Steel vs. Aluminum Siding: Comparing Exterior Siding Materials
When selecting the perfect siding for your home, the decision goes beyond aesthetics. The right siding plays a critical role in your home’s durability, energy efficiency and long-term maintenance needs. With so many options available, steel and aluminum stand out as two popular siding materials, each offering unique benefits and characteristics.
From cost considerations and maintenance requirements, this guide explores the key differences between steel and aluminum. Whether you’re looking to boost your curb appeal or maximize its resilience against the elements, here’s how to decide between steel and aluminum siding.
The Essentials of Steel and Aluminum Siding
Metal siding has become a popular choice for homeowners — and for good reason. Materials like steel and aluminum siding combine durability, modern aesthetics and low maintenance, but each material caters to different needs and preferences.
Steel Siding
Steel siding is known for its durability and strength, making it a reliable choice for homes in areas with extreme weather.
Composed of galvanized or coated steel, it resists fire, rust, pests and physical damage, offering long-term protection. Its sleek finishes, including wood-grain textures, suit contemporary and industrial aesthetics.
On the downside, steel’s dense composition makes it heavy, requiring professional installation. This can potentially increase labor costs.
Aluminum Siding
Because it is highly rust- and corrosion-resistant, aluminum siding is ideal for homes in coastal or humid climates.
Made from lightweight aluminum sheets with protective coatings, it offers excellent energy efficiency compared to alternatives like vinyl and comes in various colors and finishes to match different styles.
Affordable and easy to install, it’s a popular option for budget-conscious homeowners. However, aluminum is softer than steel, making it more susceptible to dents and scratches.
A Head-to-Head Look at Aluminum vs. Steel Siding
Before choosing between aluminum and steel siding, you’ll need to weigh their features and benefits. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of these metal siding options, highlighting their strengths, drawbacks and ideal applications.
Durability
Steel: Steel siding is known for its exceptional strength. Its robust composition protects it from impact damage, such as dents or cracks, ensuring it maintains its structural integrity over time.
Aluminum: Lightweight and naturally corrosion-resistant, aluminum siding is a great option for wet environments as it is designed to endure the conditions with ease.
Maintenance
Steel: Steel’s low maintenance qualities make it an attractive choice to homeowners. No special on-site finishing materials, like caulk or sealant, are needed, and homeowners can clean it by simply hosing it down.
Aluminum: Aluminum siding requires little upkeep and resists dents and scratches. Its protective polyester finish also helps reduce ongoing maintenance efforts and costs.
Weather Resistance
Steel: Steel siding is ideal for homes in climates that experience extreme weather, withstanding heavy wind, snow, hail and rain. It is not susceptible to chipping from weather events, giving homeowners peace of mind that their siding can endure storms.
Aluminum: Aluminum can withstand minor hail storms and other high-impact weather conditions, offering durable protection.
Energy Efficiency
Steel: Steel siding offers limited natural insulation but can be paired with foam backing or other insulation materials to improve energy efficiency. Its heavier composition provides some thermal stability, which helps reduce heat transfer.
Aluminum: While aluminum lacks inherent insulation, it can also be combined with additional layers for improved thermal performance.
Aesthetic Options
Steel: Steel siding comes in various finishes, including smooth, textured and wood-grain patterns. It’s available in a broad range of colors, offering a sleek and modern look that complements contemporary and industrial designs.
Aluminum: Aluminum siding provides versatile aesthetic choices with an extensive color palette and smooth or embossed finishes.
Cost
Steel: Steel siding typically comes with a higher initial cost due to its strength and durability, and its heavier weight can increase installation expenses. However, its long lifespan and low maintenance needs offer excellent long-term value for homeowners.
Aluminum: Aluminum siding is generally more affordable upfront and easier to install, reducing labor costs. While it may require occasional dent repairs, its rust resistance and durability make it cost-effective over time.
Sustainability
Steel: Steel siding has a high environmental impact during production due to energy-intensive processes. However, this material is 100% recyclable, making it an eco-friendly choice for reducing waste at the end of its lifecycle.
Aluminum: While aluminum production has a significant environmental footprint, aluminum is a highly recyclable product that can be reused many times. Plus, its rust resistance ensures longevity, further contributing to sustainability.
Security
Steel: As a dense and tough material, steel offers enhanced protection against physical threats such as intruders or flying debris during storms. Its solid structure makes it harder to breach, adding an extra layer of defense.
Aluminum: Aluminum, while lighter, still provides security by resisting corrosion and environmental damage, maintaining its structural integrity over time. Aluminum siding can contribute to a safer home by reinforcing the exterior against external elements and potential break-ins.
Noise Dampening
Steel: Because it is heavier, steel siding is more effective at reducing noise transmission from external sources, such as traffic or heavy winds. This contributes to a quieter, more comfortable indoor environment.
Aluminum: Aluminum siding provides some sound insulation but may not be as effective as steel in blocking noise. To enhance its noise-reducing qualities, aluminum can be paired with additional insulation to minimize sound transfer.
Fire and Pest Resistance
Steel: Steel is non-combustible, making it highly effective at preventing the spread of fire and providing added safety for homes in fire-prone areas. It’s also impervious to termites, rodents and other pests that can damage wood siding,
Aluminum: Aluminum is also fire-resistant and won’t contribute to flames or burning, providing an extra layer of protection. When it comes to pest resistance, aluminum is naturally resistant to corrosion, reducing the risk of damage from pests like ants or beetles that thrive in moist environments.
Aluminum Siding vs. Steel Siding: The Right Material for Your Needs
Deciding between aluminum and steel siding ultimately depends on your specific needs, preferences and climate. Both materials offer distinct advantages, but the right choice depends on your home’s location and what you prioritize in your siding.
Ready to make a decision? At Alsco®, we offer high-quality aluminum and steel siding to elevate your exterior. Explore our products today to find the best material for your home!