What is Aluminum Siding?
Aluminum siding is one of several types of planking materials available to cover a home for the purpose of protection and insulation. The most common types of siding are wood, aluminum, and vinyl. In the United States prior to World War II, wooden siding was the primary type used for homes. Post-war America saw a boom in aluminum products as the metal was no longer needed for combat purposes. Along with metal cans and cookware, aluminum siding became commonplace. Today, vinyl is by far the most popular choice for siding, with an approximate 80% market share. Aluminum is most commonly used today in trimming, as it can be easily bent to the desired size and shape. The majority of new home siding installation involves vinyl siding with aluminum trim pieces. The advantages provided by aluminum siding are durability and insulation. When compared with vinyl siding, metal has a slight edge on both counts, particularly in cold weather climates. Of course, this effect can be decreased if there
Many people believe that aluminum siding and vinyl siding are one and the same, but this is not the case. Aluminum siding is, of course, made from aluminum, which is the same lightweight metal used to make soda cans. It has the same appearance as vinyl siding, which is a series of horizontal extruded panels that overlap each other. In fact, it is difficult to tell whether a house has aluminum siding or vinyl siding at a glance. There are many different types of aluminum siding available on the market. You can find unfinished aluminum siding that can be painted, as well as factory-baked colors and textures in a wide variety of options. The most common size is a length of twelve feet, six inches, but aluminum siding is also available in panels of either 12 by 36 or 12 by 48 inches that simulate cedar shakes, another popular home exterior covering.
