After replacing aluminum siding, it is common to wonder how much it weighs so you can know what it will bring from a local scrapyard. Or, you may want to know if your vehicle can haul a large load.
Aluminum siding weighs approximately 3.6 lbs (1.633 kg) per square foot. For 100 square foot (9.2 sq m) sections, aluminum siding will weigh between 30-36lbs (13.6-16.32 kg).
In this article, I’ll discuss the weight and measurements of aluminum siding. I’ll also explain how to safely remove aluminum siding without damaging it and whether or not you can recycle it.
How Many Feet Is a Square of Siding?
There are various length and width measurements when it comes to siding, especially considering the different materials siding comes in.
One square of siding is equal to 100 square feet (9.2 sq m). When measuring how much siding you’ll need for your home, it’s best to measure the length and width of your exterior walls, then multiply them together.
For example, if you have a 20 ft (6.10 m) wall with an 8 ft (2.44 m) window on top, your calculation would be 20 x 8 = 160 square feet (140.8 sq m). You can find out the total amount of siding you need based on this number. If the desired amount of siding is more than 100 sq ft (9.2 sq m), simply add up all the measurements in your home to get the total square footage.
Pieces of Aluminum siding have different weights based on their size, but include:
| Length(in/cm) | Width (in/cm) | Coverage (sq. ft/sq. m) | Weight lbs/kg |
| 40/101.6 | 36/91.4 | 10/.93 | 30.6/13.88 |
| 120/304.8 | 36/91.4 | 30/2.79 | 108/48.9 |
| 150/381 | 8/20.3 | 8.3/.77 | 29.88/13.55 |
How Many Pieces of Siding are In a Square?
Siding comes in a wide variety of widths. Depending on the length and width of the individual pieces of siding, there will be a different number in the box.
As many as 14 to 24 pieces of siding are in a square, which covers at least 100 square feet (9.2 sq m). The actual quantity of pieces in any box of siding is determined by the length and width of the vinyl.
Boxes contain pieces of siding for walls and soffits. Each piece of siding is cut to the same length, but they vary in width. They’re usually 2 or 3 feet (0.61 or 0.91 m) wide and 8 feet (2.44 cm) long.
How Hard Is It to Remove Aluminum Siding?
Aluminum siding isn’t as easy to remove as vinyl siding because it’s a thicker material. In order to remove aluminum siding, you must cut or pry all of the fasteners attaching it to your home. This allows you to peel back the pieces and take them off in large sections.
It isn’t hard to remove aluminum siding, although it may not be as easy as some lighter alternatives. A pry bar is typically needed to pull up aluminum siding. Also, a good scraper helps to remove any remaining debris or caulk once the siding is off, and work gloves help to protect your hands.
Aluminum siding removal may take longer for novice do-it-yourselfers and leaves behind more residue compared with vinyl or wood siding. To remove aluminum siding:
- Use aviation snips to cut out each piece of metal along one side of the siding. This should be done at least two inches (5 cm) from where it meets the wall.
- Pry the siding loose with a crowbar. Travel the length of it until all the nails are completely extracted from the wall.
Can You Recycle Aluminum Siding?
You can recycle aluminum siding at most scrap yards. Contact a local scrap yard to inquire about which metals they accept and prices. Be sure to properly store any quality pieces of aluminum siding for recycling to preserve its integrity and selling price.
Here is a link to a local scrap yard finder.
Aluminum siding can be worth a significant amount of money if you choose to sell or recycle it, and the options sold today usually have a higher value than older siding. In the US and Canada, aluminum siding is valued at between 0.2 and 0.72 US dollars per pound, depending on its age and condition. The average price tends to float around $0.40 per pound.
Whether you choose to recycle or sell it yourself, be sure to remove aluminum siding carefully to avoid damage and guarantee yourself a better payoff.
Can You Install Vinyl Siding Over Aluminum Siding?
Vinyl siding is a popular, more modern alternative to aluminum. It’s often seen on newer houses because it offers more of a customizable look than aluminum siding does. Vinyl can easily replace aluminum, but if you want to change the style of your house entirely, then you may want to consider removing aluminum siding and replacing it with vinyl.
You can install vinyl siding over aluminum siding, however, it isn’t often recommended. Putting vinyl siding over existing aluminum siding can cause a build-up of rust and corrosion which ultimately shortens the lifespan of your siding. Ideally, old siding should be removed before installing vinyl.
If you have a large area that needs replacing or aren’t familiar with the process of installing vinyl siding, consider hiring a professional – or at least a handyman – to help. It’s a simple process that results in a beautiful, new surface for your home quickly and easily; However, it can be tedious without an extra set of hands available.
Conclusion
Aluminum siding comes in various lengths and weighs approximately 3.6lbs per square foot. Its overall appearance is left up to individual tastes, but modern styles come in a range of colors. The sturdiness of aluminum siding makes it perfect for high wind areas like coastal regions. It also requires very little maintenance throughout its lifespan.
Aluminum siding can be sold for an average of 40 cents per pound, depending on the condition. If you plan to install vinyl siding on your home, you’ll need to make sure your old aluminum siding is removed and either scrapped or sold.
For more, check out Is It Okay to Drill Into Vinyl Siding? (With an Alternative).
Jim James is a published author and expert on the outdoors and survivalism. Through avid research and hands-on experience, he has gained expertise on a wide variety of topics. His time spent at college taught him to become really good at figuring out answers to common problems. Often through extensive trial and error, Jim has continued to learn and increase his knowledge of a vast array of topics related to firearms, hunting, fishing, medical topics, cooking, games/gaming, and other subjects too numerous to name.
Jim has been teaching people a wide variety of survivalism topics for over five years and has a lifetime of experience fishing, camping, general survivalism, and anything in nature. In fact, while growing up, he often spent more time on the water than on land! He has degrees in History, Anthropology, and Music from the University of Southern Mississippi. He extensively studied Southern History, nutrition, geopolitics, the Cold War, and nuclear policy strategies and safety as well as numerous other topics related to the content on survivalfreedom.com.