Submit our quick form and get quotes now!
4 min read
4 min read
Exterior renovationsThe Pros and Cons of Aluminum Siding
Aluminum cladding was used as early as 1920 for the construction of the Empire State Building. It remained popular until the 1970s. Nowadays, despite its great qualities, aluminum is one of the least popular options due to its cost, which is superior to that of other materials.
Aluminum has great inherent qualities. First and foremost, it is both very light and very durable. It has a lifespan of more than forty years and with a little bit of maintenance, it can last much longer than that. It is very resistant to rust and is non-combustible: contrary to many other wall cladding materials, it doesn’t burn and doesn’t melt.
It is waterproof and rot-proof, which means that is doesn’t decay, doesn’t develop mould and has nothing to fear about harmful insects like rodents and termites. This comes from the fact that it doesn’t contain any organic matter. Furthermore, aluminum cladding doesn’t absorb water and is stable when faced with variations in humidity.
Aluminum cladding is available in a wide array of finishes. Paint adheres well to this type of surface; therefore, it can be painted in an endless variety of colours. It is also possible to give it an anodized finish. Also: applying cooked enamel or wood grain on the surface can imitate the appearance of other materials and give a more traditional look.
Aluminum is expensive, both for purchase and for renovations. Since the manufacturing of aluminum requires large amounts of energy and raw materials, this type of exterior cladding is 15 to 20% more expensive than other materials from the same category.
For all these reasons, it is used almost exclusively for soffits, mouldings or flashings and rarely for exterior wall cladding. This means that other materials such as vinyl products, wood fibre, fibro-cement, acrylic coating, wood and brick are more popular.
Aluminum is also susceptible to damage. Moreover, the paint on this type of wall cladding will have to be re-applied every 5 to 10 years, because as time passes, small chips become visible because we can see the metal surface underneath. Restoring the paint will require you to remove any traces of oxidation, which takes a lot of time and makes things more complicated.
What is more, repairing and replacing certain pieces can turn out to be difficult. However, since it has plenty of great qualities; it is a great option for exterior wall cladding. Lastly, another important fact is that aluminum can be recycled, which means that this material can be used for an environmentally friendly home.
In the previous paragraphs, we have presented the pros and cons of aluminum cladding. This material is very popular because its benefits can be very interesting. Of course, some people will feel that the disadvantages are too important to ignore. It is up to you to determine whether this material meets your needs and if you find that the disadvantages will not bother you.
To ensure that the installation process of the material is completed according to the best practices possible, it is necessary to call on a specialist. Some contractors have gained a lot of experience with this type of siding and will be able to make sure the siding on the exterior walls is strong and durable. Do you have an installation or renovation project that involves aluminum siding? It is strongly advised that you entrust this task to a contractor.
On average, aluminum cladding costs between $4,50 and $12 per square foot.
Here are other articles about exterior siding that you may find interesting:
RenoQuotes.com will put you in contact with 3 reliable contractors for your exterior siding renovation project. Fill in the form on our homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will receive quotes from trusted professionals.
Last modified 2023-11-07
The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.
Cynthia Pigeon • 07 Nov 2023
Are you thinking about installing a commercial roof, but just aren’t sure what type of roofing you’ll need? Are you looking to renovate a commercial rooftop and need some additional information to make the best possible choice? Well, you've come to the right place! Keep reading to learn all about the different materials, features, benefits, and prices for commercial roofs.
RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023
Modern pavers are, without a doubt, a hit with regard to their elegant shape, most often polished finish, and beautiful shades that are both rich and refined.
N/A • 07 Nov 2023
Outdoor columns on the facade of your home add an element of originality and allure. Whether used for your landscaping, porch or walkways, incorporating columns into your design can have a lasting appeal. However, since these columns are outdoors, they are exposed to various forms of weather damage. Therefore, it’s important to know how to care for your outdoor columns.
RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023
Tankless water heaters warm up water on demand rather than ahead of time and storing it in a tank. Chances are that you might not have heard about this option, or are a wee bit familiar with it, so we’ll outline the pros and cons of this type of system for you.
Karine Dutemple • 07 Nov 2023
The budget allocated to a major renovation project can be as high as several thousand dollars and sometimes many more if the work is very large. This is why the price charged for them by the contractor responsible for your project is a central and determining aspect, which is subject to negotiation.