Installing Insulation Behind Vinyl Siding

Install insulated vinyl siding luckily if high levels of energy savings is your goal any combination of these solutions can be used to increase energy efficiency.

Installing insulation behind vinyl siding.

How to install rigid foam under 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. This type of insulation may change and flatten the specialty built in contour of the panel causing the siding to bulge or ripple. Adding insulation to the back of vinyl siding can raise the cost by 20 to 50.

Some people use roofing nails but if a strong gust of wind gets under the siding it may not hold. Some manufacturers strongly recommend against the use of drop in type foam or fiberboard behind its vinyl siding. By installing insulation on the outside of the framing it causes the location of the dew point to move to the outside of the wall assembly. So if you re comparing proposals to install new vinyl siding on your home please be aware of this important fact.

Apply sealant around windows doors and trim. Considering how effective house wrap is and how simple it is to install behind vinyl it is a good idea to ensure your contractor includes it when siding your home. This is most common with vinyl siding. However it s important to use an installer who is experienced with insulated siding.

This reduces the likelihood of condensation within the wall cavity. There are insulated rigid foam products that will increase the insulation factor but you ll pay much more for r 5 to r 7. The exterior insulation also helps keep the siding all vinyl siding leaks further away from the exterior sheathing. Installing insulated vinyl is similar to a standard vinyl installation so there s no reason why labor costs should be significantly higher with insulated vinyl.

An honest professional vinyl siding contractor will tell you exactly what you re getting. 1 2 polystyrine foam board insulation. Also during this siding process you may also consider asking your contractor to add foam insulation between the vinyl and the house wrap for increased r value. Also caulk the joint at corner trims.

It s important to understand how various insulation products work so you can determine which solution or solutions are right for your particular project.