Homeowners may get their siding replaced for a variety of reasons. Their current siding may simply be old and has exceeded its lifetime. Perhaps the siding consists of an outdated material like aluminum and an upgrade is necessary. Some people may switch from siding that requires maintenance to a siding material that is maintenance free, like vinyl.
Benefits of getting new vinyl siding installed are plentiful. Not only is vinyl maintenance free (This means that you never have to paint it.), but it is offered in several different colors and styles. The "newer" vinyl is much better than the fist generations of vinyl in that the colors hold for much longer- most are guaranteed for life- and the thickness of the newer vinyl siding is much more substantial.
If you are a homeowner in the market for new siding, remember that no matter what color or style of siding that you choose, perhaps at least as important of a decision is what to get installed under the new siding. Depending on when your house was built or when the siding was last replaced, what is under your siding may be nothing more than plywood or some other type of basic sheathing.
In other words, there may be no insulation or vapor barrier. If neither insulation nor any vapor barrier are currently present, one of these two should be installed.
A vapor barrier is a paper-like membrane that gets applied directly to the sheathing (usually plywood) of the house's exterior structure, under the new siding. The most famous brand of residential vapor barriers is Tyvek Housewrap, made by DuPont. Vapor barriers are designed to keep out moisture and wind. However, it is NOT an insulator.
Exterior insulation is a foam-like layer that is applied under the new siding. Generally, the thicker the foam, the greater the insulator. Foam insulation is often referred to as fanfold. This is because some brands of foam insulation are stored folded and it unfolds like an accordion for easy installation.
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| insulation installed behind siding |
During most siding remodeling projects, it is recommended that you install a foam that won't prop your siding out past your window openings, as this can be aesthetically displeasing. Most foam-board that is installed during siding remodeling projects are between 1/4" and 5/8" thick.
The cost of a vapor barrier (like Tyvek) is close to that of most fanfolds, including installation. So, the question to ask yourself is what your house needs more. If your house is noticeably drafty or of you have moisture concerns, a vapor barrier is probably what you want.
If your house is extremely energy inefficient, foam insulation may be the better choice. If you want vapor/wind protection and an insulator, you could have both installed. Of course, you need to consider the upfront price implications of having both installed, but if you save money in the long run (lower energy bills, no future mold problems), it could be worth it.
If you only want to pay for one, you should probably choose insulation. This is because fanfold has some vapor/moisture barrier qualities (though not always as good as other vapor barriers) AND it is an insulator.
Learn about a product better than Tyvek AND fanfold insulation! Click here.
Call JP Construction for a free consultation. Call us at (877) 846-9566 or schedule online.
Best Roofers in Bel Air, MD (Harford County)
