How To Tell The Difference Between Steel And Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding is a formed material typically 019 thick.

How to tell the difference between steel and aluminum siding.

It is immune to insects and offers an excellent long term value at 7 per sq. Vinyl siding is an extruded plastic material. What it does provide is superior protection to weather events like high winds or hail. Aluminum siding and steel siding are both popular materials for residential construction.

In fact aluminum is completely waterproof and provides excellent home protection against moisture problems. Steel siding offers excellent protection and the best durability. However there are differences to consider when purchasing aluminum or steel siding. Homeowners searching for the most durable exterior siding often end up torn between two major materials.

Is there an easy way to tell if you have aluminum or steel siding. Vinyl siding has a solid color while aluminum siding has a baked on the enamel paint finish. The drawback to steel siding is that it may not be available in the same number of styles and colors as vinyl or aluminum. It usually ranges in thickness from 040 046.

You can purchase either one in a variety of finishes and both products cost less than proprietary composite board siding. Unlike steel siding aluminum does not rust. Steel siding doesn t absorb moisture like other siding materials do as it s non porous so the panels won t freeze or crack. Steel also protects against moisture and rot and might be a better solution if you re in a wet climate that s prone to flooding.

I was told you could use a magnet. General differences between aluminum and stainless steel. I am not sure if they still produce aluminum siding. Steel and fiber cement.

Aluminum siding costs range up to 7 per square foot installed. 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. Although both are high performance options you might find that when it comes to the steel versus fiber. Steel siding is a great alternative to both aluminum or vinyl.

If your siding is over 10 years old it will be very difficult to find a proper match. No matter how low the temperatures get steel siding will stand up to the cold. 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. It is stronger and harder than aluminum and can better withstand hailstorms and low velocity impacts.

The largest manufacturer of aluminum siding was alcoa. And 30 years of service. Here s a short helpful article on how to tell the difference.