How To Tell The Difference Between Steel And Aluminum Siding

Steel and fiber cement.

How to tell the difference between steel and aluminum siding.

Aluminum siding is a formed material typically 019 thick. What is the difference between vinyl and aluminum siding. Here s a short helpful article on how to tell the difference. If your siding is over 10 years old it will be very difficult to find a proper match.

In fact aluminum is completely waterproof and provides excellent home protection against moisture problems. Vinyl siding has a solid color while aluminum siding has a baked on the enamel paint finish. You can purchase either one in a variety of finishes and both products cost less than proprietary composite board siding. General differences between aluminum and stainless steel.

For homeowners who live in areas of extreme cold aluminum is a better choice than vinyl due to the fact that aluminum is not affected by extreme cold whereas vinyl can become brittle during severe cold snaps and can easily crack. What it does provide is superior protection to weather events like high winds or hail. Vinyl siding is an extruded plastic material. Aluminum siding and steel siding are both popular materials for residential construction.

Vinyl and aluminum siding colors fade so over time so even if you are able to locate the manufacturer the colors will probably not match. Aluminum siding costs range up to 7 per square foot installed. Both steel siding and fiber cement siding are renowned for their longevity toughness and resilience while still working beautifully as residential cladding. However telling the difference between aluminum and stainless steel can be very challenging especially when you re out in the field without a ton of tools to help you in identifying different metals.

Homeowners searching for the most durable exterior siding often end up torn between two major materials. And 30 years of service. The drawback to steel siding is that it may not be available in the same number of styles and colors as vinyl or aluminum. Unlike steel siding aluminum does not rust.

It usually ranges in thickness from 040 046. Although both are high performance options you might find that when it comes to the steel versus fiber. Steel siding doesn t absorb moisture like other siding materials do as it s non porous so the panels won t freeze or crack. No matter how low the temperatures get steel siding will stand up to the cold.

Steel siding offers excellent protection and the best durability. However there are differences to consider when purchasing aluminum or steel siding. It is stronger and harder than aluminum and can better withstand hailstorms and low velocity impacts. I was told you could use a magnet.

The largest manufacturer of aluminum siding was alcoa. Is there an easy way to tell if you have aluminum or steel siding. Steel siding is a great alternative to both aluminum or vinyl.