How To Tell If Siding Is Steel Vs Aluminum

Also worth noting is that a properly installed aluminum siding does not touch the ground.

How to tell if siding is steel vs aluminum.

Aluminum residential metal roofing is designated by decimal thickness and ranges from 023 to 040 thickness. If the piece is aluminum it will scratch fairly deeply without much pressure because aluminum is much softer than stainless steel. To do the test simply press the key down and drag it along a flat surface on a given piece of unidentified metal that may be aluminum or stainless steel. This is due to the magnet will interact with steel but not with aluminum.

The price of steel and aluminum is continually fluctuating based on global supply and demand fuel costs and the price and availability of iron and bauxite ore. Simple take 1 piece of aluminium and 1 piece of stainless steel and hold it in ur hand they musy be the same size you can feel the weight different aluminium is much lighter while stainless is much heavier or a simple test take a needle file just file on the aluminium and you see that aluminium material can be remove easily by filing away with a needle file while stainless is. Also if rust spots are present in the siding it is an indication that it is steel. Steel siding offers excellent protection and the best durability.

Stainless steel will still scratch but scratching it will require much more effort and it will not scratch as deeply. It is immune to insects and offers an excellent long term value at 7 per sq. Like steel it won t sag but it s much lighter and easier to handle making aluminum gutters easier to install than steel models. In most climates aluminum gutters will hold up for 20 years or longer.

It is stronger and harder than aluminum and can better withstand hailstorms and low velocity impacts. Someone might need to use a magnet to give a more conclusive result. Aluminum vs steel cost. Aluminum won t rust although it can corrode from long term exposure to moisture and salt which is a risk in coastal climates.

There are many shades of color and textures to choose from. Favorite answer yes just stick a magnet to it if it sticks its steel if it slides off you have aluminum. But watch it there are stealing aluminum off of houses to sell it has got so high in price. Steel siding is a great alternative to both aluminum or vinyl.

However aluminum roofing depending upon the exact product chosen can run up to 20 percent higher in price compared to steel roofing. Steel siding is more durable then aluminum siding because of this architects and designers tend to use it for obtaining a more subtle look. Steel and aluminum both perform well as a metal roofing material. However steel is generally cheaper per pound than aluminum see galvanized vs stainless for more info on steel.

Aluminum siding costs range up to 7 per square foot installed. What it does provide is superior protection to weather events like high winds or hail. Cost and price are always an essential factor to consider when making any product.