Insulation Used Under Vinyl Siding

By glenn hooper june 2 2015.

Insulation used under vinyl siding.

There are insulated rigid foam products that will increase the insulation factor but you ll pay much more for r 5 to r 7. Continuous insulation under new siding has become a popular way to improve energy efficiency on an existing home because it addresses a problem known as thermal bridging. Insulated vinyl siding has an outer skin made of polyvinyl chloride or pvc just like standard vinyl siding. In fact you can check if it is a correct insulation installation by pressing on the house siding.

This is typically used to go over the existing siding in order to create an even surface to keep the siding plum during installation. Installation of this insulation type under fiber cement siding can create an incredible 600 more energy efficient home. Once the plywood is installed it s then time to install the siding over the top you can choose to use either vinyl or aluminum siding depending on the age style and look of your building. As many things in building science go you my dear reader have to learn something.

So if you re comparing proposals to install new vinyl siding on your home please be aware of this important fact. How insulated vinyl siding is made. The insulating foam used in insulated vinyl siding features a perm rating of up to 5 0 providing much better breathability tha comparable insulation products with perm ratings of 1 5 or less. An honest professional vinyl siding contractor will tell you exactly what you re getting.

Installing foam insulation under vinyl siding is a wise choice for homeowners who are seeking to protect their homes against moisture infiltration as well as improve energy efficiency. To be completely efficient this insulation type has to mold perfectly with the inside of your home siding. The insulation is glued in place for a permanent connection. I thought i should show why continuous foam under the exterior siding is so important.

Most homes in the united states are built with traditional wood frame construction with studs every 16 on center. This is most common with vinyl siding. The foam board is nailed in place with washer head nails should be taped at the seams to prevent air movement. The siding and insulation offer a well insulated home.

I get asked if this or that in the in the cavity works as well as foam under the siding. Generally referred to as rigid foam insulation this type of foam insulation is. Behind this skin is a layer of expanded polystyrene eps that is form fitted to the stepped siding profile of the vinyl. This detail is used with both new construction and also with renovation work.

1 2 polystyrine foam board insulation. It also serves as an air barrier. Because of this breathability installing insulated vinyl siding does not require costly venting as do some other insulation materials.