Vinyl is often a go-to material choice for finishing the exterior of homes. Because of its affordability, it is often used for trim, soffit and fascia. However, vinyl soffit may not be the best material choice for your home.
Similar in style, aluminum soffit offers a few unique advantages over vinyl. The best way to determine which material is best for your home is to do a side-by-side comparison of vinyl and aluminum soffit.
Let’s take a look at an overall comparison of vinyl soffit vs. aluminum soffit to determine which material is best for your next project.
A quick cost comparison shows that vinyl soffit tends to be the more affordable material.
In general, upfront costs are typically lower with vinyl. With that said, homeowners should be aware that upfront costs do not always translate into long-term value. Repairs, replacement and longevity should all be taken into account when calculating the long-term value of a product.
If the product lasts longer, which is often the case with aluminum soffit, then homeowners may get more value out of the material than with a thriftier product, like vinyl soffit.
Vinyl is a standard building material that is used often in residential building projects. However, the downside is that vinyl can be considered less aesthetically pleasing than other materials because it is quite commonplace. Other building materials, like aluminum, may be more attractive to some homeowners than vinyl soffit.
The installation of these two materials is quite comparable. Aluminum is a flexible material, meaning it’s quite easy to work with, especially in tight fits where adjustments need to be made. Vinyl soffit is also an easy product to work with, and most people find installation quite straightforward.
Vinyl and aluminum soffit can both be effective, but aluminum tends to provide better durability and performance that gives it an edge over vinyl soffit. In many cases, the effectiveness of soffit is determined by the durability of the material. In other words, the stronger it is, the more capable it is of providing proper ventilation to the attic.
When it comes to maintenance, aluminum outperforms vinyl. Aluminum can be cleaned by a garden hose or a pressure washer, and it is resistant to fading because the color is baked on the material. Vinyl is a more delicate material and requires more care. When it comes time to clean vinyl, homeowners have to be careful with cleaners and tools. Vinyl is susceptible to color loss and surface abrasion, which can speed up the process of deterioration.
Once a soffit panel begins to break down, either because of mold and mildew buildup or cracking, performance can be compromised. Vinyl is particularly susceptible to damage and mildew growth, whereas aluminum serves as a stronger material that can maintain effectiveness with simple care practices.
Other features of the house, like siding and trim, may undergo stylistic remodeling over time. However, most homeowners only replace their soffit when it's necessary. This makes the longevity of the material exponentially more important.
Vinyl can last for years — as long as it is maintained properly. Without proper upkeep, heat and moisture can both cause damage to vinyl soffit and reduce its lifespan. Ice and heat can cause freezing and thawing that leads to cracks in vinyl soffit.
Aluminum soffit, on the other hand, tends to have greater longevity than vinyl, meaning it will continue to perform year after year. Because of its metallic composition, aluminum soffit does not have the same vulnerabilities to the elements as vinyl, so there’s no need to worry about cracking or warping. Homeowners can expect to get a limited lifetime warranty for the aluminum soffit, which is a good sign that longevity isn’t an issue.
Homeowners are more eco-conscious now than ever before, and choosing recyclable products is a great way to invest in eco-friendly building practices. In this regard, aluminum soffit is a better option because it is entirely recyclable. Some vinyl products are also recyclable, but it can be difficult to find the proper recycling centers that accept used vinyl.
There are advantages to both of these materials, but there is one clear winner. When it comes to comparing aluminum soffit to vinyl, aluminum soffit provides better value overall. Factoring in the cost comparison, aesthetic quality, longevity and durability of these two materials, aluminum soffit tends to be the better choice for most homeowners.
In addition to being a stronger, more dependable product, aluminum soffit is a stylish option that is attractive, too. Aluminum soffit looks great against all kinds of siding, including wood lap, stone, fiber cement and more.There’s a wide range of colors, and it’s easy to get an aluminum soffit that will look great on your home’s exterior — and continue to look great years down the line!
Contact Rollex today to discover a wide variety of dependable, attractive soffit products for your next building project.