Posted by Empire Siding & Windows in Homeowner Tips

If you’re considering alternatives to Hardie Plank, which is a type of fiber-cement siding, you might look into vinyl siding options that offer added insulation. Insulated vinyl siding combines the traditional benefits of vinyl with additional insulation to improve energy efficiency and reduce noise.

Here’s a quick rundown on insulated vinyl siding:

1. What is Insulated Vinyl Siding?

Insulated vinyl siding is vinyl siding that has a layer of insulation foam attached to the back. This added insulation helps to:

– Improve Energy Efficiency:** The insulation layer reduces heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, helping to keep your home more comfortable and potentially lowering your energy bills.
– Enhance Durability:** The insulation can help the siding resist impacts and improve its overall durability.
– Reduce Noise:** The added layer of insulation can help dampen outside noise, making your home quieter.

2. Benefits of Insulated Vinyl Siding:

– Energy Savings:** The insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by improving the R-value of your home’s exterior.
– Reduced Air Infiltration:** Insulated vinyl siding can help minimize drafts and improve the overall airtightness of your home.
– Variety of Styles and Colors:** Just like regular vinyl siding, insulated options come in a wide range of styles and colors, allowing you to achieve the look you want while benefiting from improved insulation.
– Low Maintenance:** Vinyl siding is generally low maintenance compared to other materials, and this holds true for the insulated versions as well.

3. Installation Considerations:

– Professional Installation:** Proper installation is key to maximizing the benefits of insulated vinyl siding. It’s recommended to hire experienced professionals to ensure that the siding is correctly fitted and that the insulation performs as intended.
– Compatibility with Existing Siding: If you’re applying insulated vinyl siding over existing siding, you’ll need to make sure the existing material is compatible and in good condition.

4. Cost Comparison:

– Price: Insulated vinyl siding is typically more expensive than standard vinyl siding due to the added insulation, but it may offer savings in energy costs over time.
– Long-Term Investment: The initial higher cost might be offset by the energy savings and increased comfort in your home.

5. Brands and Products:

Several manufacturers offer insulated vinyl siding, including well-known brands like CertainTeed, Royal, and Norandex. Each brand has its own range of styles, colors, and insulation thicknesses, so you might want to compare options to find the best fit for your needs.

In summary, if you’re looking for a vinyl siding alternative to Hardie Plank that offers better insulation, insulated vinyl siding could be a great option. It provides the low maintenance and aesthetic flexibility of vinyl siding, combined with the added benefits of improved energy efficiency and noise reduction.