Aluminum is one of the few familiar metals that are used in a wide variety of products, including airplane parts, decorative frames, and kitchen utensils. This isn’t just because aluminum is the third most abundant element on the planet, but it’s also because this metal possesses many valuable properties.
- Density
- – Perhaps aluminum’s most notable property is its low density, about one-third that of steel or copper. This gives aluminum its characteristic lightness, which isn’t found in other metals.
- Malleability
- – Like copper and its alloys, aluminum is also extremely malleable. In fact, some of the flimsiest non-plastic and inorganic product packaging materials, such as cans and foils, are mostly made of aluminum.
- Durability
- – Aluminum is a non-ferrous metal. It doesn’t oxidize and deteriorate when exposed to air and moisture. It can last and preserve most of its physical properties for many years.
- Corrosion Resistance
- – Aluminum is also distinguished for its high corrosion resistance. While exposure to the atmosphere causes it to tarnish and lose its sheen, it doesn’t rust like iron or steel. It’s fairly resistant to most acids as well.
Thanks to these beneficial properties, aluminum is also extensively utilized for numerous construction, automotive, and industrial applications. You probably haven’t noticed it yet but some of the homes in your neighborhood or perhaps even your own, newly-bought home may have aluminum siding. Or in case your home is a new construction, you might want to consider aluminum siding installation.
Benefits of Aluminum Siding
There are different kinds of siding available commercially today. Each of them has a fair share of upsides and downsides. Wood siding, for instance, insulates well but it is also susceptible to rot and infestation unless sealed properly. Another example is vinyl siding. Although the least expensive and the most versatile of all siding materials, it’s also the least durable. As it turns out, aluminum siding has pros and cons of its own.
Because aluminum is corrosion resistant, it’s also durable. With proper maintenance, this metal can last for over 50 years. Like copper, it’s recyclable and low maintenance, too. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, aluminum siding is one of the top choices. When it comes to visual appeal, it certainly doesn’t disappoint. In fact, aluminum matches both classic and contemporary architectures, although some people may find it out of style.
While aluminum siding is undeniably long-lasting, its high malleability makes it soft and susceptible to damage. Even the heavy-gauge kinds are prone to denting when hit with a hard object, so it must be handled properly throughout its functional life. Aluminum siding is also a little bit noisy when blown by wind or drizzled with rain/hail.
How to Fix Broken Aluminum Siding
Knowing that aluminum siding is as prone to damage as other siding types, you should give it the TLC it needs to last for as long as expected. However, you can only do so much to keep it out of harm’s way. You’ll eventually see it peppered with dents and scratches caused by falling tree branches or flying debris. Learn how to repair aluminum siding on a house through this quick guide.
Aluminum siding is set up the same way as vinyl siding—they have the same components. This means repair may involve patching an area or replacing a panel. You need several simple tools, including hammer, pliers, hacksaw, putty knife, and more. Of course, you also need to know basic carpentry work to carry out the repair successfully.
- If you’re dealing with damage on a small area, there’s no need to dismantle an entire panel. Just cut out the damaged area by indenting it with a hammer and cutting it with tin snips or a utility knife.
- Once the damaged section has been removed, cut a patch from a new panel at least 4 inches longer than the section you cut out and remove the nailing flange attached to it. Slip one end of the patch under the siding above.
- Apply caulk on each side of the patch until no water or moisture can leak through. Use a duct tape to hold the patch in place until the caulk fully dries.
- A dent is not really a serious problem until it cracks. But if you find a dent that’s too deep or conspicuous and you want to fix it, drive a coarse-threaded screw into the center and pull it out.
- You won’t be able to bring the dented section back to its original shape by simply pulling it out, but you can make it protrude high enough to allow for minimal filling.
- Smear a thick layer of auto-body filler on the indentation until the surface is level and smooth.
- Smoothen the patch further using a hand sander.
In case you’re not confident with your home repair skills, there are trusted aluminum siding repair contractors in the Chicago area, such as Muller Exteriors, that you can hire. Not only do they know their way around siding repair, but they also provide a wide range of repair and installation services that you can use whenever necessary. Whether you need to replace a few roof shingles or you want a total siding makeover, they can definitely deliver.
