Insulation Under Siding

I get asked if this or that in the in the cavity works as well as foam under the siding.

Insulation under siding.

As many things in building science go you my dear reader have to learn something. 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. We will start with hot climates. 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.

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. It provides an r value of 4 per inch of thickness and is the cheapest type of foam board insulation. By glenn hooper june 2 2015. The bottom edge of the insulation is shaped to receive the top edge of the siding course below so the pieces overlap.

Eps is used under roofing over foundation walls and beneath siding. Installing insulation over moisture or existing rot can create larger headaches later. This foam board insulation is the rigid pink or blue panels that can be found at home centers in many different thicknesses. Why insulation under the siding is important.

Before installing vinyl siding over existing wood siding or wall sheathing the wood must be dry and in good condition. 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. In fact you can check if it is a correct insulation installation by pressing on the house 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.

To be completely efficient this insulation type has to mold perfectly with the inside of your home siding. Installation of this insulation type under fiber cement siding can create an incredible 600 more energy efficient home. I thought i should show why continuous foam under the exterior siding is so important. Most homes in the united states are built with traditional wood frame construction with studs every 16 on center.

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. Generally referred to as rigid foam insulation this type of foam insulation is. Below are some of the design details along with the benefits.