Studies conclude that around 33% of single-family American homes built in 2011 used vinyl siding, making it the most popular siding material currently in use. Vinyl siding is popular because it mimics the appearance of wood, but is cheaper to install and more affordable. Vinyl siding is also easier to maintain than wood, and doesn’t rot or splinter like wood has been known to.
One area where wood beats out vinyl siding is in insulation properties. The insulation quality of a material is denoted by its R-value. Materials with higher R-values are considered to be better insulators. Regular vinyl siding has an average R-value of 0.67, while wood siding has R-values between 0.81 and 0.87.
However, a modified form of vinyl siding known as insulated vinyl siding has been gaining popularity with homeowners in chilly states like Minnesota and North Dakota. Insulated vinyl sliding has an R-value of 3 or 4, making it a much better insulator than ordinary vinyl or wood siding.
What is Insulated Vinyl Siding?
Insulated vinyl siding and ordinary vinyl siding are both made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). However, the key difference between the two is that insulated vinyl siding features a layer of expanded polystyrene (EPS) on the back of its panels. This added layer is firmly bonded to the external panel so that the two function as a solid single piece that provides superior insulation.
What Makes Insulated Vinyl Siding a Better Insulator?
Traditional siding acts as a barrier to protect the insulation between your walls from moisture. However, the vertical stud columns on either side of the insulation layers allow a significant percentage of heat to escape your home.
When you install insulated vinyl siding, the layer of PVC behind the panels acts as a blanket that covers those stud columns and prevents heat from escaping through them. This can greatly improve the insulation of your home.
Other Advantages of Using Vinyl Siding.
Similar to ordinary vinyl siding, insulated vinyl siding mimics the appearance of wood without requiring regular maintenance that wood siding usually entails. Wood is also prone to becoming infested by insects. The foam insulation on insulated vinyl siding is treated with an insecticide, which protects it from being damaged by insects.
Insulated vinyl is also more durable than ordinary vinyl siding, and can withstand impacts without being damaged. Insulated vinyl would fare better in a hailstorm than ordinary vinyl would.
How Much Does Insulated Vinyl Siding Cost?
Insulated vinyl siding costs between $4 and $12 per square foot installed, which makes it a bit pricier than ordinary vinyl siding which costs $3.50 to $7.50 per square foot installed. However, the energy savings from insulated vinyl can offset some of the initial purchase and installation costs.
If you do opt to go for insulated vinyl siding, it is recommended that you hire the services of an experienced siding contractor such as Northland Home Exteriors to perform the installation. Well fitted insulated vinyl siding provides far better insulation than siding that has been improperly installed.
Start saving on your energy bill and invest in insulated vinyl siding for your home. Contact Northland Home Exteriors today and have your siding installed by experienced professionals.
