Foam Insukation Under Siding
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.
Foam insukation under siding. By filling the voids behind the siding s stepped profile the insulation makes the complete material stiffer and more resistant to warping and movement than conventional vinyl siding. In reality rigid foam board which sometimes comes in fanfold usually only has an insulating factor of r 1 and does not add any appreciable insulation effect to your home. Siding over rigid foam a vented drainable air space keeps wood siding dry and stable. Generally referred to as rigid foam insulation this type of foam insulation is.
How to install rigid foam under siding. Most homes in the united states are built with traditional wood frame construction with studs every 16 on center. Insulated vinyl siding is standard vinyl siding with a backing of solid rigid foam insulation. Install it anywhere from the roof to the foundation.
Below are some of the design details along with the benefits. 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. 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. They keep your home at a comfortable temperature without the need to crank your heat.
We will start with hot climates. 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. One new wrinkle for many builders is walls built with fiber insulation between the studs plus rigid foam. It also serves as an air barrier.
And even though some manufacturers call it rigid foam insulation for the purpose of vinyl siding it basically has the same insulating value as a piece of plywood. This detail is used with both new construction and also with renovation work. You can even place it under the foundation slab. Rigid insulation is one of the best tools to reduce your energy costs.