How does insulated vinyl siding compare with traditional vinyl siding? Simply put, insulated vinyl siding is vinyl siding that has rigid foam insulation backing. While it can be more costly than traditional vinyl siding, the benefits may be worth the investment. Read on to learn more about the differences between insulated and traditional vinyl siding and the benefits of the added insulation.
Insulated Vs. Non-Insulated Vinyl Siding
Compared to traditional vinyl siding, insulated vinyl siding has a layer of contoured expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation backing that is permanently adhered to the siding.
This additional layer of rigid insulation can help increase your home’s protection from harsh weather conditions, damage, pests and exterior noises while improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Energy Savings
Insulated vinyl siding helps to keep the heat inside in the winter and outside in the summer, reducing heating and cooling costs. Many homeowners know energy can be lost through openings such as windows and doors but often overlook their external walls. Even if your walls contain traditional insulation, your home may experience energy loss due to a process called “thermal bridging.”
Thermal bridging occurs when temperatures bypass the insulation in the walls through the studs, which are often left uninsulated, allowing energy to leak through exterior walls. Insulated vinyl siding provides an extra layer of insulation that covers these gaps, reducing the thermal break and creating a protective barrier, saving you energy and money.
Home Comfort
Insulated vinyl siding can help make your home more comfortable year-round. Adding a protective barrier around the home’s exterior helps to create a consistent temperature from room to room. Additionally, wrapping your home in insulated vinyl siding can significantly dampen the sounds of your neighborhood.
Durability
Insulated vinyl siding has an extra layer of strength over its uninsulated counterpart. The contoured foam insulation is more rigid against the wall, helping to protect the panels against damage from weather, dents, and pests.
Appearance
Your exterior walls play a large part in your home’s curb appeal. Vinyl siding offers a variety of styles in long-lasting, rich colors that won’t flake or peel. The addition of the contoured foam insulation provides extra support, allowing manufacturers to create modern styles with wider, flatter profiles. This unique combination of design and durability means insulated vinyl siding is a beautiful cladding option that will stand the test of time.
Low Maintenance
Vinyl siding is one of the lowest maintenance cladding products on the market, making insulated vinyl siding an ideal option for busy homeowners. Whereas other cladding options often require painting, staining, and caulking, vinyl siding only requires occasional cleaning with mild soap and a quick rinse with the garden hose.
If you’re ready for a siding upgrade, insulated vinyl siding can boost your curb appeal, increase your home comfort and help save energy costs in the long run.