Here s a short helpful article on how to tell the difference.
How to tell the difference between steel and aluminum siding.
I am not sure if they still produce aluminum siding.
Aluminum siding is a formed material typically 019 thick.
General differences between aluminum and stainless steel.
In fact aluminum is completely waterproof and provides excellent home protection against moisture problems.
It is immune to insects and offers an excellent long term value at 7 per sq.
Steel also protects against moisture and rot and might be a better solution if you re in a wet climate that s prone to flooding.
Although both are high performance options you might find that when it comes to the steel versus fiber.
You can purchase either one in a variety of finishes and both products cost less than proprietary composite board siding.
I was told you could use a magnet.
The largest manufacturer of aluminum siding was alcoa.
Vinyl and aluminum siding colors fade so over time so even if you are able to locate the manufacturer the colors will probably not match.
Steel and fiber cement.
Steel siding is a great alternative to both aluminum or vinyl.
It is stronger and harder than aluminum and can better withstand hailstorms and low velocity impacts.
Aluminum siding costs range up to 7 per square foot installed.
No matter how low the temperatures get steel siding will stand up to the cold.
However telling the difference between aluminum and stainless steel can be very challenging especially when you re out in the field without a ton of tools to help you in identifying different metals.
Is there an easy way to tell if you have aluminum or steel siding.
Aluminum siding and steel siding are both popular materials for residential construction.
It usually ranges in thickness from 040 046.
If your siding is over 10 years old it will be very difficult to find a proper match.
What it does provide is superior protection to weather events like high winds or hail.
Homeowners searching for the most durable exterior siding often end up torn between two major materials.
The drawback to steel siding is that it may not be available in the same number of styles and colors as vinyl or aluminum.
Vinyl siding is an extruded plastic material.
And 30 years of service.
Steel siding offers excellent protection and the best durability.
Steel siding doesn t absorb moisture like other siding materials do as it s non porous so the panels won t freeze or crack.
What is the difference between vinyl and aluminum siding.
Both steel siding and fiber cement siding are renowned for their longevity toughness and resilience while still working beautifully as residential cladding.
Vinyl siding has a solid color while aluminum siding has a baked on the enamel paint finish.