If you choose a metallic finish for your soffits, then your choices are between steel and aluminum fascias. Unless, of course, you want to make a more dramatic effect. Both materials may be prone to warping if incorrectly installed. This is one of those instances where it could pay you to choose a professional for your fascia job.
Let’s Line Up Steel and Aluminum Fascia and Compare
All metals expand on hot summer days, because their atoms absorb kinetic energy, and vibrate faster. This vibration drives their atoms further apart, so the material expands and takes more up more space.
Correspondingly, all metals contract on chilly days, as they cool down. Their atoms vibrate less, and move closer together due to reduced kinetic energy. We call this phenomenon thermal expansion and contraction.
However, different metals have varying thermal expansion and contraction rates. This is because their atomic and molecular structures vary, affecting the strength of internal bonding.
As a general rule of thumb, denser heavier metals like steel, tend to expand and contract at a slower rate than lighter, less dense aluminum. With that in mind, let’s consider how steel and aluminum fascia warping affects the quality of the job.
Choosing the Right Metal Fascia for Your Siding Job
Fascia is exterior trim, in the form of a strip that protects the ends of wooden rafters from the elements. But it also provides support to brackets that hold gutters in place, making the choice of the right material even more important.
We don’t recommend using fiber cement, vinyl, or processed wood as fascia materials, because of the consequences if they fail. However, both aluminum and steel are suitable, because of their durability and pleasing appearance.
Both steel and aluminum fascia options are also resistant to insects, and the heat from fires. Consider your options carefully as follows:
- Aluminum is more economical than steel, and easier to cut and drill.
- Whereas longer-lasting steel requires a higher up-front capital investment.
- Steel rusts in contact with the air, unless coated from time to time.
- Whereas aluminum gradually oxidizes to a white or dull grey finish.
We typically use stock aluminum fascia panels at Valiant Exteriors. In fact, the only time we use steel when the existing fascia is large and /or uneven. Steel is less prone to warping, especially due to temperature swings. However, slightly loose nailing usually prevents aluminum fascia from warping.
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