Insulation Under Siding

Insulated vinyl siding is installed with nails as with standard vinyl.

Insulation under siding.

As many things in building science go you my dear reader have to learn something. Before installing vinyl siding over existing wood siding or wall sheathing the wood must be dry and in good condition. This foam board insulation is the rigid pink or blue panels that can be found at home centers in many different thicknesses. Generally referred to as rigid foam insulation this type of foam insulation is.

Installation of this insulation type under fiber cement siding can create an incredible 600 more energy efficient home. In fact you can check if it is a correct insulation installation by pressing on the house siding. The bottom edge of the insulation is shaped to receive the top edge of the siding course below so the pieces overlap. Installing insulation over moisture or existing rot can create larger headaches later.

I thought i should show why continuous foam under the exterior siding is so important. It also serves as an air barrier. To be completely efficient this insulation type has to mold perfectly with the inside of your home siding. Why insulation under the siding is important.

I get asked if this or that in the in the cavity works as well as foam under the siding. Most homes in the united states are built with traditional wood frame construction with studs every 16 on center. Foil faced foam board insulation is a great idea but is not a good choice for hot climates or cold climates as an exterior insulation product. Installing foam board insulation under vinyl siding today more than ever before homes are being built with foam board insulation installed on the outside of the sheathing and under the siding.

The insulation itself can be up to 1 25 inch thick at its thickest point but due to the stepped profile much of the insulation is thinner. 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. 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. Hot climates already have a lot of heat and vinyl siding tends to expand and contract with temperature changes up to 1 if the siding is made of recycled vinyl material.

It provides an r value of 4 per inch of thickness and is the cheapest type of foam board insulation. We will start with hot climates. Below are some of the design details along with the benefits.