Chicago Metal Siding

Of the many cladding options available in and around Chicago, metal siding is one of the most economical and practical. Though vinyl might be more popular, and cedar more classically attractive, metal siding has many benefits that other materials simply do not offer. No one siding is the perfect fit for every situation, however, so before you decide on which is best for you, it's a good idea to have a look at the benefits and drawbacks of each when installed in your area.

Types of Metal Siding in Chicago
First, when talking about metal siding, there are two kinds that are most common: aluminum and steel. Steel siding is often seen in commercial or industrial settings. It is extremely strong, but generally not very attractive. For residential use, steel siding is most often seen on garden sheds, garages, and other areas where function far outweighs form. Aluminum siding, on the other hand, can be seen on houses across the country. Created as an attractive, yet practical alternative to wood siding, aluminum siding is well-suited to the environmental conditions in Chicago. Metal siding is, in both forms, able to be painted to provide further protection from the elements.

Chicago Metal Siding vs. Vinyl Siding
In the past few decades, residential metal siding's biggest competitor has been vinyl. Homeowners love vinyl siding because it is extremely low maintenance, and very affordable. Since it is one color all the way through, scratches on vinyl siding are not nearly as noticeable as they would be on metal. Vinyl doesn't dent, is easy to install, and can cleaned easily with a hose or powerwasher.

In Chicago, metal siding does have a few advantages over vinyl. For one, though vinyl doesn't dent like aluminum, in very cold weather (not uncommon in the Windy City) vinyl siding can actually crack when pressure is applied. Where aluminum will require a fresh coat of paint every few years, vinyl, which shouldn't be painted, can fade over time and there's little you can do to prevent or fix it. Vinyl is also susceptible to damage when exposed to too much heat; say from a grill placed too close. While you probably don't want to stick your barbecue pit in a place where it is actually touching your metal siding, Chicago is a pretty densely populated city, and the proximity of the grill to your house shouldn't have too much effect on metal.

Cost of Chicago Metal Siding
When compared to other types of siding, aluminum and steel siding are quite affordable. Vinyl averages about $11,000 per job in Chi-town, which is actually very comparable to the cost of aluminum, though prices will definitely vary by company and the manufacturer of the siding you choose. Steel siding is also affordable in small quantities, but again, isn't often used to cover a home.

When deciding between vinyl and aluminum siding, it's always best to get a few different estimates from a few different companies for each. Whether you prefer the strength of aluminum or the low maintenance of vinyl, talking to multiple contractors will take you a long way in getting the most for your home improvement dollar.