Best Brands for Aluminum Siding: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right siding for your home is a significant decision. It impacts your home’s curb appeal, protects it from the elements, and can even affect its energy efficiency. Among the various siding materials available, aluminum siding stands out for its durability, affordability, and low maintenance. However, not all aluminum siding is created equal. Selecting the right brand is crucial to ensure you get the best performance and longevity. This comprehensive guide will delve into the top aluminum siding brands, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and key features to help you make an informed decision.

Why Choose Aluminum Siding?

Before we dive into the best brands, let’s briefly discuss why aluminum siding is a popular choice for homeowners. Aluminum siding offers several advantages:

Durability: Aluminum is a resilient material that can withstand harsh weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy rain, and snow. It’s also resistant to pests like termites and rodents, ensuring long-term protection for your home.

Low Maintenance: Unlike wood siding, aluminum doesn’t require frequent painting or staining. It’s also resistant to rot and decay, minimizing maintenance needs. A simple wash with soap and water is usually sufficient to keep it looking its best.

Affordability: Aluminum siding is generally more affordable than other siding options like wood or fiber cement. This makes it a cost-effective choice for homeowners on a budget.

Lightweight: Aluminum is a lightweight material, which makes it easier to install and reduces the strain on your home’s structure.

Recyclable: Aluminum is a highly recyclable material, making it an environmentally friendly choice for siding.

Fire Resistance: Aluminum is non-combustible, offering enhanced fire protection for your home.

However, it’s also important to consider some potential drawbacks of aluminum siding:

Denting: While durable, aluminum siding is susceptible to denting from impacts, such as hail or falling debris. Thicker gauges of aluminum offer better dent resistance.

Fading: Over time, the color of aluminum siding may fade due to exposure to sunlight. Choosing a high-quality finish with UV protection can help minimize fading.

Noise: Aluminum siding can be noisy in windy conditions, especially if it’s not properly installed.

Can Corrode: While aluminum is corrosion-resistant, it can corrode under certain conditions, particularly in coastal areas with salt air. Using a corrosion-resistant finish can help prevent this.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Aluminum Siding Brands

When selecting an aluminum siding brand, several factors should be taken into account:

Gauge: The gauge of the aluminum refers to its thickness. A higher gauge indicates a thicker and more durable siding. Common gauges for aluminum siding range from 0.019 inches to 0.024 inches. Thicker gauges offer better dent resistance and are recommended for areas prone to hail or severe weather.

Finish: The finish of the aluminum siding affects its appearance and durability. Common finishes include baked enamel, powder coating, and vinyl coating. Baked enamel is a durable and long-lasting finish that provides good protection against fading and weathering. Powder coating offers excellent scratch resistance and a uniform finish. Vinyl coating provides added insulation and a softer appearance.

Style and Color Options: Choose a brand that offers a wide variety of styles and colors to match your home’s architecture and personal preferences. Common styles include horizontal lap siding, vertical siding, and shake siding. Consider the color palette of your home and the surrounding landscape when selecting a color.

Warranty: A strong warranty is a good indicator of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. Look for brands that offer comprehensive warranties covering defects in materials and workmanship. Pay attention to the terms and conditions of the warranty, including any limitations or exclusions.

Price: Aluminum siding prices can vary depending on the brand, gauge, finish, and style. Consider your budget and choose a brand that offers a good balance of quality and affordability. Get quotes from multiple contractors to compare prices and ensure you’re getting a fair deal.

Reputation and Reviews: Research the brand’s reputation and read online reviews from other homeowners and contractors. This can provide valuable insights into the brand’s quality, customer service, and overall satisfaction.

Installation: Proper installation is crucial for the performance and longevity of aluminum siding. Choose a reputable contractor with experience installing aluminum siding. Ensure the contractor is licensed and insured. Get multiple bids and check references before hiring a contractor.

Top Aluminum Siding Brands

Now, let’s explore some of the top aluminum siding brands available on the market:

Alcoa (Gentek)

Alcoa, now operating under the Gentek brand for its siding products, has a long-standing reputation for quality and innovation in the aluminum siding industry. They offer a wide range of styles, colors, and finishes to suit various architectural styles and preferences. Gentek’s aluminum siding is known for its durability, low maintenance, and attractive appearance. They offer several product lines including:

Sequoia Select: Known for its realistic wood-grain texture and exceptional durability. It offers a natural wood look without the maintenance requirements.

Board & Batten: A vertical siding option that adds visual interest and architectural detail to your home.

Traditional Lap: A classic horizontal siding style that is versatile and complements a variety of home designs.

Key Features of Gentek Aluminum Siding:

Durable Aluminum Alloy: Manufactured from high-quality aluminum alloy for superior strength and dent resistance.

Baked-on Enamel Finish: Features a baked-on enamel finish that provides excellent color retention and resistance to fading, chalking, and peeling.

Wide Range of Colors: Available in a wide range of colors to match your home’s architecture and personal style.

Low Maintenance: Requires minimal maintenance, simply wash with soap and water to keep it looking its best.

Limited Lifetime Warranty: Backed by a limited lifetime warranty for peace of mind.

Pros of Gentek Aluminum Siding:

Excellent durability and dent resistance.

Wide range of styles and colors.

Low maintenance requirements.

Strong warranty.

Cons of Gentek Aluminum Siding:

Can be more expensive than some other brands.

Limited availability in some areas.

Rollex

Rollex is a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial building products, including aluminum siding. They are known for their innovative designs, high-quality materials, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Rollex offers a variety of aluminum siding styles, including horizontal lap siding, vertical siding, and shake siding. Rollex is known for their commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.

Key Features of Rollex Aluminum Siding:

Durable Aluminum Construction: Manufactured from durable aluminum for long-lasting performance.

Textured Finish: Features a textured finish that provides a realistic wood-grain appearance.

Wide Color Selection: Available in a wide selection of colors to complement your home’s architecture.

Easy Installation: Designed for easy and efficient installation.

Limited Lifetime Warranty: Backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Pros of Rollex Aluminum Siding:

Durable and long-lasting.

Realistic wood-grain appearance.

Easy to install.

Strong warranty.

Cons of Rollex Aluminum Siding:

May not be as dent-resistant as some thicker gauges.

Color selection may be limited compared to some other brands.

Quality Edge

Quality Edge specializes in premium building products, including TruCedar steel siding that emulates the look of wood, and they also offer aluminum trim and accessories essential for a complete siding installation. While they don’t directly offer aluminum siding panels, their aluminum trim coil and accessories are highly regarded for their quality and durability. These components are crucial for achieving a professional and long-lasting aluminum siding installation, regardless of the primary siding panel brand chosen.

Key Features of Quality Edge Aluminum Trim and Accessories:

High-Quality Aluminum: Manufactured from high-quality aluminum for superior strength and corrosion resistance.

Wide Range of Colors: Available in a wide range of colors to match your siding.

Durable Finish: Features a durable finish that resists fading and chipping.

Precision Manufacturing: Manufactured to exacting standards for a precise fit and finish.

Pros of Quality Edge Aluminum Trim and Accessories:

Exceptional quality and durability.

Wide range of colors.

Precise fit and finish.

Cons of Quality Edge Aluminum Trim and Accessories:

Higher price point compared to some other brands.

Not a direct aluminum siding manufacturer.

Mastic (Ply Gem)

Mastic, now part of Ply Gem, offers a diverse range of siding products, including vinyl and aluminum. While vinyl siding is their primary focus, they do offer aluminum options known for their affordability and decent performance. Mastic aluminum siding is a good choice for homeowners looking for a budget-friendly option.

Key Features of Mastic Aluminum Siding:

Affordable Price Point: One of the most affordable aluminum siding options on the market.

Decent Durability: Provides decent durability for the price.

Variety of Colors: Available in a variety of colors to choose from.

Low Maintenance: Requires minimal maintenance.

Pros of Mastic Aluminum Siding:

Affordable and budget-friendly.

Easy to install.

Low maintenance.

Cons of Mastic Aluminum Siding:

May not be as durable or dent-resistant as some higher-end brands.

Color selection may be limited.

Revere Building Products

Revere Building Products offers a range of siding options, including aluminum siding that provides a good balance of affordability and durability. Their aluminum siding is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and requires minimal maintenance, making it a popular choice for homeowners seeking a cost-effective and reliable siding solution.

Key Features of Revere Building Products Aluminum Siding:

Durable Construction: Made from quality aluminum that resists dents and damage from weather elements.

Low Maintenance: Easy to clean and requires minimal upkeep, saving time and money.

Variety of Styles and Colors: Available in various styles and colors to match different architectural designs.

Cost-Effective: Provides a good balance of price and performance, making it an economical choice.

Pros of Revere Building Products Aluminum Siding:

Good value for money.

Resistant to weather damage.

Easy to maintain.

Cons of Revere Building Products Aluminum Siding:

May not offer the same high-end aesthetics as more expensive brands.

Limited options compared to brands specializing solely in siding.

Installation Tips for Aluminum Siding

Proper installation is essential for the performance and longevity of aluminum siding. Here are some key installation tips:

Preparation: Ensure the wall surface is clean, dry, and free of any debris. Remove any old siding or trim. Repair any damaged areas of the sheathing.

Underlayment: Install a weather-resistant barrier, such as house wrap, to protect the sheathing from moisture. This will help prevent rot and mold growth.

Starter Strip: Install a starter strip along the bottom of the wall to provide a secure base for the first course of siding.

Overlap: Overlap the siding panels according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will ensure a watertight seal and prevent water from penetrating behind the siding.

Nailing: Use aluminum nails to avoid corrosion. Nail the siding loosely, allowing for expansion and contraction. Drive the nails straight and flush with the siding surface.

Trim: Install trim around windows, doors, and corners to provide a finished look. Use caulk to seal any gaps and prevent water infiltration.

Expansion and Contraction: Aluminum expands and contracts with temperature changes. Leave small gaps between the siding panels and trim to allow for this movement. This will prevent buckling and warping.

Professional Installation: For best results, hire a professional contractor with experience installing aluminum siding. A professional installer will have the tools and knowledge to ensure a proper and long-lasting installation.

Maintaining Your Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding is relatively low-maintenance, but regular cleaning and inspection can help extend its lifespan and maintain its appearance. Here are some tips for maintaining your aluminum siding:

Cleaning: Wash the siding with soap and water at least once a year to remove dirt, dust, and mildew. Use a soft brush or sponge to avoid scratching the finish. For stubborn stains, use a mild detergent or a siding cleaner specifically designed for aluminum siding.

Inspection: Inspect the siding regularly for any signs of damage, such as dents, scratches, or corrosion. Repair any damaged areas promptly to prevent further deterioration.

Caulking: Inspect the caulking around windows, doors, and corners and re-caulk as needed to prevent water infiltration.

Vegetation: Trim any trees or shrubs that are touching the siding to prevent scratches and moisture buildup.

Mildew Removal: If you notice mildew growth on your siding, use a solution of water and bleach to remove it. Be sure to rinse the siding thoroughly after cleaning.

Professional Maintenance: Consider hiring a professional siding cleaning service for a thorough cleaning and inspection. They can identify and address any potential problems before they become major issues.

Aluminum Siding vs. Other Siding Options

Aluminum siding is just one of many siding options available to homeowners. Here’s a brief comparison of aluminum siding with other popular siding materials:

Vinyl Siding: Vinyl siding is another popular choice for its affordability and low maintenance. It’s generally less expensive than aluminum siding, but it’s also less durable and more prone to fading. Vinyl siding is also susceptible to cracking in cold weather.

Wood Siding: Wood siding offers a natural and attractive appearance, but it requires more maintenance than aluminum siding. Wood siding needs to be painted or stained regularly to protect it from the elements. It’s also susceptible to rot, decay, and insect damage.

Fiber Cement Siding: Fiber cement siding is a durable and low-maintenance option that mimics the look of wood. It’s more expensive than aluminum siding but offers excellent resistance to fire, pests, and rot. Fiber cement siding is also heavier than aluminum siding, which can increase installation costs.

Steel Siding: Steel siding is a durable and long-lasting option that is resistant to dents, fire, and pests. It’s more expensive than aluminum siding but offers superior strength and longevity. Steel siding is also heavier than aluminum siding, which can increase installation costs.

Brick Siding: Brick siding is a classic and durable option that requires minimal maintenance. It’s one of the most expensive siding options, but it offers excellent protection from the elements and can last for centuries. Brick siding is also very heavy, which can require additional structural support.

Conclusion

Choosing the best aluminum siding brand for your home requires careful consideration of several factors, including durability, style, color options, warranty, price, and reputation. By researching different brands and comparing their features, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and budget. Remember to also consider the importance of proper installation and maintenance to ensure the long-term performance and appearance of your aluminum siding. With the right brand and proper care, aluminum siding can provide years of reliable protection and enhance the curb appeal of your home.