Why Contractors Should Bring Physical Aluminum Samples to Suburban Wholesale

Trying to identify old aluminum siding over the phone can be difficult.

Trying to identify it from one blurry jobsite photo can be even harder.

A physical siding sample gives contractors and suppliers much more information. You can measure the exposure, inspect the locking system, compare the butt depth, identify the texture and physically place the old panel beside current siding products.

That is why contractors working throughout Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island and the surrounding Quad Cities should consider bringing old aluminum siding samples directly to Suburban Wholesale & Supply before promising a repair or ordering replacement material.

A Physical Sample Tells You More Than a Photograph

Photographs are useful.

But photographs cannot show every part of the siding profile accurately.

With an actual panel in hand, you can inspect:

• Visible exposure
• Overall panel height
• Butt depth
• Locking edge
• Nailing hem
• Profile geometry
• Surface texture
• Finish and color
• Manufacturer markings

Bring the Most Complete Piece Possible

A small broken piece from the center of a panel may help with color and texture.

It may not help determine whether a current replacement will physically work.

The best sample includes:

• The nailing hem
• The full siding face
• The butt
• The locking edge

That gives the counter staff a much better opportunity to compare the complete profile.

Profile Identification Gets Easier

One of the first questions when matching aluminum siding is the profile.

Is it:

• Double 4?
• Double 5?
• 8-inch single?
• An older discontinued configuration?

Measuring the actual panel is far more reliable than estimating the exposure from a photograph.

You Can Compare the Lock

The lock is one of the most important parts of any aluminum siding repair.

Two panels can look similar from the front and still use different locking geometry.

With the physical sample, you can compare:

• Lock depth
• Lock width
• Hook shape
• Return bends
• How the old and new panels engage

You Can Compare Butt Depth

Butt depth affects both compatibility and appearance.

A replacement panel with a different butt depth may create a different shadow line even if the exposure is correct.

With the old panel sitting next to a current sample, that difference becomes much easier to see.

Texture Can Be Compared Directly

Is the existing siding smooth?

Is it woodgrain?

Is the embossing heavy or subtle?

Physical samples let contractors compare the old texture directly with current Gentek products rather than trying to make the judgment from a screen.

Color Comparison Gets More Honest

Color matching is another major reason to bring the old piece.

The old siding can be placed directly beside current color samples.

That does not guarantee an exact match—but it gives everyone a much better starting point.

Gentek Recommends Actual Samples for Final Color Selection

Gentek specifically recommends making final siding color selections using actual product samples because screen colors can vary.

Gentek also notes that color, texture and grain can appear somewhat different depending on lighting, viewing angle and exposure.

For the most accurate comparison, Gentek recommends viewing samples side by side outdoors in natural daylight in the location where they will be installed.

The Old Sample May Reveal the Original Color

Look carefully at protected areas of the siding sample.

Areas hidden by:

• Overlaps
• Trim
• Locks
• Other panels

may show less weathering than the exposed face.

That can help demonstrate how much the original siding color has changed over time.

Look for Manufacturer Markings

Turn the old panel over.

Sometimes the back of the siding may contain:

• Manufacturer name
• Product identification
• Color code
• Production information
• Ink stamps or other markings

Even partial information can help narrow down what was originally installed.

Compare Against Current Gentek Aluminum Products

Gentek's current aluminum siding lineup includes several different product and profile choices.

Current options include:

• Deluxe Aluminum
• Woodgrain Series 2000
• Cedarwood Aluminum

The Gentek Product Directory also includes aluminum soffit, fascia, accessories and trim coil, giving contractors additional resources when a repair expands beyond the siding panel itself.

Side-by-Side Comparison Beats Guessing

One of the biggest advantages of bringing the old siding into Suburban Wholesale is the ability to place it beside current product samples.

Compare:

• Old profile vs. current profile
• Old butt vs. current butt
• Old lock vs. current lock
• Old texture vs. current texture
• Old color vs. current colors

That process can quickly tell you whether you are dealing with a promising repair candidate or whether another approach should be considered.

Bring Measurements Too

The siding sample is important, but project information makes it more useful.

Bring:

• Measured exposure
• Butt depth if known
• Number of damaged panels
• Approximate wall dimensions
• Location of the repair

That helps move the conversation from "What is this?" to "What is the best way to fix this?"

Bring Photos of the Entire Wall

The siding sample tells us about the product.

The photos tell us about the repair.

Take photographs showing:

• The entire elevation
• The damaged area
• Nearby windows and doors
• Inside and outside corners
• Brick or stone transitions
• Other architectural breaks

These photographs can help determine whether a small mismatch may be acceptable or whether a larger defined replacement area should be considered.

Bring More Than One Piece if the Home Has Mixed Profiles

Older homes sometimes contain more than one siding product.

That can happen because of:

• Previous repairs
• Additions
• Garage construction
• Storm damage
• Partial remodeling

If different sections look different, bring samples or detailed measurements from each area instead of assuming the entire house uses one profile.

Physical Samples Can Prevent Bad Orders

One of the most expensive siding mistakes is ordering material because the description sounded right.

"Double 4 white aluminum" is not enough information to guarantee a replacement.

The profile may not lock.

The texture may be different.

The color may be noticeably different.

Physical Samples Help Contractors Set Better Expectations

Sometimes the most valuable answer is not:

It may be:

That is useful information before the material is ordered and installed.

The Sample Can Help Determine the Repair Strategy

Once the old siding is compared with current products, contractors can make a more informed decision about the repair.

Possible directions may include:

• Replace individual panels
• Replace a larger defined section
• Replace one complete elevation
• Use salvaged material
• Create an intentional accent area
• Consider broader replacement when necessary

Don't Bring Only the Color Chip

A tiny color chip does not tell you whether the siding works.

If you're trying to repair an older home, the profile and lock are usually more important to establish first.

What Should Contractors Bring to Suburban Wholesale?

A Simple Contractor Process

1. Remove or obtain a complete siding sample when practical.
2. Photograph the wall before leaving the jobsite.
3. Measure the exposure.
4. Document the repair location.
5. Bring the sample and project information to Suburban Wholesale.
6. Compare the profile with current Gentek products.
7. Compare the locking system.
8. Compare the texture.
9. Compare current available colors.
10. Identify the most practical repair possibilities.
11. Take the candidate new sample back to the house.
12. Evaluate the color outdoors in natural light.
13. Set expectations with the homeowner.
14. Then order the material.

A Better Counter Conversation

Use Suburban Wholesale as a Contractor Resource

A siding distributor should provide more value than simply handing material across the counter.

Contractors should use the showroom, samples, product literature and experienced staff as tools for solving project problems before they reach the jobsite.

Older aluminum siding repairs are exactly the type of project where that extra product comparison can matter.

Bring Your Aluminum Siding Samples to Suburban Wholesale & Supply

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

If you're trying to identify an older aluminum siding profile or compare it with current Gentek material, bring the most complete siding sample available along with measurements and photos from the project.

Comparing the physical products before ordering can help contractors make better repair recommendations, reduce mistakes and set more realistic expectations with homeowners.

Sources & Additional Resources

• Gentek Building Products — Deluxe Aluminum Siding: Current manufacturer guidance recommends making final color selections using actual product samples and evaluating samples outdoors in natural daylight.
• Gentek Building Products — Woodgrain 2000 Aluminum Siding: Current profile, color, texture and actual-sample color-selection information.
• Gentek Building Products — Siding Product Specification Directory: Current Gentek aluminum siding, soffit, fascia, accessory and trim-coil specifications.
• Gentek Building Products — Color Clear Through: Current color-coordination resources for siding, soffit, fascia, trim and rainware.
• Gentek Building Products — Gentek Visualizer: Digital exterior design resource that can be used alongside physical samples during product and color selection.
• Gentek Building Products — Aluminum Siding Product Catalog: Current information regarding Deluxe Aluminum, Woodgrain Series 2000 and Cedarwood Aluminum siding.