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Aluminum vs.
Vinyl/Steel

Is Aluminum that much better than vinyl or steel? The answer is yes! With the wide variety of underdecking ceiling systems on the market, aluminum beats vinyl or steel overall. Our solid aluminum construction offers a host of benefits.

Benefits of aluminum

  • While lightweight, aluminum is very strong. Vinyl is lightweight but has much less structural strength. Steel is strong but very heavy.
  • Aluminum is durable enough to withstand extreme temperature changes. Vinyl will expand and contract with temperature changes, resulting in cracking, gapping and other flaws. Steel is strong, but the underdeck ceiling panels are made out of corrugated steel roofing material. Because this kind of steel sheeting is not intended to be used for this purpose, it usually only lasts a year or two before it fails. Steel sheeting also easily leaks at the seams.
  • It can endure heavy snow and ice. Vinyl panels must be reinforced if they span long distances or they will sag or break under the weight. The reinforcements can also trap water and debris that will not only damage the underdeck ceiling, but the floor above it.
  • Aluminum panels are available in several colors. Vinyl and steel color choices are very limited.
  • Colors are baked in, not painted on, so they resist peeling, fading or chipping.
  • Aluminum requires very little maintenance. Panels are easy to clean. Vinyl is easy to clean, but because they are not durable, may need to be replaced. Steel tends to rust, so must be galvanized or protected in some other way. Even if the panels are protected, the cut ends are always susceptible to rusting.
  • Aluminum panels can be easily removed for access, repair or cleaning.
  • Ceiling fans and light fixtures can be installed on aluminum ceilings without worry of sagging or breaking. Vinyl cannot withstand these heavy additions.
  • Aluminum is great for the environment. Not only is aluminum made from recyclable materials, but when it’s lived its life, it can be recycled again. Vinyl under deck ceilings are made from virgin plastic (not recycled material).
  • Aluminum panels are available in any length so you will have a seamless look. Vinyl under deck ceiling panels only come in two lengths: 12 ft and 16 ft., so your ceiling will not be uniform.
  • Aluminum is easy to install. The panels can be sawn, cut, carved or drilled easily to fit any measurements. Vinyl requires more under-structure to attach to. Cutting steel will make it more susceptible to rusting.

Comparison of aluminum to vinyl and steel

Here you can see how aluminum far surpasses vinyl or steel as the choice for your underdeck system.

Benefits Aluminum Vinyl Steel
Durability
Excellent
Poor
Poor
Lightweight
Excellent
Excellent
Poor
Color Choices
Excellent
Poor
Poor
Leak-Proof
Excellent
Fair
Poor
Eco-Friendly
Excellent
Poor
Excellent
Low Maintenance
Excellent
Fair
Poor
Installation
Excellent
Fair
Poor
Lighting or Ceiling Fan
Excellent
Fair
Excellent
Seamless Look
Excellent
Poor
Poor

Choose the best material for your underdeck system

RainTight Deck Systems are made of high-quality aluminum. We’ll install an underdecking system that is durable, aesthetic, strong and long lasting. You’ll get a product that lasts a lifetime.

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