Aluminum Siding: The End of an Era

Aluminum siding once shaped the look of neighborhoods throughout Connecticut and New England, prized for its longevity and adaptability. Today, homeowners often ask: Is aluminum siding still available or in use? While you can find replacement aluminum siding panels for repair, full installations have become rare. Modern alternatives provide longer-lasting protection, improved curb appeal, and better energy performance, which prompts most families to make the switch when it's time to replace siding.

The Rise and Fall of Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding made its debut in the late 1930s and quickly gained traction throughout the mid-20th century. By the 1940s, companies like Alcoa began mass-producing aluminum siding panels, responding to demand from homeowners seeking low-maintenance exterior solutions. The material’s popularity peaked from the 1940s through the 1970s, especially in regions like Connecticut and across the Northeast, where resistance to rot and insects offered tangible benefits.

Several characteristics drove aluminum siding’s appeal during its heyday:

• Lightweight but durable construction

• Resistance to moisture, pests, and rust

• Easy installation compared to older wood materials

• Wide range of color and finish options for its time

As new building technologies emerged, however, preferences shifted. Changing aesthetics, rising maintenance demands, and evolving expectations led to declines in aluminum’s use by the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Is Aluminum Siding Still Made or Available?

While it’s not entirely discontinued, aluminum siding is now very difficult to source for full-home projects. A small number of manufacturers still produce aluminum siding panels, primarily for repairs or additions to existing homes with aluminum exteriors.

Today, you’re most likely to encounter aluminum siding on older houses. Homeowners living with this material may face a mix of benefits and disadvantages:

• Advantages: Metal’s immunity to rot and termites, light weight, and modest upfront cost

• Disadvantages: Susceptibility to denting, color fading over time, limited insulation, and fewer color choices compared to modern materials.

For those who have aluminum siding, a choice must be made between maintaining, repairing with limited panels, or pursuing a full siding replacement. When maintenance challenges and visible aging add up, most families opt for a fresh start with a contemporary material.

Why Homeowners Are Choosing Modern Siding Materials

Advancements in siding materials have led the market to shift from aluminum siding to more resilient, attractive, and energy-efficient options. Among the most requested options are:

• Fiber cement siding: Excelling in durability, fire resistance, weather performance, and design flexibility. Available from top brands such as James Hardie.

• Engineered wood siding: Delivering the look of real wood with enhanced moisture resistance.

• Composite and polymer siding: Combining multiple materials to create an exterior that resists cracking, fading, and pests.

Fiber cement has become a standout favorite for siding replacement in Connecticut thanks to its proven performance in harsh climates and a wide palette of colors and styles suited to local home architecture.

Comparing Siding Materials: Aluminum vs. Today’s Options

When considering new siding, many families evaluate all available options side-by-side. The following comparison highlights key differences between traditional aluminum siding and today’s most popular siding materials:

These advances are why most homeowners looking to update or improve their curb appeal transition away from aluminum siding. Modern options not only protect your investment but also create opportunities for personalized design.

Next Steps for Homeowners with Aging Aluminum Siding

If your home still features its original aluminum siding, certain signs can signal it is time to consider an upgrade:

• Peeling or faded paint

• Noticeable dents, warping, or corrosion

• Drafts or reduced energy efficiency

• Difficulty matching colors or panels for repairs

A great place to begin is by consulting a local exterior remodeling expert like Burr Custom Exteriors. We can guide you through the process of choosing a new siding option.

Burr’s Award-Winning Siding Solutions

Working with a family-owned, award-winning contractor brings peace of mind throughout the siding replacement process. Burr Custom Exteriors draws from decades of hands-on experience and deep roots in the Fairfield County area to deliver exterior upgrades with craftsmanship and personal attention. 

As a James Hardie Excellence Award recipient, Burr upholds the highest standards for installation quality and product performance. Homeowners benefit from meaningful warranties and a collaborative partnership, from the first conversation through installation.

Check out our project gallery to see the difference new siding can make when it’s installed by Burr.

Ready for an Exterior Upgrade?

The right siding replacement can transform the appearance of your home and protect it for decades to come. Review Burr’s service area to see if we work in your neighborhood, or contact us to schedule your consultation or request a quote today.