Every building needs an outward aesthetic. You can go with bricks, wood panels, siding, or any number of other choices. While each of these options dramatically impacts how the building looks from the outside, they also perform a function. They protect the rest of the building.
If you think new siding might be the right way to go, you’re still going to have options before you. Most siding is either vinyl or metal, and it could help to know which is better for your home or building.
Metal Siding
Metal siding is typically used interchangeably with steel siding. You can get siding made from aluminum, copper, or zinc, but typically speaking, you will be referring to steel if you ask an expert about metal siding.
Metal siding is very popular in industrial and commercial applications. It has also grown in popularity for residential construction. Metal brings a lot to the table, and we can break down the primary pros and cons to see why it is rising in popularity and potentially the right choice for your home or building.
Pros
The leading advantage of metal is its durability. It can stand up to absolute poundings from bad weather with little ill effect. Even in the face of brutal weather, metal requires minimal maintenance on your part. Hose it down every once in a while to keep it looking nice. That’s about it.
On top of performance, metal offers unique designs. The strength of the metal allows it to be fashioned differently from other types of siding. You can get seamless panels and a number of other looks that are captivating and offer a break from tradition. At the same time, metal can be fashioned into traditional siding aesthetics if that’s what you prefer.
Lastly, metal is very recyclable. In fact, it is so good for recycling that it has a smaller environmental impact than most construction materials.
Cons
Metal siding isn’t perfect. For starters, it’s expensive. Especially when compared to vinyl, metal is going to cost more per square foot of siding. Steel is actually considerably cheaper than other metals, but it’s still pricier than vinyl.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is one of the most popular siding materials and for good reason. It’s simple, which makes it easy to install and maintain. It comes in a variety of looks. Most of all, it’s the traditional siding you envision when you think about these things.
If you want your house to fit in with the neighborhood, there’s a good chance that vinyl siding will help you achieve your goals.
Overall, vinyl is a great choice, and there are a number of pros and cons worthy of your consideration.
Pros
Money is the big issue. Per square foot, vinyl costs considerably less than metal. In some cases, it can be one-third the price of steel. That allows you to save a lot of money in the short term.
At the same time, vinyl is easy to work with. You’ll be able to find contractors to install the siding without much trouble. You’ll also notice that vinyl is as easy to maintain as it is to install. The siding is likely to last through normal wear and tear for decades, so it’s a sound investment.
Most of all, vinyl is pretty. It comes in countless styles and colors. You can find vinyl that you like, and it’s sure to fit in with the rest of the neighborhood.
Cons
There are some cons at play though. Vinyl might cost less at installation, but it is less cost-effective over the life of the siding. Metal, on average, lasts decades longer than vinyl. The savings you get from its durability more than cover the cost difference at installation.
Vinyl also has a larger environmental impact than metal. Vinyl can be recycled, but the process is not as efficient as recycling metal. Because of that, recycled vinyl has to be cut with new vinyl. Ultimately, this translates to less efficiency and more emission in the production cycle of vinyl, even when it’s recycled. Whether you choose vinyl or metal, you will need to source the siding that you want to install. For that, you can contact Alpine Sheet Metal Systems. We can fabricate your new metal siding. Because we make it, we can cater to specific needs in regards to the metal. If you want the best siding, contact us today. We’ll help you get there.
