Insulated Vinyl Siding 101

INSULATED VINYL SIDING 101


An Introduction toInsulated Vinyl Siding

PART I

When building or renovating your house, a big part of the thought and planning must go into ensuring that the exterior is sound and secure – which means choosing a good siding material is of utmost importance. One of the most popular types of siding today is vinyl siding. It is chosen by many homeowners because it offers a number of benefits at a fraction of the cost of other siding materials, making it a cost-effective option. But what if you add insulation to vinyl siding, which can make your home cooler as well as energy-efficient? Will the additional expense be worth it?


AN INTRODUCTION TO INSUALATED VINYL SIDING

Let us take a look at insulated vinyl siding to better discern if it is indeed worth your investment.

WHAT IS INSULATED VINYL SIDING?

Insulated vinyl siding, as you probably can tell, is basically a vinyl siding product that comes with the added benefit of insulation. Insulation is glued and fitted directly onto the siding; this insulated foam backer is commonly made from closed-cell expanded polystyrene, a safe and non-toxic compound made primarily of carbon and hydrogen.


AN INTRODUCTION TO INSUALATED VINYL SIDING

In the next part of this e-book, we will take a more in-depth look at the advantages of insulated vinyl siding. Stay tuned!

IMPORTANCE OF SIDING INSULATION: CLADDING WITH BENEFITS

Every homeowner already has an idea how important siding is -- it improves your home’s look from the outside, and it also protects your walls against damage from different sources. By insulating your siding - or better yet - installing insulated siding, you are ensuring double protection for your cladding.Choosing insulated siding can also help you meet building and energy codes for your climate. Considered as continuous insulation, insulated vinyl siding can greatly increase your home’s whole-wall U-factor.

Over the years, siding and insulation have greatly improved – but if any one of them does not perform properly, you cannot maximize their benefits. Insulated vinyl siding makes for a good choice as it minimizes the possibility of gaps and energy leaks more efficiently, compared with installing siding and insulation separately.


The Advantages ofInsulated Vinyl Siding

PART 2

In the first part of this series, we defined what insulated vinyl siding is and established how it is better than regular vinyl siding. Now, let us take a closer look at its advantages and find more reasons why you should choose the product for your home if you want a worthy investment.


THE ADVANTAGES OF INSULATED VINYL SIDING

INCREASED ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND COMFORTNo matter what the season or weather conditions, energy constantly enters and exits the home through a process called thermal bridging. This occurs when warm energy seeps through the traditional insulation installed in the walls, and transfers through the wooden studs. With insulated vinyl siding, however, your home gets an exterior buffer that prevents unwanted energy loss, which significantly reduces thermal bridging. This results in increased exterior wall R-value, which is the measurement of the resistance of a material or assembly against heat flow.

Aside from the added functionality, insulated vinyl siding also treats your home to cost savings. Reduced energy transfer means reduced utility bills, after all. Furthermore, the government promotes the importance of making more green choices, so homeowners who have insulated vinyl siding installed in their homes can enjoy tax credits simply for choosing a more energy-efficient option.

BETTER SOUND RESISTANCEInsulated vinyl siding also helps reduce the level of outside noise that enters a home because of the additional foam backing. Lawnmower engines, passing cars, barking dogs, and anything else that can result in distraction or even loss of sleep should be the least of your worries.


THE ADVANTAGES OF INSULATED VINYL SIDING

ENHANCED IMPACT RESISTANCEOn its own, vinyl siding is known for being durable and virtually maintenance-free – and it only gets better with its reinforced insulated alternative. With the polystyrene foam backing that fills the hollow space between the siding and the walls and acts like a shock absorber against common impact sources, insulated vinyl siding is stronger, thus allowing for better resistance against hail, stones, and other similar sources of potential damage.

IMPROVED RIGIDITYThe foam backing in insulated vinyl siding equips it with rigidity, which is especially helpful in exterior renovation projects where uneven walls may pose an issue. The insulated vinyl siding’s rigid design emphasizes the lines, while hiding any imperfections. Moreover, due to its enhanced durability, insulated siding can be expected to maintain its straight and symmetrical shape for a long time.

PEST-RESISTANTInsects and other pests such as rodents love nesting inside walls. With the tough polystyrene backing that fills the gap between the walls and siding, these pests can no longer live behind the siding. Vinyl and polystyrene do not attract termites and other similarly destructive critters.

In the next and last installment in this e-book, we will answer the most commonly asked questions about insulated vinyl siding and give some additional tips that can help you maximize your investment.


Insulated Vinyl Siding

FAQ

PART 3

There are a number of things to learn and love about insulated vinyl siding. In this FAQ page, we aim to address the most common questions that you may have about this cladding material and help you understand it better, so as to make better

decisions that involve the material.


INSULATED VINYL SIDING FAQ

WE’VE LEARNED ABOUT ITS ADVANTAGES – BUT DOES IT HAVE ANY DISADVANTAGES?

Just like all other home-building materials, insulated vinyl siding also has disadvantages. For one, it is pricier than vinyl siding. However, the extra cost may be worth it, as insulated vinyl siding offers better performance in terms of energy efficiency compared to when vinyl siding and insulation are installed separately.

CAN YOU INSTALL INSULATED VINYL SIDING IN ANY HOME?

Practically, yes! Insulated vinyl siding comes in different finishes and textures, and it has a classic style that suits any kind of home architecture. With this type of siding, you can improve your home’s curb appeal while making it more energy-efficient and comfortable.

DOES IT REQUIRE MORE MAINTENANCE THAN REGULAR VINYL SIDING?

While insulated vinyl siding is a generally more superior material than regular vinyl siding, it does not require more maintenance. An annual wash with soap and water is enough. Pressure-washing is discouraged, though, just as with traditional vinyl siding.



HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The cost of insulated vinyl siding installation varies based on a number of factors: cost and quality of the chosen product and brand, installation service costs, size of the home or wall installation, location, and other incidental costs, such as necessary home foundation repairs, among other things. It is best to consult a professional contractor regarding the estimated cost.

HOW CAN I MAKE THE MOST OUT OF THIS INVESTMENT?

One of the best ways to make the most out of this investment is to find an experienced contractor with a solid reputation. Insulated vinyl siding must be installed properly for it to perform as expected – good installation practices will ensure that you benefit from its energy efficiency features. You also cash in on comprehensive warranties offered by both the manufacturer and your installer.



DRYTECH ROOFING COMPANY INC.3435 Walnut Road Aberdeen, MD 21001

(240) 547-2447www.DryTechRoofingCompany.com

http://www.DryTechRoofingCompany.com

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Insulated Vinyl Siding 101