Five Situations Where Aluminum May Be the Right Siding Recommendation

Good siding salespeople don't walk into every appointment determined to sell the same product.

They ask questions, inspect the house, understand the homeowner's priorities and then recommend the products that deserve consideration.

Aluminum siding is a good example. It isn't automatically the right answer for every exterior project, but that doesn't mean contractors should automatically leave it out of the conversation. Gentek continues to offer aluminum siding products with different profiles, finishes and coordinated exterior components. For the right homeowner and the right project, aluminum can be a legitimate siding recommendation.

At Suburban Wholesale & Supply, we encourage contractors throughout the Quad Cities, Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois to understand all of the siding products they offer well enough to know when each one belongs in the presentation.

The Goal Isn't to Sell Aluminum to Everyone

This is the first principle to understand.

If a salesperson approaches every appointment trying to force aluminum into the project, they're approaching the recommendation backwards.

Start with the customer.

Here are five situations where aluminum siding may deserve a place in that recommendation.

1. The Homeowner Specifically Wants a Metal Siding Product

This may sound obvious, but listen carefully to what the homeowner is actually asking for.

Some customers simply prefer metal.

Maybe they've owned an aluminum-sided home before. Maybe they like the characteristics of metal building products. Maybe they started researching exterior materials before calling you and specifically want to compare metal siding options.

Don't immediately redirect that customer into whatever siding your company happens to sell most frequently.

Instead ask:

• What interests you about metal siding?
• Have you owned a home with aluminum siding before?
• Are you comparing aluminum with steel?
• Is appearance your biggest priority?
• How important is maintenance?
• Are there particular colors or profiles you like?

Their answers will tell you whether aluminum belongs in the presentation.

2. The Homeowner Likes the Appearance of Today's Aluminum Profiles

Never assume you know what a homeowner will like before showing them the actual product.

Gentek offers aluminum siding options including Deluxe Aluminum Siding and Woodgrain Series 2000. These provide contractors with different appearances to demonstrate rather than presenting aluminum as one generic siding choice.

Gentek Deluxe Aluminum Siding features a deep 1/2-inch butt height designed to create stronger shadow lines, while Woodgrain Series 2000 provides a woodgrain texture.

Put actual samples on the kitchen table.

Let the homeowner compare:

• Profile
• Texture
• Exposure
• Shadow lines
• Color
• Trim combinations

Appearance can lead the conversation. Material can follow.

3. The Project Includes Siding, Soffit, Fascia and Exterior Trim

Aluminum becomes particularly interesting when you're discussing more than siding.

Many exterior remodeling projects involve multiple components: siding, soffit, fascia, trim and custom aluminum work around windows, doors and other architectural features.

Gentek offers aluminum soffit and fascia products in addition to aluminum siding, allowing contractors to discuss the exterior as a coordinated system.

Gentek's Hi-Tensile aluminum soffit is also available in solid and vented configurations, providing options for exterior appearance and appropriate ventilation applications.

Put the components together during the presentation:

• Siding sample
• Soffit sample
• Fascia sample
• Trim coil
• Corner options
• Window and door trim examples

Now you're not selling a piece of siding. You're helping the homeowner visualize a finished exterior.

4. You're Working on an Existing Aluminum-Sided Home

An existing aluminum-sided home should at least trigger a conversation.

That does not mean automatically replacing aluminum with aluminum. It means finding out what the homeowner liked and disliked about their current exterior.

Ask:

• How long have you owned the home?
• What have you liked about the existing siding?
• What problems are causing you to replace it?
• Do you want the new exterior to look similar or completely different?
• Are there damaged areas or finish issues?
• Are you interested in comparing aluminum with other siding materials?

You may discover that the homeowner has been perfectly comfortable with aluminum and simply wants a refreshed exterior.

Or you may discover that another material better addresses what they want to change.

Either outcome is useful because the recommendation came from discovery rather than assumption.

5. The Homeowner Wants to Compare Several Siding Materials

Some of the best aluminum opportunities may come from homeowners who haven't decided what material they want.

They may simply say:

That's an opportunity to become an advisor rather than an order taker.

Depending on what your company offers, the presentation might include:

• Vinyl siding
• Insulated vinyl siding
• Aluminum siding
• Steel siding
• Composite cladding

Explain the legitimate strengths and tradeoffs of each.

Don't manufacture a winner before you've understood the homeowner.

What Should You Compare?

A professional comparison can include:

• Appearance
• Profile choices
• Color selection
• Maintenance expectations
• Impact and dent considerations
• Expansion and contraction characteristics
• Accessories and trim
• Warranty
• Installation requirements
• Installed project cost

This creates a much stronger conversation than simply ranking products from cheapest to most expensive.

Aluminum Has Real Characteristics—and Real Tradeoffs

Aluminum is widely used in building and construction for reasons that include corrosion resistance, durability, recyclability and its strength-to-weight characteristics.

But a credible aluminum presentation also addresses the other side of the decision.

Homeowners should understand considerations such as:

• Aluminum can dent from significant impact.
• Scratches and finish damage should be addressed appropriately.
• Proper installation matters.
• Color and profile availability should be verified for the specific product.
• Warranty terms should be reviewed from the current manufacturer's written warranty.

Explaining limitations doesn't weaken your presentation. It makes your recommendation more believable.

When Should You NOT Recommend Aluminum?

Knowing when not to recommend a product is just as important as knowing when to sell it.

Aluminum may not be the best recommendation when:

• The homeowner strongly prefers the appearance or characteristics of another material.
• The desired profile or color isn't available in the aluminum product line you're proposing.
• The project's exposure or homeowner priorities make impact resistance a major concern.
• Another siding system clearly better addresses the homeowner's stated priorities.
• The contractor cannot confidently install and support the product being proposed.

Walking away from the wrong aluminum sale can make you more credible when you recommend aluminum on the right project.

A Simple Kitchen-Table Transition

When aluminum appears to fit the homeowner, the transition doesn't need to be complicated.

That approach doesn't pressure the customer.

It earns permission to demonstrate the product.

Don't Sell Aluminum—Recommend It

There's an important difference between selling aluminum and recommending aluminum.

Selling starts with the product.

Recommending starts with the homeowner.

The strongest siding contractors know enough about vinyl, aluminum, steel, composite cladding and other exterior products to explain where each fits—and where it doesn't.

Learn the Products You Sell With Suburban Wholesale & Supply

Suburban Wholesale & Supply works with professional siding and exterior contractors throughout Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island and the surrounding Quad Cities, Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.

Our goal is bigger than supplying siding. We want contractors to understand the products they're presenting, have access to samples and literature, and become more confident explaining exterior options to their customers.

If you're considering adding aluminum to your siding presentation—or simply want to become better at explaining where it fits—talk with the team at Suburban Wholesale & Supply about current Gentek products, samples, accessories and contractor resources.

Sources & Additional Resources

• Gentek Building Products — Deluxe Aluminum Siding: Deluxe Aluminum Siding
• Gentek Building Products — Woodgrain Series 2000 Aluminum Siding: Woodgrain Series 2000
• Gentek Building Products — Aluminum Soffit & Fascia: Aluminum Soffit and Fascia
• Gentek Building Products — Warranty Resources: Gentek Warranty Information
• The Aluminum Association — Building & Construction: Aluminum in Building and Construction
• Metal Construction Association: Metal Building Product and Construction Resources