Insulation Used Under Vinyl Siding

How insulated vinyl siding is made.

Insulation used under vinyl siding.

The insulation is glued in place for a permanent connection. 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. This detail is used with both new construction and also with renovation work. Why insulation under the siding is important.

Below are some of the design details along with the benefits. So if you re comparing proposals to install new vinyl siding on your home please be aware of this important fact. Insulated vinyl siding has an outer skin made of polyvinyl chloride or pvc just like standard vinyl siding. I thought i should show why continuous foam under the exterior siding is so important.

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. It also serves as an air barrier. Installation of this insulation type under fiber cement siding can create an incredible 600 more energy efficient home. Most homes in the united states are built with traditional wood frame construction with studs every 16 on center.

The siding and insulation offer a well insulated home. To be completely efficient this insulation type has to mold perfectly with the inside of your home 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. An honest professional vinyl siding contractor will tell you exactly what you re getting.

I get asked if this or that in the in the cavity works as well as foam under the siding. As many things in building science go you my dear reader have to learn something. Behind this skin is a layer of expanded polystyrene eps that is form fitted to the stepped siding profile of the vinyl. By glenn hooper june 2 2015.

1 2 polystyrine foam board insulation. This is typically used to go over the existing siding in order to create an even surface to keep the siding plum during installation. 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.

Because of this breathability installing insulated vinyl siding does not require costly venting as do some other insulation materials. 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. 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.