Removing aluminum siding is a common maintenance task many homeowners encounter, especially for a home improvement project.
And if you’re one of them, it’s not surprising to be intimidated by the thought of this task because of its daunting process.
When it comes to removing your aluminum siding, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you’re doing this project properly and effectively.
In this article, you’ll read about fundamental aspects you have to learn first, including its pros and cons, signs to look out for, and tips to help you have a great aluminum siding removal.
What is Aluminum Siding?
Aluminum siding is a protective or cladding material commonly attached to the exterior part of a building, such as walls or frames. It is often referred to as aluminum cladding and it was first introduced in the residential housing market in the 1940s as an alternative to wood siding.
It’s made from aluminum coil stock and is typically coated with enamel paint, acrylic, vinyl, or polyester to provide protection, enhance durability, and create textures or designs for aesthetics.
The protective coating also helps mimic the natural appearance of wood siding and creates a smooth finish.
Moreover, each side of the aluminum siding is baked after coating for increased durability and to maintain the color or finish of the siding.
Aluminum Siding Pros and Cons
One of the benefits of using aluminum siding is its durability, as its lifespan can last from 20 to 50 years when properly maintained. It’s also fireproof and reduces the risk of fire spreading because it doesn’t melt or burn even when consumed in flames.
This type of siding also prevents structural damage caused by water infiltration due to its waterproof properties. Since it’s made from aluminum coil stock and has a protective coating, aluminum siding will also not rot, absorb moisture, or support the growth of pests, mold, and mildew.
An aluminum siding can also hold up well in temperature, or humidity changes, making it impervious to corrosion, shrinking, swelling, or rusting. It can also withstand harsh elements, such as extreme cold or heat and strong winds.
Moreover, aluminum siding is eco-friendly and considered a green material because it’s made from recycled material and it’s 100% recyclable, which reduces the chances of our old siding ending up in a landfill.
Installing aluminum siding also provides great insulation properties by helping retain the warmth during winter and inhibit the heat during summer, making the house energy-efficient. It also helps save money in the long run, as it helps reduce energy costs and the installation costs are cheaper because it’s lightweight and easy to install.
When exposed to extreme heat or sunlight, it can cause fading to aluminum siding, which increases the need for repainting now and then. Repainting may also be more intensive if oxidation on the siding is present.
One major drawback of using aluminum siding is its susceptibility to scratches and dents because it’s a soft metal. Dents and scratches are also noticeable because of the damage to the material and its exterior painting.
It will also contract or expand due to temperature changes, which results in loud pinging noises. Rain, strong winds, and hail can also create loud dinging sounds, as the aluminum siding rattles due to impact.
Signs to Remove or Replace Aluminum Siding
Aluminum Siding commonly lasts for 20 to 50 years, but how do you know when it’s time to remove or replace your existing aluminum siding? Here are some telltale signs to look out for.
If your aluminum siding is already showing signs of damage, such as cracks, warps, bulges, decays, or gaps caused by harsh elements, excessive moisture, pests, or fungal decay, then it’s time to remove it as it can lead to further deterioration of your interior walls.
Excessive peeling or flaking of paint, sagging, falling off, or missing pieces of siding caused by a storm or other extreme weather conditions is another common indicator of removal as it makes your house prone to structural damage.
Other signs to look out for are how far the siding protrudes from the house and the unevenness of the siding because it can allow water to infiltrate the interior walls, resulting in rotting or decaying of your house. Moreover, you must opt to remove your aluminum siding if you’re noticing higher utility bills caused by damaged or poorly insulated siding.
How to Remove Aluminum Siding?
Before removing the aluminum siding, make sure to wear appropriate safety gear, such as work gloves, to prevent injuries since the sidings are sharp and can cut you.
Check What’s Underneath
The first thing to do is to peel back a junction of the aluminum siding first and check the condition of the area it was installed. Knowing what’s going on underneath will help you assess if you need to remove the entire aluminum siding or just portions of it and what to do if there are already damages present.
Remove the Aluminum Siding Pieces
Next is to find the corner or the outermost edge of the aluminum siding and slide or wiggle a siding removal tool or underneath the bottom edge to unhook the interlocking pieces or pull out the siding.
Once it’s unpopped, pull the piece away using your hand without bending it, as creases will make it harder for the sidings to be removed.
Once removed, it will expose the nails underneath that hold the siding piece from the wall. Also, if you remove the entire siding, make sure to start from the top portion and work your way to the bottom.
Remove the Nails and the Siding Section
Remove the nails out using pliers, a hammer, or a nail pry bar, but make sure not to press the siding down while removing the nails. Once the nails are pulled out, you can safely remove the siding sections. Repeat the process until you’re finished with the entire wall of your house.
Final Thoughts
Aluminum siding plays a big role, as it defends your house against harsh elements and weather conditions and helps insulate your home’s interior. If you notice any unusual damage to your siding, you might be thinking of removing them to prevent any more structural damage.
Aluminum siding removal can be a tedious task, but it’s not complicated—you only need to use a few basic tools, and you can do it yourself!
Use the following information above to know when is the right time to remove your aluminum siding and use the steps we mentioned to effectively and properly remove them.
