Skip Aluminum Siding: There's An Alternative That Lasts 50 Years
If there are signs your siding is too old and you are looking to upgrade your home, deciding which direction to go can be a bit confusing. Siding is really important, and not just because it adds aesthetic appeal to a home. It protects your house against weather, damage, and insects. This means that taking your time to find the right siding is key.
On your siding hunt, you may be considering metal, and one popular choice is aluminum. It is durable, lightweight, and a comparatively cheap option. However, there are some disadvantages of aluminum siding to be aware of. Aluminum is a soft metal, and this means that the siding can be damaged easily. Heavy weather or physical impacts on the siding can cause dents and marks. This damage may just be cosmetic, but it can also affect the material's durability if it's substantial enough. For a stronger, long-lasting siding alternative to aluminum, you may want to consider steel.
Steel is a brilliant type of house siding to consider because, like aluminum, it is low-maintenance and easy to keep clean and looking good. However, unlike aluminum siding, it is tougher. While aluminum can get easily damaged from storms, steel stands strong. This means that it lasts longer, with steel siding lasting over 50 years in some cases.
Is steel siding right for you?
To determine if steel siding is right for you, you need to think about your budget, aesthetic, and climate. Steel siding does tend to cost more than aluminum for the material and installation, costing around $7 to $16 per square foot. Aluminum, on the other hand, costs around $6 to $10 per square foot installed. However, since aluminum is more susceptible to damage and repairs may need professional help, the costs can add up.
In terms of climate, it is important to note that steel is not that great for insulation and may rust over time if the finish is scratched away. If you live somewhere cold, you will need to consider what kind of insulation to use in your walls. This, of course, can add more up-front installation costs. But aluminum will also need these extra insulation layers.
Of course, one of the most important things to consider with steel siding is if you actually like the look of it. But don't think steel siding is only for rustic, agricultural vibes. Steel siding can look quite sleek and modern, and you can get steel siding that looks like wood, opening up options for the style of your house. You could even mix-and-match siding styles, incorporating wood patterns with silver- or white-colored steel siding as an accent to create a modern home that will stand out in your neighborhood for all the right reasons.