Vinyl vs Steel vs Aluminum Siding: Gentek’s Signature Select, SteelTek Supreme, and CedarWood Compared
Choosing the right siding for Idaho homes means balancing durability, maintenance, cost, and appearance. Gentek offers high-quality products in vinyl, steel, and aluminum. Their Signature Supreme (sometimes called Signature Select) vinyl siding, SteelTek Supreme steel siding, and CedarWood aluminum siding each have unique strengths and trade-offs. We want to look at the pros and cons of all of them so you can match the product to your project’s needs.
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Gentek Signature Supreme (Signature Select) Vinyl Siding
Gentek’s premium vinyl siding line (Signature Supreme) is 0.044″ thick, features a hardwood-like texture, and comes in many classic profiles. Vinyl siding is fully colored through the panel, so it never needs painting and won’t “chip, flake or peel” like painted wood or masonry products. Modern Vinyl Products are exceptionally durable and easy to maintain. It’s also lightweight and generally the most budget-friendly option upfront. Which it is used by many builders and developers in the Twin Falls area. Vinyl resists rot or rust entirely (it won’t swell or corrode), and modern formulations can meet ASTM standards for wind and impact resistance. With hundreds of fade-resistant colors certified by third parties, vinyl offers designers lots of options. Gentek backs its vinyl with a lifetime limited warranty (non-prorated, transferable) that even includes hail and fade protection.
- Pros: Highly affordable and lightweight; ready-to-install; solid-color panels mean no painting or staining ever. Low maintenance – usually just a quick rinse with a garden hose to clean surface dirt. Vinyl is “highly durable” in normal conditions and holds up well against sun and rain. A wide palette (Gentek offers many colors) provides design flexibility. Fire resistance: vinyl will not ignite without an existing flame source. Gentek’s Signature Supreme vinyl comes in ultra-long lengths to reduce seams, improving aesthetics and weather resistance.
- Cons: Vinyl can brittle and crack in freezing temperatures. Thermal expansion and contraction mean panels must be installed correctly – nailed too tight, they can warp or crack. Vinyl is relatively soft, so large hail, flying debris or impact can puncture or dent a panel; in severe cases a panel must be replaced entirely. Intense UV over many years can gradually fade color (much faster than Kynar-coated metals). Vinyl is combustible under fire (it will melt or deform under extreme heat). Environmentally, vinyl uses PVC; it’s rarely recycled and can release toxins if burned. Typical vinyl warranties are shorter or prorated; Gentek’s lifetime coverage helps offset this, but it’s still less durable long-term than metal. Finally, vinyl installation is usually best in milder weather; very cold or very hot installation conditions can lead to cracks or buckling.
Gentek SteelTek Supreme Steel Siding
Gentek’s SteelTek Supreme is heavy-gauge Galvalume® AZ-50 steel with an ultra-durable Kynar® PVDF finish. It comes in several woodgrain-textured profiles and deep color options. The AZ-50 Galvalume core (55% aluminum-zinc alloy) gives superior corrosion resistance versus ordinary galvanized steel, and the Kynar coating resists chalking, fading, dents, and scratches. Gentek claims that SteelTek Supreme’s Kynar finish is formulated for “superior scratch resistance” and long-term color retention. Galvalume steel also has high yield strength (around 35 KSI, Gentek claims), making it extremely rigid under tension or compression.
- Pros: Unmatched strength and durability. Steel siding resists fire, hail, wind-blown debris and impact far better than vinyl. The steel core is non-combustible and Galvalume doesn’t rot or warp – ideal for Idaho’s harsh conditions. A protected steel panel will typically outlast a vinyl equivalent by decades; experts note quality steel siding can last 50 years or more. Kynar-coated steel holds color longer than vinyl; Gentek’s fluoropolymer finish has additives to keep colors true and resist chalking. Steel is also highly recyclable – it’s the most recycled material on Earth according to Klauer, another steel manufacturer – and Gentek often incorporates recycled steel. Maintenance is low: no painting or staining ever, and steel won’t harbor insects or mold. Gentek even touts steel siding’s superior weather performance vs fiber cement (no silica dust hazards, etc.).
- Cons: Higher upfront cost. Steel siding is more expensive per square foot than vinyl, so budget is a key consideration (though the long life often offsets this). It’s much heavier, requiring sturdier framing and careful installation. In extremely cold Idaho winters, steel-clad walls sometimes need additional insulation under the siding to avoid thermal transfer. Steel can rust if the coating is scratched badly over many decades, though Galvalume + Kynar largely prevent corrosion. Repairing a dent in steel is more difficult – often requiring panel replacement – and color-matching must be precise. Finally, while Gentek’s SteelTek has stylish profiles, the aesthetic is still “metal siding” (though the woodgrain texture can be quite convincing).
Gentek CedarWood Aluminum Siding
Gentek’s CedarWood line is a premium aluminum siding engineered for a natural wood appearance. Each CedarWood panel has a heavy-duty aluminum core and a specialized Kynar PVDF finish (“Color Fusion”) that weaves rich, variegated cedar-like colors. The seams lock together with tight, crisp lines (no caulking needed), and the panels have an extra-deep ½″ butt for pronounced shadow relief. Aluminum won’t rust or corrode, and Gentek warrants CedarWood against excessive chalking or color change for 25 years. The siding is rated for extreme weather: Gentek notes it will withstand frigid cold, blazing sun, and high winds without absorbing moisture.
- Pros: Corrosion- and rot-resistant. Aluminum never rusts, so rain and snow pose no long-term threat. CedarWood’s Kynar coating also repels stains, mildew and dirt. It’s non-combustible, offering flame resistance far above vinyl – a plus for wildfire-prone regions. Aluminum siding is termite- and pest-proof. It’s very lightweight (lighter than steel, a bit heavier than vinyl), making installation easier. The look: CedarWood gives an authentic woodgrain texture and warm earth-tone colors (chestnut, gray, tan, etc.) for great curb appeal. Gentek emphasizes that CedarWood is eco-friendly: it’s made from ~90% recycled aluminum and is 100% recyclable again. Maintenance is a breeze – just rinse it occasionally. Overall lifespan is good (commonly 30–40 years), and dents are less visible on the variegated finish.
- Cons: Softer metal can dent. Aluminum siding is easier to ding or scratch than steel. Severe hailstorms or impacts may leave flat spots. It can also be noisier than vinyl or vinyl-clad steel – you might hear more ping during rain or hail. The finish resists corrosion, but over very long periods the aluminum itself can oxidize (it won’t pit like steel, but a dull patina can form). Aluminum panels usually come in limited profiles (CedarWood is often board-and-batten style), so there are fewer design options than vinyl. Cost sits between vinyl and steel (often closer to steel) unless you want a thicker guage to increase strength and durability. Then it is often much more than steel or vinyl. Finally, while colors are durable, any scratches in the finish will need careful repair to avoid corrosion.
Choosing the Right Siding in Southern Idaho
Idaho’s four-season climate – with hot summer sun, cold snowy winters, and occasional hail – makes siding choice especially important. Durability under weather extremes is key. Steel and aluminum stand up to hail, wind and UV far better than standard vinyl. Vinyl can perform well if high-quality (like Gentek’s thick premium grade) and properly installed, but it is more prone to cracking in Idaho’s freezing nights and can sag in intense heat. For homes in wildland areas with the risk of wildfire, the non-combustibility of steel or aluminum is a safety advantage.
Other factors:
- Maintenance: Vinyl and aluminum need very little upkeep (a wash now and then). Steel also stays maintenance-free, though it should be checked for scratches after storms. None of these require repainting like wood or fiber cement might.
- Appearance: If a warm, wood-like look is desired, CedarWood aluminum excels with realistic color patterns. Gentek’s steel offers textured woodgrain profiles and muted, lasting colors. Vinyl has many colors but a glossier finish.
- Budget & ROI: Vinyl siding installs fastest and cheapest, which is attractive for budget builds. Steel has the highest initial cost but the greatest longevity (often doubling vinyl’s lifespan). Aluminum costs are mid to high range, and it scores high on sustainability (97% recycled in some Gentek aluminum). All three are backed by Gentek warranties (vinyl lifetime; steel and aluminum with strong finish warranties), which protects your investment.
Bottom Line: For most Idaho projects, the choice comes down to priorities. Vinyl (Gentek Signature Supreme) is a cost-effective, low-maintenance solution that looks good and is easy to work with – ideal when budget is tight and climate stresses are moderate. Steel (SteelTek Supreme) is rock-solid and long-lasting, suited for clients who want maximum durability (especially in high-wind or hail-prone areas) and are willing to invest more upfront. Aluminum (CedarWood) offers a balance – a beautiful wood-like finish, fire resistance, and eco-friendliness – but it will dent easier than steel and may cost much more depending on the gauge.
No matter the choice, Canyon Exteriors LLC carries the full Gentek line, and our installers know these materials well. We can help match Signature Supreme vinyl, SteelTek Supreme steel, or CedarWood aluminum to your Southern Idaho projects. Contact us to compare samples and see which siding best fits your design, durability needs, and budget – ensuring your building looks great and stands strong for years to come.
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