Aluminum Siding in Victoria
Aluminum was first offered in 1930 as a siding material for homes because of its basic advantages over wood. It is metal so more durable than wood and comparatively low maintenance too.
It was economic at the time but the occurrence of world war ceased its usage for construction purposes. The end of world war caused aluminum sidings to find its way back in the market. It was low-cost and lighter than other siding materials.
It is still popular for classy commercial houses and buildings. Like everything, aluminum has also gone through notable transformation phases over the years. It is now available in a wider array of designs and styles.
Aluminum sidings are usually covered with a protective coating which also doubles as the decorative aspect. You can give it a wood-like appearance and combine it with different styles. It works as a protective shield on an existing exterior making it look more modern and unique. It is lightweight and comes with interlocking joints that preclude the necessity of using nails to fasten the panels.
Why should You Get Aluminum Siding
Depending upon your region, aluminum sidings can be ideal for your home. Unlike wood, aluminum is insect-proof and low maintenance. Being a metal, it is also non-flammable. Victoria experiences half a thousand bushfires a year. This makes aluminum the ideal material for your house. Also, it is waterproof making it survive the rains. It doesn’t require high maintenance and can usually be maintained by a simple power wash.
It is usually protected with enamel which is a semi-transparent glossy substance. Customers can order the desired color which is applied at the factory. With the help of enamel, the finish is strong and very long-lasting. It often comes with a fading or chalking warranty of 20 to 25 years. It can last as long as 50 years if you take good care of it.
Aluminum can also be molded with a wood grain design that can be used with other design materials such as masonry. Homeowners choose this style to give their facade a unique industrial look. Aluminum is also probably the best choice for soffits and gables because of the added durability.
The following are some of the pros of aluminum sidings:
- Affordability. Aluminum is not on the expensive side of siding. It is nearly 85% cheaper than other options and can be completely recycled. In fact, aluminum sidings are usually made of partly if not fully recycled material. Aluminum is also famous for being lightweight which reduces the cost of labor. Installation of other types of sidings costs more, usually because the contractors have to remove the existing siding to apply a new one. In the case of aluminum, you can install it over the existing siding. This further lowers the installation costs making it even cheaper to install.
- Low-Maintenance. All this siding requires is a simple rinse once or twice a year. Given the weather condition of Victoria, rain helps a lot in that matter. You just need to make sure there are no detritus lodged in the panels. The enamel can fade in around 12 to 15 years so you’ll need a paint job.
- Energy Efficient. Aluminum is better than any other siding materials when it comes to insulation. It’s a great insulator and has an R-Value of around .61 in raw form. With added insulation to the back, the R-Value can be around 3 to 5. It will keep the warmth enclosed during wintertime and prove to be more energy efficient in saving your bills.
- Eco Friendly. Aluminum siding is completely recyclable. It is 100% green siding material thus environment friendly. Many manufacturers are only producing aluminum sidings from completely recycled material. Needless to say, most of the aluminum sidings available in the market are manufactured from either fully or partially recycled aluminum.
- Water and Rust Proof. Living in Victoria, aluminum is the perfect choice for you. It rains 140 days on average. Having a waterproof metal siding can give you protection from the excessive rain. It will not absorb water like wood or get rust like other metal sidings. In case of humidity, it will not shrink because of the heat, or even dry out.
- Fire Resistance. Bushfires are very common in Victoria as it experiences around 510 bushfires on average, annually. Aluminum is non-flammable and will not only protect the house from fires but also would not feed it. Since it can not ignite, the utmost damage it can take is the scorching color which can simply be redone.
Vinyl is notorious for emitting fumes in hot conditions. Being fireproof, aluminum does not emit any form of gas that is dangerous to inhale. Home insurance companies also greatly welcome it, thanks to its fireproof nature. Homeowners are more likely to get a discount on insurance if they have aluminum sidings installed on their houses.
- Durability. Aluminum sidings are manufactured from stock coil material which is often recycled. The siding has enamel cladding which protects it from corrosion and wearing out. The color and textures are based on the enamel layer which is the finishing part of the product. It is a strong and sturdy material which, unlike vinyl, doesn’t crack and lasts longer.
If installed properly, aluminum sidings can last up to 50 years. This is more than the ideal lifespan of vinyl which can be around 30-40 years if taken good care of. Given the weather conditions of Victoria, aluminum is probably the best siding option.
Styles And Options
Different companies offer quite a choice of options varying in many aspects.
- Thickness. It is something you should take into account while considering aluminum sidings. It may seem to go without saying, but thickness affects the durability of the material. Although thicker siding costs a bit more, it is definitely worth it. Cheapest aluminum sidings are 4” thick (40 gauge). It is very lightweight but is more prone to dents in case of a hailstorm or heavy traffic. If you want a stronger and more durable siding, you will need a 53 gauge.
- Orientation. Most people picture the appearance of aluminum sidings as horizontal planks but it also comes in vertical panels. Having both options available unlocks the freedom to pick the design you want to fit with the architecture of the rest of your house.
- Coating. The siding has a coating of protective chemicals to keep it from corroding and discoloring of the siding. Usually, for a stronger finish of the color, they use enamel, while to protect it from dents, manufacturers use a vinyl coating.
- Lap Profiles. Aluminum sidings come with interlocking joints for better overlapping. It ensures weather resistance.
- Textures and Colours. A wide number of unique textures and colors are available for this siding option. Many of the textures tend to imitate wood. You can choose to bake the color of your choice on the panels in the factory or opt to paint it yourself.
Professional Aluminum Siding Installation
Aluminum siding is lightweight which makes people think they can install it on their own. But without any experience or professional tools getting the perfect installation is not possible.
So, what if the solution? Numerous siding installation companies offer their services in Victoria, Canada. So, select the style of siding, roughly calculate the exterior area and get a quote depending on your needs.
Call us to request a free estimation:
+1-778-400-0575
+1-8-555-SIDINGOr send an e-mail: info@idealsiding.com
