Is It Worth Getting Insulated Siding?

An important decision you will have to make when building a house is choosing the right siding. This is important especially in the northern part of the country, because it must withstand harsh weather conditions such as heavy snowfall, strong winds, and freezing temperatures while providing insulation and protection for the home. Insulated siding has become very popular as an option that not only improves the aesthetics of the house, but also provides energy savings. However, is it really worth the extra investment? This article will give you an objective look at the actual savings and benefits of insulated siding. We will also focus on the realities in Illinois, analyzing the factors that affect the profitability of the investment.

is insulated siding worth it

What Exactly Insulated Siding is?

Insulated siding, is traditional vinyl siding with the addition of an insulating layer created from rigid foam attached to the back. Brands such as CertainTeed offer specialty products, such as CedarBoards™ Insulated Siding, which have better energy efficiency and increased structural integrity. The insulation itself is typically made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), providing additional thermal resistance and contributing to the overall insulation of the building. This addition is designed to reduce thermal bridging, the transfer of heat through frame components that are poor insulators.

Does Insulated Siding Pay Off?

Manufacturers often point out that insulated siding helps save significant amounts of energy. The CertainTeed brand claims that their product can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 20%. In reality, the amount of savings depends on a number of factors, such as a home’s existing insulation, climate conditions and energy prices. In the Illinois climate, which has cold winters and humid, hot summers, improving a home’s thermal insulation can definitely help reduce energy bills.

The R-value, a measure of the thermal resistance of insulated siding, is usually between 2 and 3 (R-2, R-3). This depends on the thickness of the insulation. This is an improvement over standard vinyl siding, which has an R-value close to zero. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that it is still small compared to other insulation materials available on the market. The addition of traditional exterior insulation in the form of rigid foam boards, for example, provides an R-value of 5 to 10, and sometimes even higher. Therefore, while insulated siding contributes to energy efficiency, it may not completely eliminate the need for additional insulation in walls that lack sufficient thermal resistance.

is insulated siding good investment?

Consider that the average heating and cooling cost for an average Illinois home is about $2,000 per year. The 10% reduction provided by insulated siding would save $200 in this case. The cost of a square foot of insulated siding is $1 to $2 more than its cost for classic vinyl siding. Calculations show that the additional cost for a 2,000-square-foot building is between $4,000 and $8,000. The time required for the energy savings to offset the higher initial cost, or payback period, is then 20 to 40 years, which may exceed the warranty period of the siding. This suggests that energy savings alone may not justify the investment.

Enhanced Structural Integrity and Durability

In addition to increased energy efficiency, insulated siding also offers greater rigidity compared to standard vinyl siding. The foam backing further assists the siding structure in maintaining its shape, reducing the risk of warping, buckling and cracking. This added sturdiness works especially well in areas with high winds and wide temperature fluctuations, such as Illinois.

Increased durability over time can lead to savings on siding maintenance. While traditional vinyl siding can become brittle when exposed to low temperatures, increasing its risk for impact damage, insulated siding and the foam used in it mitigates this problem potentially extending the life of the structure by 5 to 10 years. This is an additional advantage of insulated siding that is not included in energy-saving calculations.

Impact on Moisture Management and Comfort

Insulated siding contributes to home comfort by reducing drafts and maintaining a more constant temperature indoors. The foam layer acts as a barrier against air infiltration, an important contributor to energy loss in buildings. In addition, some products include a drainage plane design that ensures moisture escape, reducing the likelihood of mold growth in the wall assembly.

is insulated siding more durable than normal one

However, it is worth remembering that insulated siding will not replace the need for adequate wall insulation and moisture barriers, such as house wrap or vapor barriers. For older homes with minimal wall insulation, installing only insulated siding would not provide adequate thermal resistance. To maximize energy efficiency and the longevity of the building itself, a comprehensive approach that includes upgrading interior insulation and ensuring proper moisture management is essential.

Comparing Manufacturer Claims with Reality

Manufacturers such as the aforementioned CertainTeed present their insulated siding products as comprehensive solutions for energy efficiency and durability. And while their claims are backed by product testing and industry standards, in reality the performance can be quite different. It is influenced by various factors, such as the quality of installation and existing building and climatic conditions. Depending on these, the actual benefits experienced by homeowners will vary.

Independent studies suggest that the actual energy savings from insulated siding in a building are generally small. The U.S. Department of Energy indicates that adding exterior insulation (which includes insulated siding) can reduce heating and cooling costs by 5% to 12% in cold climates. This range is significantly smaller than that represented in some manufacturers’ claims, but is still a tangible benefit. Homeowners should therefore temper expectations and consider insulated siding as one component of a broader strategy being undertaken to achieve higher energy efficiency.

When Is Insulated Siding Worth the Investment?

Insulated siding may be a worthwhile investment in certain scenarios:

  1. Homeowners Seeking Incremental Energy Efficiency Improvements: For those who have already addressed major insulation upgrades and are looking for additional efficiency gains, insulated siding can contribute to overall performance.
  2. Properties with Exterior Wall Challenges: Homes with irregular wall surfaces or limited space for additional insulation may benefit from the ease of installing insulated siding without significant structural modifications.
  3. Desire for Enhanced Durability and Aesthetics: The increased rigidity and impact resistance can be valuable in areas with harsh weather conditions. Additionally, insulated siding often offers improved appearance due to its ability to maintain a straight, smooth finish.
  4. Long-Term Homeownership Plans: If you plan to stay in your home for several decades, the cumulative energy savings and reduced maintenance costs may offset the higher initial expense over time.
is insulated siding good

Technical Considerations and Material Quality

The actual effectiveness of insulation siding depends on the quality of the materials used in it and the level of its manufacturing processes. High-density EPS foam is most often used for production, due to its favorable R-value to thickness ratio and moisture resistance. It is profiled in such a way that it fits precisely into the profile of the siding. Such a solution eliminates the possibility of gaps that would adversely affect performance.

For vinyl insulation siding, CertainTeed and other reputable manufacturers follow industry standards such as ASTM D7793. As a result, their products guarantee consistent quality. Also worth noting are technologies such as interlocking panel designs and secure fastening systems that contribute to siding performance. When choosing a product, homeowners should check whether it meets industry standards and what technologies it uses. They should also consider warranties that cover both material defects and installation quality.

Does Insulated Siding Eliminate the Need for Additional Insulation?

Insulated siding improves the thermal resistance of a home’s exterior, but definitely does not provide enough R-value to fully replace traditional wall insulation. In Illinois and states with similar climates, building codes often require wall insulation to have an R-value of R-13 to R-21. Insulated siding can only be a supplement in this case, so it should be considered an improvement in energy efficiency, not a substitute.

when is it worth choosing insulated siding

For new construction or major renovations, combining insulated siding with proper cavity insulation and air sealants will yield the best results. For retrofits where increasing wall insulation on the inside proves impractical, it may be a good idea to use insulating siding additionally as part of an exterior insulation strategy. Relying solely on insulation siding, however, will not achieve the desired thermal insulation goals.

Conclusion

Deciding whether insulated siding is worth the investment requires considering many factors. Consider the desired benefits in terms of energy savings, durability and comfort and compare them to the cost of purchasing and installing siding. In states like Illinois, where extreme weather conditions are common, insulated siding can contribute more significantly to the energy efficiency and resilience of a home. However, the savings alone may not provide a quick return on the higher initial cost.

Homeowners should consider installing insulated siding as an addition to their building’s overall energy efficiency strategy. When combined with proper wall insulation, air sealing and moisture management methods, it can improve a home’s overall thermal envelope and contribute to its longevity. Consultations with experienced contractors and energy efficiency specialists can certainly help tailor solutions to specific needs and ensure that investments pay off.

In summary, insulated siding not only provides energy savings, but also offers other benefits, such as improved building durability and better aesthetics. However, it does not eliminate the need for additional insulation and does not provide a quick financial return. Instead, it can be a valuable component of a comprehensive strategy to improve energy efficiency and home comfort.

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