Aluminum vs. Fiberglass Siding
Aside from the obvious aesthetics and cost difference, is there a glaring advantage or disadvantage to one or the other?
Forum Discussion
Not sure why people are talking about floors when the topic is siding.
Neither option likes a leaky roof or leaky window frames.
Wood vs Aluminimum framing is not dependent on the siding material. Many aluminum sided trailers have aluminum studs. Most all use roof trusses of wood regardless of siding.
Fiberglass MUST be kept buffed and waxed or it becomes chaulky and once it reaches a point, bringing it back to shiny becomes ever harder until it's not practical (most 15yr old units have reached this age if not stored inside).
Aluminum 15-20yrs the paint will still be in good condition and shiny.
If you live in a hail prone area, fiberglass is the way to go. Aluminum will dent. It's typically still fully functional but will look bad.
Aluminum is easier to repair but is less prone to needing repair. Fiberglass by the time it hits 10yrs old almost always has some degree of delamination (go wander a campground some time if you don't believe me).
In the end, both are acceptable options. Fiberglass is marketed as the higher end material but it's mostly marketing. Of course perception is often reality in marketing so fiberglass will get better resale but not enough to make a big difference.
In the end pick the unit that has the floor plan and fits your needs. Siding wouldn't be a big break point either way for me.
Neither option likes a leaky roof or leaky window frames.
Wood vs Aluminimum framing is not dependent on the siding material. Many aluminum sided trailers have aluminum studs. Most all use roof trusses of wood regardless of siding.
Fiberglass MUST be kept buffed and waxed or it becomes chaulky and once it reaches a point, bringing it back to shiny becomes ever harder until it's not practical (most 15yr old units have reached this age if not stored inside).
Aluminum 15-20yrs the paint will still be in good condition and shiny.
If you live in a hail prone area, fiberglass is the way to go. Aluminum will dent. It's typically still fully functional but will look bad.
Aluminum is easier to repair but is less prone to needing repair. Fiberglass by the time it hits 10yrs old almost always has some degree of delamination (go wander a campground some time if you don't believe me).
In the end, both are acceptable options. Fiberglass is marketed as the higher end material but it's mostly marketing. Of course perception is often reality in marketing so fiberglass will get better resale but not enough to make a big difference.
In the end pick the unit that has the floor plan and fits your needs. Siding wouldn't be a big break point either way for me.
