Metal Siding Product Comparison

If You Really Want the Metal Siding Look, Do Not Stop at Aluminum

Many homeowners ask for aluminum siding because that is the metal exterior they know. They may have grown up in a house with aluminum siding, currently own a home clad in aluminum, or simply associate aluminum with traditional metal clapboard.

The homeowner's actual goal may be broader: crisp horizontal lines, a factory-finished surface, limited routine maintenance, and a substantial exterior that does not look like conventional vinyl siding.

If those are the priorities, both aluminum and steel deserve consideration. The right choice depends on the home, exposure, budget, installation crew, desired appearance, and the tradeoffs the homeowner is willing to accept.

Why Homeowners Still Choose Aluminum Siding

Aluminum is lightweight, does not red-rust, and does not absorb moisture. It has been used successfully on residential exteriors for decades and remains valuable when the project calls for a traditional metal appearance without the recurring repainting associated with wood.

Gentek describes aluminum siding as durable, affordable, rust-resistant, lightweight, and low-maintenance.^[1] Those qualities make it especially relevant for remodeling, older-home renovation, and replacement of an existing aluminum exterior.

Suburban Wholesale offers two different Gentek aluminum design directions:

• Gentek Deluxe Aluminum Siding provides a smooth finish in Double 4-inch clapboard and 8-inch single profiles.
• Gentek Woodgrain Series 2000 provides a textured Double 4-inch clapboard appearance.

Aluminum can be the right answer when material weight, red-rust resistance, traditional profiles, and preservation of a familiar exterior appearance lead the decision.

Why Steel Siding Deserves a Serious Look

Steel changes the performance conversation. Its greater material strength generally provides more resistance to ordinary denting and impact than many aluminum panels. It also creates a solid, substantial finished exterior.

Gentek's steel siding collection includes several products, profiles, and coating systems. These options allow homeowners to retain metal-clapboard character while choosing a material with different strength and surface characteristics.^[2]

Gentek SteelTek Supreme is manufactured from 29-gauge Galvalume AZ-50 steel and uses Kynar PVDF coating technology. Gentek positions the product around strength, resistance to denting and scratching, and long-term finish performance, subject to the complete written warranty.

Steel is not indestructible. Severe hail, windborne debris, improper handling, damaged coatings, or incorrect installation can still compromise the siding. No responsible contractor should describe it as hail-proof, dent-proof, or maintenance-free.

Compare Appearance Before Comparing Specifications

Both materials can create a recognizable metal exterior, but they are not visually interchangeable.

Compare these design characteristics:

• Smooth versus woodgrain texture
• Horizontal or vertical orientation
• Panel exposure and butt projection
• Shadow-line depth
• Surface sheen and reflectivity
• Color availability
• Corner and trim design

A smooth aluminum panel may be more authentic on a mid-century home. A textured steel clapboard may fit a traditional house where strength is a higher priority. Vertical steel can support modern, farmhouse, or accent applications when the exact product is approved for that use.

Physical samples should be compared at the property. Gentek advises making final color decisions with actual product samples because screens and printed materials can vary from the installed product.^[3]

Aluminum and Steel Handle Impact Differently

Aluminum's lighter weight is an installation and corrosion advantage, but concentrated impact can dent or crease the panel. Steel generally provides more resistance to ordinary impact because of its material strength.

Actual performance still depends on the panel design, thickness or gauge, substrate support, point of impact, temperature, and installation. Very large hail or windborne debris can damage either material.

The honest question is not, “Which siding cannot be damaged?” Every exterior product can be damaged. The better question is, “Which material gives this homeowner the most appropriate balance of strength, weight, appearance, and repairability?”

Installation Is Not Interchangeable

A crew experienced with aluminum should not assume steel installs exactly the same way. Steel is heavier and requires product-specific cutting, handling, fastening, and accessory practices. Improper cutting can damage coatings or leave exposed edges. Incorrect fastening can distort panels or reduce intended performance.

Aluminum also requires correct handling. Panels can be creased or dented during transport and installation. Fasteners and adjoining materials must be compatible, and the system must accommodate expected thermal movement.

For either material, contractors must follow the current manufacturer's instructions for the exact product and profile.

Compare the Complete Exterior System

The siding panel is only one part of the project. Compare corners, starter components, trim, soffit, fascia, rainware, fasteners, flashing details, and future repair material.

Coordinate the selected cladding with Suburban Wholesale's soffit and fascia, trim and gutter coil, and rainware.

Verify every color and finish before ordering. Aluminum siding, steel siding, trim coil, soffit, fascia, and gutters can appear different because of their coating, texture, orientation, and gloss—even when they are designed to coordinate.

Ask the Questions That Expose the Real Priorities

Before recommending either material, ask:

• Is the homeowner choosing aluminum from preference or habit?
• Is the property exposed to hail, branches, ladders, or routine impact?
• Does the customer prefer a smooth or textured surface?
• Which profiles suit the architecture?
• What products and accessories are currently available?
• Does the installation crew understand the exact system?
• What do the written warranties cover and exclude?
• How important is future repairability?

If the customer answers those questions honestly, the material decision becomes much clearer.

The Bottom Line

Choose aluminum when lightweight construction, red-rust resistance, traditional metal character, and a specific smooth or woodgrain appearance are the leading priorities.

Choose steel when greater resistance to ordinary denting, substantial material strength, dimensional stability, and high-performance coating options justify the added weight and product-specific installation requirements.

Explore the complete Gentek steel siding collection and compare it with Suburban Wholesale's Gentek aluminum siding options. The best recommendation is the product that fits the actual house and homeowner—not the material the salesperson happens to prefer.

Product specifications, profiles, colors, availability, test results, installation instructions, and warranty terms may change. Verify the exact product, current manufacturer literature, written warranty, applicable codes, and project requirements before ordering or installing siding.