Aluminum siding is an excellent option for homeowners who want to up their home’s protection from the elements while adding curb appeal.

Aluminum siding comes in various styles, some of which can mimic the appearance of much more expensive siding options.

Homeowners should weigh these advantages against material drawbacks before deciding if the aluminum siding is the way to go.

If you are ready to replace your current siding, contact your local siding pros for FREE ESTIMATES!

Can You Still Buy Aluminum Siding For Your House?

Homeowners can still buy aluminum siding today. However, the material isn’t as popular as it used to be. 

Aluminum Siding Average Cost

The average cost of installing aluminum siding ranges from $6,000 to $14,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home, with most homeowners paying around $9,000.

The total project cost depends on the home’s architecture and size and the quality of materials.

Aluminum Siding Cost Per Square Foot

On average, installing aluminum siding costs between $3 and $7 per square foot. 

This range refers to the most commonly used aluminum siding style: corrugated aluminum siding. 

However, homeowners who aren’t fond of the industrial appearance of this style can go for longboard aluminum siding.

This siding option is designed to mimic wood and gives your home a futuristic yet natural appeal.

Of course, it also comes with a significantly higher price tag.

Aluminum Siding Style	Average Material Cost per Square Foot	Average Labor Cost per Square Foot	Average Total Cost for a 2,000-Square-Foot House	Average Total Cost for a 2,000-Square-Foot House with Painting	Average Total Cost for a 2,000-Square-Foot House with Existing Siding Removal
Longboard Aluminum Siding	$2-$4	$1-$3	$6,000-$14,000	$9,000-$20,000	$9,000-$21,000
Corrugated Aluminum Siding	$14-$17	$3	$34,000-$40,000	$35,000-$46,000	$35,000-$47,000

Longboard Aluminum Siding Costs per Square Foot

Installing longboard aluminum siding costs between $17 and $20 per square foot.

The material is responsible for most of the cost since these horizontal boards are challenging to make.

Due to its appearance and cost, longboard aluminum siding is typically only used for custom homes.

Corrugated Aluminum Siding Costs per Square Foot

Corrugated aluminum siding is a much simpler option, offering a clean look.

It runs between $3 and $7 per square foot and comes in vertical and horizontal boards.

Aluminum Siding Cost Breakdown

For most siding materials, the home’s size, the material’s quality, and local labor rates dictate the project’s total cost.

With aluminum siding, there are additional considerations to keep in mind.

Let’s examine how each factor influences the cost of installing aluminum siding.

Labor Cost

More DIY-savvy homeowners can take on the installation themselves.

However, it’s advisable to hire a professional installer to avoid making costly mistakes or sustaining an injury. 

A siding contractor will either charge you per hour or per square foot.

An average 2,000-square-foot project takes around 120 hours to complete, generally costing around $50 per hour.

When paying per square foot, expect to pay between $1 and $3 per square foot for labor.

Labor costs primarily depend on the complexity of the project.

Homes with prominent angles, hard-to-reach places, and intricate features will cost more to side. 

Labor costs can also be influenced by the cost of living in your area. 

Materials

Aluminum siding varies in quality.

The thicker the panels, the more expensive they are.

On average, aluminum siding material ranges from $2 to $4 per square foot. 

Size of Home

Naturally, larger homes require more material to complete the project, raising the total cost.

Installing 1,000 square feet of aluminum siding costs between $3,000 and $7,000. 

Painting

While painting is an optional step, it can significantly improve the overall appearance of your home.

Plus, this allows you to personalize aluminum siding.

The paint job’s total cost depends on the paint quality but generally ranges from $1.50 to $3 per square foot.

Existing Siding Removal

Aluminum is often the go-to choice for homeowners siding their homes for the first time.

If you want to replace your existing siding with aluminum, you’ll have to factor in the removal costs.

On average, removing existing siding costs between $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot.

In addition, you might have to rent a dumpster for the debris, which can cost up to $300.

Cost Of DIY Aluminum Siding

Hiring a professional contractor to install aluminum siding costs between $1 and $3 per square foot.

If you choose to DIY this project, you’ll eliminate the labor costs and pay only for the materials.

As a result, your total cost will range between $4,000 and $8,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home.

Pro Tip: If you choose to install aluminum siding yourself, use only aluminum nails for the project. The nails should penetrate the backing by at least 3/4 inch. 

However, siding installation is a complex undertaking and requires advanced skills.

If you lack the necessary skills and experience, you can end up injuring yourself.

In addition, you might install the siding incorrectly. In that case, any savings in labor costs will be overshadowed by costly repairs.

Who Sells Aluminum Siding?

Homeowners looking for aluminum siding can turn to home improvement stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Menards.

However, there are also manufacturers, such as Mastic and Kaycan, that specialize in aluminum siding.

These manufacturers sell aluminum siding at their outlets and through professional contractors. 

Where to Buy RV Aluminum Siding

Aluminum is a popular option for RV siding.

As a result, you can find many sellers of this product.

You can turn to specialized dealers like RV Parts Nation and All-Rite or go the more affordable route with Amazon.

How To Save Money When Installing Aluminum Siding

If you opt for a professional installation, you can save money by hiring a contractor and purchasing materials separately.

Siding companies often hike up labor prices when you agree to have one of their installers complete your project. 

If you also need to remove existing siding, check whether hiring a separate contractor for the job is more affordable.

When dealing with contractors, try to obtain at least three quotes before making your decision to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

What Is The Best Aluminum Siding?

Aluminum siding manufacturers have decades of experience, allowing them to perfect their products.

Currently, the best aluminum siding products come from the following manufacturers:

• Mastic
• Rollex
• Revere
• Kaycan
• Royal Building Products

What Is The Return On Investment For Aluminum Siding?

The return on investment (ROI) for aluminum siding is typically around 70% but can go up to 77%, depending on your home’s ultimate resale value.

How Long Does Aluminum Siding Last?

On average, aluminum siding lasts around 40 years, making it one of the most cost-effective siding options.

Even better, it can last up to 50 years when properly maintained. 

Did you know? Aluminum siding installed in warmer climates is likely to require replacing sooner since the weather conditions can cause extensive warping.

Benefits Of Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding is among the least expensive siding options to install.

Besides the relatively low cost, this siding material offers numerous noteworthy benefits that make it a wise choice for many homeowners. 

Aluminum Is Low-Maintenance 

Unlike many siding materials, aluminum requires minimal maintenance.

All you need to do is rinse it off approximately once a year and repaint it when the color fades, usually after 10 to 15 years.

Aluminum Is Energy-Efficient

Aluminum is naturally a good insulator, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

As a result, you’ll notice a substantial decline in your utility bills.

If energy efficiency tops your list of priorities, choose a heavier variety of aluminum siding.

Aluminum Is Sturdy

Aluminum is highly resistant to many enemies of other popular siding options.

For starters, it doesn’t rust or absorb moisture like wood.

Similarly, it won’t swell in humidity or shrink in the heat.

This makes it an excellent choice for coastal homes.

Next, aluminum is insect-proof, making it the go-to choice for homeowners living in areas with frequent infestations of termites and carpenter ants.

And finally, aluminum is non-flammable.

As a result, this siding option is suitable for areas prone to wildfires. Since the material doesn’t burn, it also doesn’t emit hazardous fumes like vinyl.

Did you know? Insurance companies often give homeowners with aluminum siding on their homes a discount on their policies, thanks to the fireproof nature of this material.

Aluminum Is Durable

If the aluminum siding is installed and maintained correctly, it can last up to 50 years.

This impressive durability results from the siding’s manufacturing process.

During this process, the siding gets coated with chemicals to prevent corrosion.

Next, the color is baked on.

The final product is a sturdy material that doesn’t crack with age.

Aluminum Is Eco-Friendly

Most aluminum siding products are manufactured using recycled materials, and the siding itself is 100% recyclable.

As a result, aluminum is considered a green siding product. 

Aluminum Is Cost-Effective

When you combine the relatively low cost of the material and the durability of the siding, you get one of the most cost-effective siding options on the market. 

Disadvantages Of Aluminum Siding

While aluminum offers many benefits, it also has some drawbacks that might deter homeowners from choosing this siding option. 

Aluminum Dents and Scratches Easily

Aluminum is soft and lightweight, which makes it easy to work with.

However, these qualities also make aluminum siding prone to scratches and dents.

Once the color fades, repairing scratched aluminum siding will be more challenging due to the color match.

Homeowners who live in areas with frequent hailstorms or heavy traffic might want to avoid aluminum siding. Otherwise, they will need to repair their siding regularly. 

Aluminum Makes Noise

Aluminum will slightly expand or contract with temperature changes.

These processes are usually accompanied by popping noises that many homeowners find annoying.

Also, aluminum siding can produce pinging noises when rattled by high winds.

Aluminum Fades in Color

Aluminum siding will inevitably fade in color in the sun.

Plus, the panels might become chalky over time.

Besides posing a challenge for color-matching damaged panels, this color fade also raises maintenance costs for aluminum siding.

In general, homeowners should repaint aluminum siding every 10 years. 

Aluminum Siding vs Other Sidings

Having gone over the cost, advantages, and disadvantages of aluminum siding, let’s see how these factors compare against other popular siding options.

Aluminum vs Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is by far the most popular siding choice across the U.S., primarily due to its low cost.

Interestingly, vinyl is the only siding material less expensive than aluminum.

The cost of installing vinyl siding starts as low as $2.50 per square foot.

Unlike aluminum, vinyl isn’t prone to scratches.

It’s also available in a wider variety of styles and colors.

However, vinyl typically starts cracking and breaking as it ages.

Vinyl’s average lifespan is 30 to 40 years, compared to aluminum’s 40 to 50-year range.

Unlike aluminum, vinyl is non-recyclable, making it less eco-friendly.

Both material options are resistant to insects and rotting.

Aluminum vs Hardie Board

Hardie Board is a popular fiber cement siding product manufactured by James Hardie™, a household name in the fiber cement industry.

This product is manufactured to resemble wood, so it offers a much more natural appearance than aluminum.

Like aluminum, Hardie Board requires little to no maintenance.

It weathers storms better than aluminum without making noises or sustaining dents. 

Hardie Board is more expensive to install, costing between $6 and $13 per square foot. 

Aluminum vs Steel Siding

Similarly to aluminum, steel siding can last up to 50 years.

Since they’re both metals, aluminum and steel share many of the same pros and cons.

However, steel is slightly more expensive to install due to its sturdiness and durability.

Steel siding installation ranges between $4 and $9 per square foot.

Aluminum vs Wood

Many homeowners consider wood to be the gold standard in construction.

For them, aluminum will never be able to compare to the timeless beauty of wood siding.

As beautiful as it is, wood also requires extensive maintenance.

Plus, it’s vulnerable to insects and rotting.

Due to its flammability, wood is also banned in areas vulnerable to forest fires.

None of these issues plague aluminum.

So, the only question is whether you’re willing to put up will all these challenges for the sake of wood’s natural and warm appearance.

If yes, be prepared to pay between $5 and $15 per square foot for wood siding installation. 

Did you know? Aluminum siding was initially introduced to the market as an affordable and maintenance alternative to wood in the 1930s. During WW2, aluminum was pulled from the siding market for war efforts. This didn’t take away from its popularity when it became available again.

Aluminum vs Fiber Cement

Fiber cement is a heavy and durable product.

So, it’s not surprising it can withstand adverse weather conditions and last more than 50 years.

Like aluminum, it’s resistant to rot and insects.

But aluminum can’t come close to the beauty and versatility of fiber cement siding.

The cost of installing fiber cement siding is between $5 and $11 per square foot.

Aluminum vs Stucco

The cost of installing stucco siding is close to aluminum siding costs.

It will usually cost you between $5 and $7 per square foot to cover your home in stucco. 

Like aluminum, this material is resistant to insects and fire.

However, stucco is fairly tough and can last significantly longer than aluminum.

With proper maintenance, this siding option can last up to 80 years.

Aluminum vs Fiberglass RV

When it comes to RV siding, aluminum and fiberglass are among the most popular options.

Fiberglass has the upper hand since it’s more durable and cleaner than aluminum siding.

Aluminum siding tends to attract and hold on to dirt.

An RV with fiberglass siding also holds its resale value better than its aluminum counterpart, making it a more prudent investment. 

Aluminum vs Brick

Brick siding is significantly more expensive to install than aluminum since the installation requires a higher level of skill.

Brick siding installation typically costs between $10 and $25 per square foot.

Brick is the most durable siding option on the market, with an impressive 100-year lifespan.

It can withstand even the harshest weather conditions and offers a more traditional look than aluminum. 

What To Clean Aluminum Siding With

Aluminum siding should be cleaned every six to 12 months.

You can use a garden hose if there aren’t any stubborn stains.

Otherwise, use a pressure washer. This way, you’ll eliminate the chalky look of oxidation and remove dirt, dust, and mold buildups. 

Make sure to adjust the PSI level on your pressure washer because too much pressure can damage the aluminum siding.

For the cleaning solution, use laundry detergent.

Pro Tip: For stubborn buildups, a soft-bristle cleaning brush and bleach should do the trick. Thoroughly rinse your siding before and after using bleach to ensure no marks are left behind after the solution dries. 

When To Replace Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding has a pretty impressive lifespan.

However, unfavorable weather conditions and geographical locations can speed up the material’s deterioration.

You’ll know aluminum siding needs repairing when you notice the following:

• Dents and scratches
• Holes and gaps
• Fading paint
• Corrosion

If the damage gets too extensive, you might need to replace the siding instead of repairing it.

Naturally, this is a more expensive option. However, siding replacement will also improve your home’s resale value and increase the ROI down the road.

What Paint To Use On Aluminum Siding

There are three types of paint you can use on aluminum siding.

These paints are: 

• Acrylic latex paint
• Acrylic paint
• Self-etching primer

According to experts, acrylic latex paint is the best paint to use on aluminum siding since it lasts the longest.

In addition, aluminum siding painted with acrylic latex is easier to clean. 

Pro Tip: If you’re painting your siding for the first time, use a primer. A zinc oxide primer is the way to go if the siding doesn’t have a baked-on color.

Which Is More Expensive, Aluminum Or Vinyl Siding?

Aluminum and vinyl are the two least expensive siding options on the market.

Still, vinyl siding is slightly less expensive than aluminum.

Which Is Better, Vinyl Siding Or Aluminum?

Both aluminum and vinyl will be excellent siding choices for most homes.

However, vinyl might be the better choice for some homeowners since it doesn’t scratch or dent easily.

Vinyl is also affordable, sturdy, long-lasting, and energy-efficient, all markings of a great siding material.

Is Aluminum Siding Good Or Bad?

Aluminum siding is a good option for many homeowners, but not for everyone.

For this reason, it’s essential to weigh the material’s pros against the cons and determine if it’s the best way to go. 

Identify Your Priorities

Fortunately, homeowners looking for the perfect siding option have plenty of choices on the market.

Those who want to avoid dealing with cracking vinyl or high-maintenance wood will probably love aluminum. 

Aluminum siding is waterproof, non-flammable, insect-resistant, and energy-efficient.

If these qualities top your list of priorities, you’ll be satisfied with aluminum siding for decades to come.