Insulation Under Siding

Most homes in the united states are built with traditional wood frame construction with studs every 16 on center.

Insulation under siding. Below are some of the design details along with the benefits. This foam board insulation is the rigid pink or blue panels that can be found at home centers in many different thicknesses. We will start with hot climates. Installation of this insulation type under fiber cement siding can create an incredible 600 more energy efficient home.

Generally referred to as rigid foam insulation this type of foam insulation is. I thought i should show why continuous foam under the exterior siding is so important. Insulated vinyl siding is installed with nails as with standard vinyl. 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.

As many things in building science go you my dear reader have to learn something. Eps is used under roofing over foundation walls and beneath siding. It also serves as an air barrier. To be completely efficient this insulation type has to mold perfectly with the inside of your home siding.

The bottom edge of the insulation is shaped to receive the top edge of the siding course below so the pieces overlap. 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. 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. 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.

Why insulation under the siding is important. 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. This detail is used with both new construction and also with renovation work. Before installing vinyl siding over existing wood siding or wall sheathing the wood must be dry and in good condition.

It provides an r value of 4 per inch of thickness and is the cheapest type of foam board insulation. Installing insulation over moisture or existing rot can create larger headaches later. I get asked if this or that in the in the cavity works as well as foam under the siding.