Pittsburgh Aluminum Siding

In the world of siding, aluminum played a big role in making America what it looks like today. It has a longer expectancy than the wood siding it was built to compete with, and is less expensive to purchase and install than brick or stone. Though aluminum siding hasn't been as popular since the invention of vinyl siding, there are certain benefits that aluminum has over vinyl that make it a better choice in some scenarios.

Aluminum Siding in Steel City
On the three rivers, where siding made of steel would probably be more culturally appropriate than aluminum siding, Pittsburgh residents might be prone to dismiss the better aspects of this less historically significant metal pretty quickly. This, however, is a mistake because aluminum can offer some benefits that steel simply cannot. Though steel definitely has aluminum beat when it comes to strength, aluminum's lightweight, resistance to rust, and lower price should all be considered when comparing the two. In fact, steel siding, while quite well adapted for commercial and industrial use, doesn't bring as much to the table when it comes to residential applications.

Vinyl Siding vs. Aluminum Siding in Pittsburgh
In the city of Pittsburgh, aluminum siding's real competition is, of course, vinyl. Like any good rivalry, vinyl and aluminum both have qualities that make one better than the other in some respects. Aluminum can last longer and is better to paint on. Vinyl doesn't show scratches, and its resilience makes it nearly impossible to dent (though, especially in very cold weather, it can become brittle and break). Aluminum requires more care, while vinyl expands and contracts more. Neither are the best insulators (though aluminum is considered the better of the two), and both are considered less desirable (appearance wise) than natural cladding like brick, stone, or cedar shake.

So, how do you find out which is best for your home? For some, the deciding factor used to lie not in the siding itself, but its affect on radio and television signals. Metal siding, in some instances, can actually interfere with a broadcast signal. This, of course, was unacceptable for some. Broadcast signals, however, are quickly being ditched for options such as cable and are, in fact, in the process of being phased out.

Without the threat of signal interference during a Pirates' game, figuring out what is best for your home is a tough call. Both vinyl and aluminum are fairly well suited to Pittsburgh's moist climate, and both will last a long time. If you're not into regular maintenance, vinyl siding is easier to take care of. If you're not sure you'll want the same color house a few decades down the road, aluminum siding takes paint well, and will actually require painting every few years. The choice is generally one of personal preference, as the pros and cons of each are well balanced.

Pittsburgh Aluminum Siding Pricing
Though aluminum siding is significantly less expensive than brick, stone, or wood cladding, even its price is somewhat comparable to that of vinyl. Both will most likely run between $5,000 and $10,000 for an average sized job. Though it is widely accepted that aluminum siding is slightly more expensive than vinyl siding (and when it comes to upkeep, this is decidedly true), you may be able to find a contractor who can do the job for only a small difference in bottom line price. Additionally, because of vinyl's tendency to expand and contract, professional installation is pretty much the only way to go. Aluminum siding, on the other hand, can be found in kits specifically designed for the do-it-yourselfer.