How Much Does Aluminum vs. Vinyl Siding Installation Cost?
Last Updated: January 25, 2022
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You know that you want the look of real wood siding without the high maintenance of wood, but are uncertain whether aluminum siding or vinyl siding is a better alternative. This buying guide makes the decision easier by explaining the benefits of aluminum and vinyl and breaking down the installation costs of each.
The Benefits of Vinyl Siding and Aluminum Siding #
While both aluminum and vinyl are excellent choices for home siding, there are significant differences between the two materials. What follows is a brief description of each and why you should consider it for your home siding project.
Aluminum Siding #
Aluminum siding has lost much of its market share to vinyl since the latter was introduced in the 1960s. Despite this, aluminum has a number of attributes that allow it to compare favorably with vinyl.
One reason why you might choose aluminum over vinyl is that aluminum siding prices are typically lower than vinyl. The smaller aluminum siding price tag is partially explained by the material's light weight, which cuts down on installation costs. But while aluminum is thin and light, it still offers great protection from water, wind, fire, pests, and mold. Available in a wide range of styles and colors, aluminum is easier to repaint than vinyl. It is also safer, as vinyl contains compounds that can be hazardous to health and the environment. And while it is prone to dents and scratches, aluminum is generally unaffected by the extreme hot and cold that can cause vinyl to expand and contract.
Vinyl Siding #
Combining durability, performance, and curb appeal at a reasonable price, it's no surprise that vinyl siding is the most popular siding material in the United States.
Vinyl is, on average, twice as thick as aluminum, and therefore more durable. A weakness of vinyl is that it tends to contract and become brittle in the winter and expand when exposed to extreme temperatures. Still, vinyl should perform well for up to 50 years. Aluminum, on the other hand, might only last for 30 years.
Because vinyl siding color is solid all the way through, scratches or dents won't change the appearance of the siding. Aluminum, with a baked on enamel finish, reveals bare metal when it is damaged. Vinyl, like aluminum, is available in a wide range of colors, but vinyl's color is less prone to ultraviolet fading. In terms of price, vinyl, especially high end materials, tends to cost more than aluminum.
Aluminum Siding Costs vs. Vinyl Siding Costs #
Due to factors that affect the cost of siding, including the local economy, materials used, and the difficulty of the installation, the siding prices described below may vary considerably from actual costs.
- Aluminum siding costs $3 to $6 per square foot installed. For a home with 1,500 exterior square feet, the total average aluminum siding cost is $4,500 to $9,000.
- Vinyl siding cost is $2 to $12 per square foot installed (or $3,000 to $18,000 for a 1,500 square foot home).
- Aluminum siding with a vinyl finish costs $4 to $9 per square foot ($6,000 to $13,500).
- Removing and disposing of existing siding, if necessary and not included in the price estimate, could add an additional $1 to $3 ($1,500 to $4,500) per square foot to the project cost.
