Aluminum vs. Steel for Exterior Metal: Which Should You Spec?
Both have a place in soffit, fascia, trim, and panels. Here’s how to choose for your project.
There’s no single right answer — it depends on the application. Here’s the quick decision framework we use with contractors.
Aluminum
Lightweight, naturally corrosion-resistant, and easy to form into crisp profiles. It’s the workhorse for soffit, fascia, and most trim — especially in wet or coastal conditions where rust is a concern. It won’t streak-rust if scratched.
Steel
Stronger and stiffer for its thickness, which makes it a good choice for certain wall panels and structural-ish details where rigidity matters. Properly coated steel holds up well; the trade-off is weight and corrosion management at cut edges.
How to decide
We fabricate both. Not sure which fits your detail? Tell us the application when you request a quote and we’ll advise.
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