[Greenbuilding] Aluminum siding?

[Benjamin Pratt]

If the aluminum is a lighter color, i would expect that it would be
one of the best options to reflect and not hold heat. Hardiplank,
especially if painted a darker color, would be a poor option. the
alumium has a low heat capacity, and would cool offf quickly when the
sun isn't hitting it. also, since the siding has a lot of air gaps
behind it, it would not conduct the heat efficiently. I am not  fan of
aluminum siding--mostly because i don't like the way it looks. But I'm
pretty confident that it would be preferable to hariboard in not maing
your house hotter.

Also, as a side note--contractors a few years ago where making a
killing by recycling old aluminum siding a(nd not revealing the scrap
value to the homeowner). often they made more off the scrap than they
did from the job of putting on new siding. Aluminum prices aren't as
high now, so i'm not sure its still the case. But if you do get rid of
your old siding--take it to the scrap yard yourself.

Ben


On Thu, Sep 1, 2011 at 5:45 AM, Bobbi Chukran
<bobbi.chukran at suddenlink.net> wrote:
> Posting this again since I never got confirmation that it was delivered.
> Apologies if it was!
>
> Hi all,
>
> Just an update on the new/old house.  We're patching holes, caulking, got a
> new AC unit in (nice Carrier Infinity with UV lamp and air filter) and are
> about to get bids to do foam insulation on the bottom of the house and in
> the attic.
>
> We've had a hellish summer here in Texas, and the new AC is barely able to
> keep the house cool enough so that we can work inside.  We knew that might
> be the case, but hoped it might be a bit better than it has been.
>
> My question du jour is about the siding.  Right now, the house is encased in
> white aluminum siding, put on in the 60's.  I know that metal roofs reflect
> heat out, but what about a metal house?  I have a notion that the siding is
> making the house hotter on the inside than it would be otherwise, but I have
> no proof.
>
> It does have the original wood underneath, which may be in good shape but
> will definitely need scraping/repainting, and I'm 99% sure it's lead-based
> paint.  I personally love Hardi-plank, which we had on our former house.  As
> far as energy efficiency, savings, etc. is the metal siding hurting us, or
> perhaps even helping (by reflecting some heat)?  I have no clue what it
> would cost to re-side a house of this size (1550 SF, one story) in the
> Hardi-planks.
>
> Comments, recommendations would be appreciated!
>
> bobbi c.
> http://twosisters1930cottage.blogspot.com
>
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-- 


b e n j a m i n p r a t t

professor art+design
the university of wisconsin stout