If your aluminum siding is faded, chalky or dented, you have two choices: repair it or replace it. In many cases, it makes more sense to replace aluminum siding with vinyl, because aluminum is hard to patch and nearly impossible to color match, while vinyl is low-maintenance and never needs paint. Here is how the two compare so you can decide what is right for your house.
Why So Many Homes Have Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding was popular in the middle of the 20th century, and plenty of Connecticut houses still have it. Homeowners chose it because it cost less than wood and was relatively easy to maintain.
Since then, more and more homeowners have moved to vinyl siding because it is low-maintenance, does not need to be painted and is inexpensive.
Problems With Aluminum Siding
Fading and Chalking
Aluminum siding fades over time and can develop a chalky surface after years of exposure to the weather. If you replace one faded section, the new piece will be very hard to match. That can leave the house with two different colors, or force you to replace all of the siding just to get a uniform look.
Dents Are Hard to Fix
Aluminum dents, and repairing a dent is real work. The usual method is to drill through the dent, pull it out, then patch and paint the spot. If several sections are dented, for example after a hail storm, the labor adds up quickly.
When to Replace Aluminum Siding With Vinyl
Homeowners choose vinyl siding for several reasons. It is easy to maintain and only needs to be cleaned from time to time. It does not need to be painted, which saves time and money over the years.
Vinyl stands up well to the elements and can resist fading and damage from impacts. Paired with insulation, new siding can also help your home hold warm air in winter and cool air in summer, and it can keep the house quieter than aluminum siding does.
Replacement tends to be the better choice when the fading is widespread, when there are many dents, or when you are tired of repainting. A small, isolated repair on siding that is otherwise in good shape may be worth trying first.
Other Exterior Updates to Plan at the Same Time
A house with original aluminum siding often has other parts from the same era. If you are changing the siding, look at what else is due.
Old single-pane or aluminum-frame windows leak far more energy than the walls do. Installing vinyl replacement windows around the time of a siding project lets the trim and colors be planned together.
The front entrance is the other place where age shows. A new entry door and an updated door canopy in place of a dented old aluminum one can change the whole look of the house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can aluminum siding be painted instead of replaced?
Yes, aluminum siding can be cleaned and repainted, and that can refresh a faded house. Paint will not fix dents, and it will need to be redone in the future.
Is vinyl siding easier to maintain than aluminum?
Generally, yes. Vinyl does not need painting and usually needs only an occasional wash.
Can one damaged section of aluminum siding be replaced?
It can, but matching the faded color of the surrounding siding is difficult, so the repair often stays visible.
Talk to Us About the Rest of Your Exterior
A siding contractor can tell you whether your aluminum siding is worth repairing. For the windows, doors and canopies that go with it, Aladdin Inc has been helping Connecticut homeowners make their homes more attractive and energy efficient since 1949. Reach out for an estimate or call (203) 776-9996.