency and impact resistance.
Price Comparison
Vinyl siding generally costs between $2-$7 per square foot for materials alone, while aluminum siding materials typically range from $2-$5 per square foot. This price variation depends on quality, thickness, and style options. Premium insulated vinyl siding can reach up to $10 per square foot for materials, while high-end aluminum with specialized finishes may cost similarly.
For an average 1,500 square foot home exterior, vinyl siding materials would cost approximately $3,000-$10,500, while aluminum materials would run about $3,000-$7,500. These estimates exclude installation costs, trim pieces, and accessories like soffit and fascia materials, which can add 10-20% to material costs.
| Siding Type | Material Cost (per sq ft) | Material Cost (1,500 sq ft home) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Vinyl | $2-$3 | $3,000-$4,500 |
| Premium Vinyl | $4-$7 | $6,000-$10,500 |
| Insulated Vinyl | $6-$10 | $9,000-$15,000 |
| Economy Aluminum | $2-$3 | $3,000-$4,500 |
| Premium Aluminum | $4-$5 | $6,000-$7,500 |
Installation Costs
Installation costs significantly impact the total project expense for both siding types. Professional installation for vinyl siding typically runs $2-$4 per square foot, while aluminum installation costs $1-$3 per square foot. Aluminum often requires less labor cost because it’s generally faster to install, though this can vary based on project complexity.
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For a 1,500 square foot home, expect vinyl siding installation to cost $3,000-$6,000 and aluminum installation to range from $1,500-$4,500. Factors affecting installation costs include:
- Removal and disposal of existing siding ($1-$3 per square foot)
- Repairs to underlying structure ($2-$4 per square foot of affected area)
- Home height and accessibility (second story installation typically costs 20-30% more)
- Regional labor rates (varies by location)
- Complexity of design (homes with multiple gables, corners, or trim details cost more)
Total project costs (materials and installation) for a 1,500 square foot home typically range from $6,000-$16,500 for vinyl and $4,500-$12,000 for aluminum. These estimates represent national averages, with significant regional variations.
Pros and Cons of Aluminum Siding
Advantages of Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding offers exceptional fire resistance and doesn’t burn or contribute to flame spread. This non-combustible material provides an added safety benefit for homeowners in wildfire-prone areas. Additionally, aluminum is 100% recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice when it eventually needs replacement.
The material resists damage from insects, won’t rot, and stands up well to harsh weather conditions. Modern aluminum siding can last 40+ years with proper maintenance. It’s also lightweight, making installation relatively straightforward and reducing structural load compared to heavier siding materials.
Disadvantages of Aluminum Siding
The primary drawback of aluminum siding is its susceptibility to denting from impacts. Hailstorms, falling branches, or even a misthrown baseball can create permanent dents that are difficult to repair. Over time, aluminum’s factory-applied finish can fade, chalk, or wear away, typically requiring repainting every 5-10 years.
Aluminum conducts heat and cold, making it a poor insulator unless paired with insulation backing. The material can also create more noise during rain or hailstorms compared to vinyl. Replacing damaged sections can be challenging, particularly for older installations, as matching the exact color of weathered aluminum is often difficult.
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Siding
Advantages of Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding’s most significant advantage is its color-through manufacturing process, which means scratches don’t show and the color won’t peel or flake. Modern vinyl formulations offer excellent fade resistance, with premium products often carrying lifetime warranties against significant color change. The material requires minimal maintenanceâtypically just annual cleaning with soap and water.
Vinyl provides better insulation value than aluminum, and insulated vinyl siding offers even greater energy efficiency. Installation is relatively straightforward, with various DIY-friendly systems available. The material is also highly versatile, with manufacturers offering numerous colors, textures, and profiles to suit different architectural styles.
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Disadvantages of Vinyl Siding
Vinyl’s primary weakness is its vulnerability to extreme temperatures. In very cold weather, vinyl can become brittle and crack upon impact. During intense heat, particularly with darker colors, vinyl can warp or sag. While modern formulations have improved these issues, they remain considerations in regions with temperature extremes.
From an environmental perspective, vinyl is petroleum-based and not easily recyclable. When exposed to fire, vinyl can release potentially harmful compounds. Lower-quality vinyl products may also fade significantly over time, especially when exposed to intense sunlight. Very thin, economy-grade vinyl can appear flimsy and may not hold up well long-term.
Best Brands for Aluminum Siding
Gentek Building Products stands out as a leading aluminum siding manufacturer, offering products like the Concord and Fairweather lines that feature durable finishes and multiple color options. Their aluminum siding is available in various profiles and comes with warranties ranging from 35 years to lifetime limited coverage.
Rollex Corporation provides high-quality aluminum siding systems with their Horizon series featuring thicker 0.024-inch profiles for enhanced durability. Their products include specialized paint systems resistant to chalking and fading. Quality Edge offers innovative aluminum siding solutions with their TruCedar Steel Siding providing the appearance of cedar with aluminum’s durability, protected by their proprietary TRINAR® finish carrying a 35-year warranty.
Alsco remains one of the few companies still specializing primarily in aluminum siding, with their Classic and Horizon series offering traditional profiles and solid warranties. For replacement needs, Alside provides matching components for existing aluminum siding installations, an important consideration for partial repairs.
Best Brands for Vinyl Siding
CertainTeed leads the vinyl siding market with their premium Monogram and Cedar Impressions lines, offering thicknesses up to 0.046 inches and their exclusive PermaColor⢠system that provides exceptional fade resistance. Their products carry some of the industry’s most comprehensive warranties, including lifetime coverage for the original homeowner.
James Hardie, though primarily known for fiber cement, offers the Artisan luxury vinyl siding line featuring authentic wood-grain textures and superior thickness. Mastic by Ply Gem provides excellent value with their Structure EPS insulated siding that offers enhanced R-values and impact resistance, backed by a limited lifetime warranty that includes fade and hail protection.
Royal Building Products excels with their Celect Cellular Composite siding, which bridges the gap between traditional vinyl and premium materials, offering exceptional durability and authentic wood appearance. Alside’s Prodigy insulated vinyl siding delivers outstanding energy efficiency with its 1.5-inch thick foam backing, providing an R-value up to 3.5 and exceptional rigidity that helps prevent warping.
Which Siding is Right for You?
Climate considerations should significantly influence your siding choice. Vinyl performs better in moderate climates but may be problematic in extreme heat or cold. Aluminum handles temperature extremes well but offers less insulation value unless backed with foam insulation. In coastal areas, properly finished aluminum resists salt spray better than vinyl.
Budget constraints often favor vinyl for initial cost, but aluminum’s longevity might provide better long-term value in some situations. Maintenance preferences should also factor inâvinyl requires minimal upkeep while aluminum may need repainting every 5-10 years. Both materials offer extensive style options, though vinyl currently provides more variety in textures and profiles.
Environmental concerns might lead environmentally conscious homeowners toward aluminum for its recyclability, despite vinyl’s improving ecological footprint. Local building codes and homeowner association regulations may limit your options in some areas, particularly in historic districts where specific siding types may be required or prohibited. Consulting with several qualified contractors about your specific situation will help ensure you make the best choice for your home.