Beaded Siding Vs. Regular Aluminum

Materials

• Regular aluminum siding is typically .019 to .024 inch thick and has a baked-on enamel paint finish that when scratched, changes the aluminum's color. Beaded vinyl siding ranges in thickness from .038 to .050 inch and has a solid color that maintains the same color when scratched. Beaded siding is more durable than regular aluminum because it is nearly twice as thick. However, beaded vinyl siding becomes brittle in the winter, while aluminum remains does not.

Cost

• Beaded siding and regular aluminum cost about the same. As of 2011, beaded siding starts at about $4, and aluminum siding starts at about $3 per piece at some home improvement stores. Cost varies depending on the manufacturer and vendor. Cost also varies on depending on the siding’s quality and style.

Style and Color

• Both beaded vinyl siding and regular aluminum siding have a manufacturer's look when they are placed at home. Neither has wood’s natural appearance, such as cedar and clapboard shingles. Manufacturers make both vinyl beaded and aluminum siding in various shapes and colors, from pastels to bolder colors.

Environmental Friendliness

• As for environmental friendliness, aluminum has the advantage over beaded vinyl siding. Vinyl beaded siding can be hazardous to people's health as well as the environment. Health problems relating to PVC plastic or vinyl, including vinyl beaded siding, include neurological damage, cancer and birth defects, according to the Healthy Building Network. For this reason, many homeowners choose regular aluminum siding instead of beaded siding.