Replacement Siding

Vinyl Siding

The rising cost of aluminum and steel has made producing a cheap metal system impractical. The finishes are typically polyvinyl coating polymers, which act as a color stabilizer. Similar to vinyl products,the finishes are vibrant, glossy and easy to maintain and keep clean. These sidings incorporate an insulating backing as a mounting platform, with R-Values up to R-2.5. The mounting platform also creates a flat and straight appearance on the home. These products are more expensive than cheap vinyl products, less expensive than fiber cement products, and around the same cost as the insulated products. Raw materials and difficult seamless installation, which require very skilled craftsman, make the cost of these products initially higher. But like the insulated products, there is a return on investment from energy savings, and the added curb appeal leads to added resale value. Vinyl Siding may be a little more expensive, but it adds aesthetics and insulation to your home.

Insulation

Foam insulation can be laminated directly to the siding or installed first before covering the house with the siding. In addition to the insulating qualities, foam insulation provides a smooth surface for siding installation, creates a moisture barrier, deters insects, and provides extra durability. Premium siding systems will have some form of insulation and will have R-Values ranging from R-1 to R-2.5. Some systems will claim R-4 but this is only true at the widest point of the siding. Dutch lap Insulated Siding will potentially have an overall rating of R-3.53 because of the amount of projection and the volume of insulation behind it. The integrity of the siding and insulation, and the quality of installation will have a major impact on energy efficiency.

Moisture Barrier

Moisture barriers are cloth-like coverings that are placed over the exterior walls before the siding is installed. These materials allow the home to breathe, while keeping out excess moisture and air infiltration.

To learn more about what to expect from a quality contractor, please read our Contractor Standards Guide Overview and request a copy of the complete Contractor Standards Guide.