Benefits of Insulated Siding on Your House
When it comes to exterior home aesthetics, vinyl siding is the classic and practical option. It's low maintenance, affordable, easy to install, and popular for a reason, but did you know that there's a more energy-efficient and durable alternative?
In this blog, we'll be talking about insulated vinyl siding. We'll explore the numerous benefits it offers and address some of the common challenges associated with it. If you're in the market for a vinyl siding installation, we'll give you all the information you need to make the best decision possible for your home in Asheville!
What is Insulated Vinyl Siding?
Insulated vinyl siding is an innovative type of home siding that incorporates a layer of rigid foam insulation behind the vinyl, providing enhanced stability, reduced energy costs, and better temperature regulation inside the home. For DIYers or professionals with prior experience installing vinyl, the process for insulated installation is relatively similar, with a few additional steps to accommodate the foam. And though there are some minor differences in appearance, the overall look of insulated siding is remarkably similar to vinyl, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize style and functionality.
While not every manufacturer of vinyl siding offers an insulated option, Window World of Asheville does! We offer high-quality, cost-effective insulated siding solutions approved by the Good Housekeeping Institute. Our 6000 Series Siding delivers top-notch insulation benefits, ensuring your home is energy-efficient and comfortable year-round. To learn more, visit Window World of Asheville and contact us today to start enjoying the benefits of our exceptional insulated vinyl siding.
Benefits of Insulated Vinyl Siding
Thermal Insulation & Energy Savings
One of the most significant advantages of insulated vinyl siding is its ability to maintain a consistent interior temperature. While siding materials like brick or stucco may provide aesthetic appeal, they offer limited insulative properties, and though insulation is typically placed inside walls as well, a significant portion of a home is made up of studs, which are often uninsulated. This means that without a proper solution on the outside of your Asheville home, a significant portion of it may be missing out on insulation benefits.
By acting as a sort of blanket, insulated siding minimizes “thermal bridging,” which occurs when heat transfers through walls and insulation. This feature results in reduced energy costs throughout the year and improved comfort levels indoors.
By investing in insulated vinyl siding, you can ensure optimal energy efficiency, reduce your energy costs, and create a more comfortable home environment.
Sound Insulation
Is your house positioned on a busy street or near an intersection? If so, the ambient sounds of traffic could drive you crazy from time to time. Insulated vinyl siding panels, however, can act as sound barriers between your home and the outside world.
True, new windows can also help to keep unwanted sounds out of the house. But insulated siding does this much better – it encompasses your whole home, not just your window frames. With a full set of insulated siding panels surrounding it, your house will be peaceful and quiet once again.
Durability
Insulated siding is not only energy efficient — it's incredibly durable too. Unlike regular vinyl siding, insulated siding panels are constructed with sturdier materials, making them more resistant to dents, bends, fading, and warping. The added durability of insulated siding makes it a more long-lasting product, meaning your home’s exterior will look beautiful for years to come.
An additional advantage of insulated siding is its ability to withstand more varied and extreme climates. This makes it an excellent option for homeowners in mountainous areas like Asheville, where the weather and temperature fluctuate dramatically throughout the year. With insulated vinyl siding, you can rest assured that your home's exterior will remain intact and look fabulous no matter the weather.
Challenges of Insulated Vinyl Siding
Initial Insulated Vinyl Siding Cost
Compared to traditional uninsulated vinyl siding, you can expect to pay 25% to 40% more for the benefits of insulated siding, due to the added material cost and installation expenses. This initial investment can reap future savings through energy efficiency and the added value to your home if you sell. It makes sense to explore and compare costs among reliable siding experts.
While the installation process is similar to traditional vinyl, the insulated siding panels are thicker, which requires more effort to be cut, and the insulated panels require more precision to be installed correctly. If even one panel is off, gaps will occur, and the energy efficiency benefits will be reduced. To ensure the best results, it's essential to hire an installer who is experienced with insulated siding and has the necessary training to install it correctly.
Trickier Vinyl Siding Installation
While it's true that the installation process for insulated siding is similar to that of traditional vinyl, that doesn't mean it's the same. One additional challenge is that thicker panels require extra accommodation around home windows and doors during installation, which can add time and complexity to the process.
Homeowners should be aware of these potential hurdles before selecting insulated vinyl siding and work closely with an experienced installer to ensure a smooth and timely installation process.
Conclusion
If you want durable and energy-efficient siding for your Asheville home, insulated vinyl siding is an excellent option. Its high-quality vinyl construction and energy-saving features make it a valuable investment for any homeowner, and while it may be slightly more expensive upfront and require professional installation, the benefits of insulated vinyl siding make it a smart choice for anyone looking to improve their home.
At Window World of Asheville, our team of professionals is available to help you throughout every step of your exterior renovation. Whether you're planning to install insulated siding or considering energy-efficient window and door upgrades, we've got you covered. Contact us today to get a quote or chat with our team of experts. We're always here to help you with every step of your home improvement journey.