As a long-time homeowner you may recognize aluminum siding as a popular option for your exterior. However, over the last few decades, we have seen aluminum siding become less and less prevalent throughout the country. 


Furthermore, homeowners with aluminum siding are finding it increasingly difficult to locate a company with the required skills and materials for aluminum repairs. What led to the downfall of aluminum siding and is this truly the end of an era?


The short answer is yes. Aluminum siding has been on its way out for quite some time. The exterior material was most popular from the 1940s to the 1970s. Installation rates dropped dramatically when vinyl siding was introduced to the market, providing a lower maintenance alternative, that looks better and last longer.


Disadvantages of Aluminum Siding:


  1. Denting and Scratching. Aluminum siding is not flexible, making it easier than vinyl to dent and scratch under poor weather conditions.

  2. Fading. Aluminum siding finish is not baked onto the board, unlike many of today’s materials. For this reason, aluminum siding is susceptible to significant fading over time, making color-matched repairs close to impossible.

  3. Noise. Inclement weather such as rain, hail, or heavy winds can cause unwanted noise against the aluminum material, reverberating into your home. It’s already hard enough to sleep through a storm – why make it harder on yourself?

  4. Price. Aluminum siding is more expensive than the alternatives, such as vinyl. You will also incur additional costs for maintenance and painting over the years.

  5. Industrial Look. Aluminum siding can be limiting when it comes to design. The material has an inherently industrial look, making aluminum siding less versatile compared to other products on the market. Many homeowners favor materials that mock the appearance of real wood; with aluminum, this is not an option. On the other hand, this may be a valid choice for your industrial or commercial design.

  6. Installation. Technically, aluminum siding can be installed over your pre-existing siding. However, this is a practice as old as the material, and something to avoid. This practice eliminates any opportunity to look at the current state of plywood sheathing. Why pay for a brand-new exterior if the underlayment could be failing? The expert team at Burr Roofing, Siding, & Windows will always remove pre-existing siding to assess the state of house wrap and plywood, checking for rot and leaking. This attention to detail will save you time and money in the years to come.