Aluminum Siding Vs James Hardie Siding For Homes In North Alabama
When it comes to deciding on the right siding material for your North Alabama home, there are two options that a lot of our clients ask about.
- Aluminum siding, which is durable and very reliable whenever there’s a strong wind.
- And James Hardie siding, which is still durable but also more affordable than aluminum.
These are two completely different siding materials, both with their own ups and downs. So, which one is better for Alabama homeowners?
Let’s find out.
Key Takeaways
- Aluminum siding is strong and lasts long. It stands up to hard weather well and doesn’t need maintenance.
- Aluminum siding is more expensive, harder to install, and makes more noise.
- James Hardie siding is a highly popular siding material, making it more affordable than aluminum siding.
- You’ll get more color options with James Hardie than with aluminum siding.
Pros of Aluminum Siding
Let’s take a look at the pros of aluminum siding and then continue with the cons.
Durable
Aluminum siding is very strong. It stands up well to harsh weather like snow, rain, or sun, and it won't break down when exposed for a long time to any of these. In fact, aluminum is one of the most resilient siding choices for homes in North Alabama.
Low maintenance
Aluminum siding is easy to take care of. It keeps its look for a long time and does not need paint often. This kind of siding is good at fighting off rust, rot, and bugs. A pressure wash quickly removes any dirt or stains from the surface.
Attractive
Aluminum siding looks great, but only in modern, contemporary architecture. Install aluminum siding on a farm-style home, and you get a not-so-good-looking home that looks like it can’t find its place. On the right house, aluminum adds a sleek, elegant, Silicon Valley kind-of-home look that many younger homeowners look for.
Cons of Aluminum Siding in North Alabama
The pros are great, but let’s not forget there are some downsides that you’ll have to deal with when getting aluminum siding.
Poor insulation
Aluminum siding is not the best at keeping your house warm. It does a poor job of stopping heat from leaving your home. In colder months, this can mean higher energy bills as your heating system works harder.
On hotter days, aluminum siding can make it tough to cool down inside the house, too. The metal heats up fast and brings that warmth into your home. This might cause more use of air conditioning, leading to high power costs during summer seasons.
Susceptible to denting and fading
Aluminum siding can get dents. This issue comes up if heavy things hit your house's sides. The dents on the siding don't look good and cost much money to fix.
Although the material itself is durable when exposed for a long time to the sun, the paint on it will fade over time and make it less vibrant, leaving you with a dull-looking house exterior.
Limited color options
Aluminum siding does not give you many color choices. Most times, it comes in silver, white, or tan. You can't always get the look you want for your home. Sure, you can paint the aluminum siding, but that asks for another tens of thousands of dollars that you might not to invest after you’ve just bought the siding.
James Hardie Pros
We’ve been using James Hardie vinyl siding for as long as we can remember. We love this material, but we’ll try to keep this article unbiased.
Long-lasting And Durable
James Hardie is designed to be tough and last long. It is made from fiber cement, which means it won't warp or crack easily, making it a good choice for climates with extreme weather.
Access To Lots Of Colors
James Hardie siding has the widest range of colors available in the market. You can find a color that complements your house perfectly and even customize it to fit your own style.
With a wide variety of shades, such as bold blues, classic creams, bright whites, or dark reds, there is something for everyone - no matter what kind of look you are going for!
The color options give you the freedom to choose exactly how you want your home to look and how much character it should have.
Better Warranties
James Hardie stands out in the siding industry not only for its durable fiber cement composition but also for the robust warranties it offers, surpassing what is typically provided for aluminum siding.
James Hardie's warranty often covers a more extended period, giving homeowners greater peace of mind with warranties that extend up to 30 years or more.
James Hardie's warranties not only exceed those of aluminum siding but also often include coverage for issues such as fading or chipping, addressing concerns that homeowners may have about the cosmetic aspects of their siding over time.
James Hardie Cons
Here are three potential drawbacks to James Hardie vinyl siding:
Cost
Comparing siding options such as vinyl or aluminum, it is worth noting that James Hardie fiber cement siding is generally more expensive.
While the initial investment may be higher, it is important to consider that this choice offers exceptional durability, resistance to weather elements, and a long lifespan. These factors make James Hardie fiber cement siding a wise investment for homeowners who prioritize quality and long-term value, even if budget-consciousness plays a significant role in the decision-making process.
The cost of James Hardie ranges from $8 to $12 per square foot, excluding installation.
Installation Complexity
Installing James Hardie fiber cement siding requires specific skills and tools due to its composition and weight.
The boards are heavier than vinyl or aluminum siding, making precise cutting and fitting crucial during the installation process. The material also requires careful handling to prevent breakage or damage during installation.
Moreover, proper installation is essential for ensuring the durability and weather resistance of James Hardie siding
Due to these complexities, it's often recommended to hire experienced professionals for the installation of James Hardie siding. While this can add to the overall cost, it ensures that the siding is installed correctly and will perform optimally over time.
Maintenance
While James Hardie siding is known for its durability, it still requires some maintenance. Over time, the paint may fade, or chip and periodic repainting may be necessary to maintain its aesthetic appeal.
This maintenance aspect can be a drawback for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance siding option.
Pros and Cons of Alumium Siding vs James Hardie Siding Compared
TypeAluminum SidingJames Hardie SidingDurabilityVery strong, resilient to harsh weatherLong-lasting, tough, resistant to warping and crackingMaintenanceLow maintenance, keeps its look for a long timeRequires some maintenance, periodic repainting may be necessaryAppearanceAttractive in modern architecture, sleek and elegantWide variety of colors available, customizable to fit any styleInsulationPoor insulation, may lead to higher energy billsGood insulation, energy-efficientSusceptibility to DamageSusceptible to denting and fading, especially from heavy objectsDurable, resistant to weather elementsColor OptionsLimited color choices (silver, white, tan)Wide range of colors available, customizableWarrantyStandard warranties, may not cover fading or chippingBetter warranties, often covering a more extended periodCostGenerally more affordableHigher initial cost, but offers exceptional durabilityInstallation ComplexityRelatively easier installationRequires specific skills and tools, professional installation recommendedMaintenanceLow maintenance, pressure wash for cleaningRequires some maintenance, periodic repainting may be necessary
More to Read: James Hardie Siding vs. Vinyl Siding
Conclusion
To draw a conclusion, it’s important to understand that a high-quality installation is vital to ensure these siding materials are performing to the best of their abilities.
While we do love vinyl siding, it’s worth noting that it’s more expensive and harder to install, but once everything is in place, the results are stunning and you’ll enjoy a durable siding that gives you peace of mind for a lifetime.
Aluminum siding is great as well, but here’s the thing: it just doesn’t work for any type of house. For example, a traditional house with aluminum siding will look out of its place. It’s a bad combination of materials, and there’s not much you can do about that.
So, if you have a modern house, aluminum siding might work great. On the other hand, James Hardie siding will work for any type of home you have, and there are hundreds of different colors and styles to make the perfect choice that complements your home.
If you need to find out more about James Hardie vinyl siding, send us a message by filling out the form on this page, or call us directly at [cgv tel].
