Many changes have been made in the siding industry in the last
20 years. Vinyl siding was first
introduced in the 1960’s and has continued to grow in popularity ever
since. Homeowners love vinyl siding because
it is weather resistant, durable and easy to maintain. It also comes in a
variety of colors, allowing you to outfit your home in anything from classic
conservative colors to whimsical hues to show your personality.
Insulated siding was introduced in the late 90’s as concerns
over energy efficiency and conservation became more prevalent. Insulated siding
has foam insulation permanently attached to the cladding, which serves to
reduce the loss of energy due to air leakage and thermal bridging, which is the
transfer of energy through the framing and studs in a home. Although most homes are insulated, without
insulated siding, up to 25% of the air conditioning or heating in your home is
still escaping from your home’s framework and studs. That’s the equivalent of leaving one entire wall of your home un-insulated!
Homeowners who invest in insulated siding can expect the air tightness of
their home to increase an average of 12%, with an average savings of 8% on
their energy bill.
While energy efficiency is certainly an attractive aspect of
insulated siding, there are other benefits as well. Vinyl siding is resistant to
heat and cold, so it won’t crack or wrap and is also moisture resistant to help
your home stay dry during periods of high humidity. It is easy to maintain, and
won’t fade, so the cost of upkeep is minimal.
