Why Extruded Aluminum Is Replacing Traditional Cladding
Built straight. Built strong. Built to last.
What is 6063-T6 extruded aluminum — and why does it matter for exteriors?
6063-T6 is a high-performance aluminum alloy that’s heat-treated for strength (that’s the T6).
It’s shaped through precision extrusion, not stamping or casting.
What that means for your building:
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Straighter lines
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Cleaner geometry
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Stronger profiles that hold shape for decades
Contractors, architects, and building owners are choosing aluminum because it solves problems other materials can’t.
How does it compare to wood, vinyl, or fiber cement?
Here’s what customers ask us most:
| Question | Wood | Vinyl | Fiber Cement | Extruded Aluminum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Will it rot? |  Yes |
 No |
No |
Never |
| Will it warp/shift? | Yes |
Heat distortion |
Freeze/Thaw |
Dimensional stability |
| Does it absorb water? | Yes |
No |
Yes |
0% absorption |
| Fire performance? | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent (non-combustible) |
| Maintenance cost? | High (repaint) | Medium (fading/cracks) | High (repairs) | Lowest in class |
Short answer: Aluminum avoids the failures that drive expensive repairs.
Will it stand up to extreme weather?
Yes — aluminum shines where other materials struggle.
Performance advantages:
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Rigid under load — less deflection in wind
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Fire-safe — aluminum is non-combustible
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UV-stable finishes — resists fading
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Thermal stability — won’t buckle or ripple with temperature swings
If your project sees:
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High winds
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Wildfire risk
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Heavy sun
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Freeze/thaw cycles→ Aluminum is often the lowest-risk choice.
Is aluminum actually sustainable?
Customers love this answer:
100% recyclable — forever Doesn’t lose structural value when recycled Lightweight = lower transport emissions Zero repaint cycles reduces chemicals + wasteSo yes — aluminum is a legitimate low-carbon strategy for long-term construction.
What will it cost me over time?
Up-front pricing varies by profile and finish.
But lifetime cost? That’s where aluminum wins.
Avoiding:
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Repainting (every 5–10 years for wood/cement)
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Moisture-based failures
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Emergency repairs
→ Lowest total cost of ownership across 30–50 years.
Buildings don’t just age — they do it expensively.
Aluminum protects your budget from that reality.
Why are more modern buildings switching to 6063-T6?
Because decision-makers want:
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Better performance
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Better aesthetics
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Better long-term economics
6063-T6 extruded aluminum delivers all three — without compromise.
Want the benefits on your next build?
FastPlank™ is a premium extruded aluminum cladding system designed for:
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Faster installs
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Zero-maintenance performance
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Modern, monolithic design
Unlock next-generation façade performance.
Contact our sales team and experience FastPlank™ today.
