There are various kinds of metal siding that you can opt for when you are looking at practical siding choices. For many people, the only two options that make any sense are aluminum and steel sidings. Many people think of these two options as being essentially the same, but there are some important differences between them.
Steel vs aluminum siding is a very normal choice to have to make when it comes to siding for your build. If you want to be sure that you are selecting the right siding type, you need to keep reading to learn more about these two siding options that are durable and highly practical for buildings of all types as well as all shapes and sizes.
The Essentials About Steel and Aluminum Siding
Steel and aluminum siding are both practical and durable siding solutions for your property. Steel siding is known for its strength and is commonly favored in areas where tough weather is the norm each year. Aluminum siding is rust and corrosion-resistant, which makes it ideal for coastal climates or places where there is a lot of rain each year.
Steel and aluminum are both common options for practical siding for outbuildings, barns, and factories, but they can also be used for houses in areas where the weather is challenging. They also don’t need as much upkeep as some other siding types, which can be nice if you don’t want to have to deal with siding maintenance every few years. On the surface, these two materials might seem interchangeable, but there are some considerations that you might want to keep in mind when selecting one over the other.
Pros and Cons of Steel
Steel is very strong and it is perfect to withstand things like hailstorms and tough winters. Steel is fairly low maintenance, and it will not need a lot of upkeep each year. Steel is also highly energy efficient when paired with the proper insulation materials, which makes it a great choice if you deal with extreme cold in your part of the world.
Steel comes in many different finishes, which means that you can side your home in colorful siding, even if the siding is made of steel. Since steel needs so little maintenance, you will find that the beauty of the paint on your steel siding will hold up for years into the future. Steel is fire-resistant as well, which can be great if you are looking at building in an area where the annual fire season causes people to lose their homes.
The biggest downside of steel is that it is heavy, and therefore, it can be costly to purchase and install. If you are ordering your steel siding from a long distance away, shipping costs might be quite high. However, the lack of maintenance that this siding material needs and the ease with which it can be repaired often make up for your initial investment.
The other potential downside of steel is that steel does rust. If your paint or the caulking that protects rivets and screws should fail, you will have rusty siding to look at until repairs can be completed. If you leave the rust for too long, the siding that is impacted might need to be replaced.
Pros and Cons of Aluminum
Aluminum really shines in areas where moisture is a factor, such as coastal locations or places that get a lot of rain each year. That is because it will not rust and it is not likely to become brittle over time when exposed to the cold, either. Aluminum is light, which makes it lower in cost to buy and install than steel. It is also available in many unique colors, which means that you don’t have to settle for boring, metal-colored walls when you choose aluminum for your siding.
Aluminum can be paired with insulation to help with energy efficiency as well as sound dampening. You will also find that aluminum siding is resistant to most regular challenges that might impact your property due to the weather.
The downsides of aluminum are mostly related to the fact that it is more flexible than steel. Large hail or being hit by something heavy can leave dents or tears in aluminum. Aluminum is also less ideal when it comes to noise dampening, which can be a problem if you live by a busy road or if you are going to have to listen to heavy rain on a regular basis.
How to Make A Choice Between Aluminum and Steel Siding
At the end of the day, in many regions of the world, the choice of whether to use steel or aluminum siding comes down to personal preference. However, in some places, availability might limit your options. These are both highly practical choices and offer longevity as well as excellent performance, even in tough conditions.
Make sure to look at your budget and consider if you can afford to opt for siding that might be expensive to transport to your location. This is often the reason that people select aluminum over steel, but it may not be a consideration in your case.
Aluminum and Steel Siding Are Both Beautiful Long-Term Options
Aluminum and steel are both really great practical siding options that will hold up to years of weather challenges and life in general. You can trust both of these materials to resist damage and rust when properly installed and you will find that you can cut down on exterior home upkeep with ease if you make the choice to use a metal siding.
Aluminum and steel siding are becoming increasingly common for use in residential locations, so you should have access to this kind of siding even if you are living in a remote area. Choosing practical metal siding can be perfect for your needs for so many reasons, and you should make sure that you consider this kind of siding when you are planning out your home build.
