Exterior Insulation Under Siding

Installing foam insulation under vinyl siding is a wise choice for homeowners who are seeking to protect their homes against moisture infiltration as well as improve energy efficiency.

Exterior insulation under siding.

Generally referred to as rigid foam insulation this type of foam insulation is. We will start with hot climates. The lower level has 2 in of xps rigid foam insulation on the interior walls. Many houses built today have a double wall type of insulation with fiberglass batts fastened between the studs on the inside and rigid foam board over.

Condensation and elevated moisture levels cause rot mold and mildew. The backside of the insulation is flat so the siding installs flush against the home s exterior wall sheathing. Insulation under siding not necessary have a contractor who just started vinyl siding on my house built in 1927. How to install rigid foam under siding.

Most homes in the united states are built with traditional wood frame construction with studs every 16 on center. I get asked if this or that in the in the cavity works as well as foam under the siding. It also serves as an air barrier. By glenn hooper june 2 2015.

He removed the old aluminum siding and starting putting up the new vinyl over what looks like tar paper and 2 layers of shingle. The upper part of the cabin has standard batting and no form of exterior insulation under the siding. 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. Why insulation under the siding is important.

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. As many things in building science go you my dear reader have to learn something. If the exterior wall sheathing is below the dew point temperature condensation will form on the sheathing. 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.

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. A continuous layer of insulating sheathing applied to the exterior surface of a wall will minimize condensation and moisture levels.