One of the more common types of questions that homeowners ask when replacing the siding on their home is if insulated siding makes a house more energy-effecient. There are different types of siding available to select for your home, and you may be comparing options based on cost, style and maintenance needs. In addition, you may be looking at how energy efficient the different types of siding are. Insulated siding seems like it may offer improved energy efficiency benefits in comparison to other options on the market, but you may need to learn more about it in order to determine if this material is best suited for your home.
What Is Insulated Siding?
Insulated siding is a material that combines the benefits of exterior siding with the addition of an added layer of insulation to the back of the material, according to Best Pick Reports. Most commonly, insulation is added to vinyl siding rather than to other types of siding, such as fiber cement siding. There are various types of insulation that can be used, but the most common option is insulation that features a foam core underneath the exterior material. With a closer look at how this material is different from other options, you can make a better decision about whether to use it for your home.
How Insulated Siding Works
Insulated siding is an upgraded material, and it typically has a higher cost per square foot than standard vinyl siding. A significant mount of temperature transfer can take place in the exterior walls of a home. These walls typically have insulation inside of them, but some temperature transfer can still take place in this area. The insulation that is installed behind the exterior siding material creates an additional layer that serves the important role of trapping climate-controlled area inside the home and keeping the exterior air from penetrating into the home. You may be wondering if there is benefit to adding insulation to vinyl siding when it is installed over walls that are already insulated.
The True Benefits of Insulated Siding
When you are wondering if insulated siding makes a house more energy-efficient, you may be wondering what the true benefits of this siding are. The fact is that any type of insulation creates a blanket-like effect over the home. Adding more insulation is like adding another blanket to the home. It further traps air inside the home and further minimizes the amount of air that can enter the home. Ultimately, this can make the home far more energy efficient, and it can have a dramatic impact on utility bills. Before you decide if this is a material with paying extra money for, however, it is important for you to consider other factors. For example, the age of your HVAC system and how well your doors and windows are sealed will also play a role in the energy efficiency of a home. For those who want to cover all of their bases and make the home as energy efficient as possible, paying attention to all of these points can be beneficial.
Choosing an exterior siding material that is energy efficient can benefit you for years to come. Now that you have answered your question if insulated siding makes a house more energy-efficient, you can make an informed decision about whether to use this material for your replacement project.
Related Resource: Cost of Insulated Siding
