Can You Put Vinyl Siding Over Aluminum Siding? (Find Out Now!)

Ossiana Tepfenhart
by Ossiana Tepfenhart

Back in the 1940s and 1950s, vinyl was not really used as a type of siding. It was just beginning to gain a following in home improvement. During this time, aluminum was the number one modern siding type. The thing is, aluminum can rust. It’s also kind of hard to deal with when compared to vinyl siding. People began to make the switch. This led to a major question: can you put vinyl siding over aluminum siding?

It is possible to put vinyl siding directly over aluminum siding, but it’s not a good idea. Doing so can cause mold and rust to accumulate under your new vinyl, potentially damaging your new siding from the inside out. Most people who try this installation route will have to replace their vinyl sooner than they otherwise would have.

It’s always tempting to cut corners, but it’s not always the best idea. This blog post will give you the straight dope on this often-considered way to make your installation faster.

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Is It Possible To Put Vinyl Siding Directly Over Aluminum Siding?

It is possible to place vinyl siding directly over the aluminum siding your home already has. In some cases, you will be able to snap it into place. However, most people will still need to nail it down in one way or another. So, physically, it’s possible to place your vinyl right over aluminum. Just because you can, doesn’t mean that you should. Let’s talk about why it’s a bad idea.

What Is The Best Way To Install New Vinyl Siding?

Though you can put vinyl siding on top of your aluminum, it’s not a good idea. Regardless of what kind of siding your home currently has, home repair experts agree that it’s best to remove the current siding that you have before you start installing the new stuff. This gives you a clean slate to work with and maximizes the lifespan of your new siding.

If you want to make the best possible decision for your siding, then you should look into house wraps too. House wraps help keep moisture away from your home’s interior and also preserve your vinyl’s interior portion.

Why Is It A Bad Idea To Put Vinyl Siding On Top Of Aluminum Siding?

Aluminum siding is great, but it’s not a great base for new siding. When you put new siding right on top of old siding, several things can happen. These are the worst causes for concern:

  • You might deal with rust. Rust is rare with vinyl, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t harm your siding. Aluminum rusts, especially when there is moisture being locked in on it. This tends to happen a lot when you have a moist environment and space between your vinyl and metal. It’s also worth noting that VINYL CAN CORRODE TOO.
  • Pests can become a problem. Don’t ask why, but vinyl siding that’s placed over aluminum tends to have an environment that certain pests love. Moths and waterbugs, in particular, might find a new interest in making your home theirs.
  • In some cases, it can make vinyl warping worse. With enough water exposure, vinyl can warp. Doing this type of installation will clearly boost it.
  • The worst possible outcome is that you could ruin your vinyl siding. This can happen over the course of several years, or even several hours. A lot of issues can arise when you install vinyl siding directly over other types of siding, including cracks in the vinyl as a result of improper installation. Since this is a major risk with placing vinyl over metal, it’s something you need to keep in mind.

The Best Ways To Install Vinyl Siding (When You Have Aluminum)

Now that we’ve gone over the possibilities, it’s time to take a look at the best options for people who want to have vinyl installed on their home. Here’s our top-rated list of installation methods:

  • Install it after removing your aluminum. This is the best way to make sure that your vinyl looks fresh and clean, and that it’ll stay looking great. It’s also the best way to ensure that your building will be up to code.
  • Skip installing new vinyl and just paint over your aluminum. If you just want to give your house a new look, painting over aluminum is a cheaper way to do this. We suggest it if you don’t have much money and can’t afford removing stuff that’s already there.
  • Installing vinyl directly on top of your aluminum. This really should be your last resort. It’s not a good move otherwise, and it only takes a little more effort to just remove the aluminum.

Do You Need Vinyl Siding Installation or Replacement?

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Related Questions

What kind of paint is best for aluminum siding?

Getting good coverage on aluminum siding is key to having your siding look good as new. If you want to get the best results, it’s best to stick to 100 percent acrylic latex paint. We suggest getting a primer, too, since it may end up helping you get a smoother and more even surface finish. If your siding has raw exposed metal, a primer is a must rather than a “maybe.”


Why is vinyl better than aluminum siding?

Costs aside, vinyl tends to be the more durable material between the two. While both are highly resistant to mold and mildew, vinyl is slightly more resistant to rust. Moreover, vinyl is not as likely to dent, scratch, or ding from impacts. Since it is more likely to stay in shape and continue to look good, vinyl is generally deemed to be the better material.


How long does aluminum siding last?

Aluminum siding has a knack for lasting quite long with the right maintenance and environment. In the best of circumstances, you can expect your aluminum siding to last for around 40 years. If you live in a region that’s rough on metal (such as the beach), then you should expect it to last around 20 years. This lifespan makes aluminum the second longest-lasting type of siding that you can get on the market.

Ossiana Tepfenhart
Ossiana Tepfenhart

Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.

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