Vinyl or Aluminum?
Choice is Hard

Before making the investment, consumers would like to know as much as possible about the materials. How do they compare?

Our Siding Work

BEFORE Typical Schaumburg "dated 35 year- old" home.	AFTER There is no doubt that the fresh, updated look of new siding enhanced this 35 year-old Schaumburg home's "curve appeal".
BEFORE Would you buy a "dated house" that looked like this?	AFTER Or, is this home more appealing to you?

Two points that used to weight pretty heavily in favor of aluminum have more or less disappeared: Vinyl was once considerably more expensive and had a much narrower range of colors than aluminum. Because of increases in the cost of aluminum in recent years, the cost of the two types of siding is now much more competitive, and at this point vinyl apparently has a price edge. In addition, some manufacturers of vinyl siding have improved the number and quality of colors available. CertainTeed Corp., a major manufacturer of vinyl siding, offers over nine colors, although some manufacturers still have only three or four. Vinyl colors are still largely pastels, however, while aluminum can be had with deeper and brighter colors.

Both sidings are virtually free of maintenance, although each can fade in time. The paint on aluminum siding sometimes "chalks" or oxidizes, making cleaning or repainting necessary. Both kinds can be repainted if necessary.

Aluminum siding is subject to scratches and dents. Vinyl siding can be scratched, but the scratches generally aren't very viable because the color goes all the way through the vinyl. Vinyl is flexible during most weather conditions and doesn't dent, but in very cold weather it can become brittle and might crack if struck a sharp blow. Either aluminum or vinyl siding can be repaired - or individual panels replaced - if necessary.

Either can be installed right over most existing sidings. It is also possible to install either over rigid-foam insulation, to improve the energy efficiency of a house.

Occupants of aluminum-sided homes sometimes complain of crackling or rattling noises during very strong winds.

As you can see it might be difficult to make a choice between aluminum and vinyl siding by comparing the properties of the materials. Here's a suggestion that might help tip the balance, however. Take a look at a few houses that have been finished with one or the other siding. Siding contractors and dealers should be willing to provide some sample addresses. It's much easier to make a decision after seeing finished jobs than to make a choice on small samples.
© Gene Austin, Chicago Tribune

Customer Letters

“In 1993 we hired Professional Home Improvement, Inc. to reside all 11 buildings here at Autumn Chase Apartments, Hoffman Estates. We awarded the job to Professional Home Improvement, Inc. after extensive bidding by several companies.

Professional Home Improvement, Inc. offered more value than the other bidders. We found higher quality products, more thorough installation and greater safety measures for both the workers and our residents.

After 2 years the project was completed to our satisfaction, in fact, we were so pleased the we re-contracted Professional Home Improvement, Inc. to reside our 10, 4 car garages.

I would highly recommend Mal Graifman and Professional Home Improvement Inc. to anyone.”

Thank You,
K.C. Williams
Site Manager

Additional Info

Aluminum Association
Dept. SM, 818 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006