According to the Ebuild.com website, insulated vinyl siding has rigid foam laminated on the back of each panel. The insulated backing increases the siding's R-value, which is the measure of its resistance to heat flow, by five times compared to regular vinyl siding's R- value. Also, insulated vinyl siding blocks out noise to help keep the interior of a home quieter. The panels, like traditional vinyl siding, does not dent, won't rot, or ever need to be painted, claims Hoyt. CertainTeed makes insulated siding from Progressive Foam Technologies Fullback expanded polystyrene backing that is the insulation behind each panel.
Insulated vinyl siding has a higher price point than traditional vinyl. Vinyl siding has four different levels of price ranges: economy grade, standard grade, premium grade, and super premium grade. Vinyl siding is differentiated from insulated vinyl siding typically by features such as thickness and color. Obviously, the more features or the more materials used to make it the higher the cost. The insulated siding is in the high premium to low super premium category says Hoyt. It runs the gamut on colors, special features such as saving energy costs, and reduces air infiltration. Also, CertainTeed offers a variety of insulated accessories that accompany the panels. "There are wood like features available that a homeowner can choose from if they want the appearance of wood like siding," says Hoyt.
"It creates very straight walls and offers high impact resistance, which is important in this area," says Eric Fedlt of Affordable Window and Siding in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Insulated vinyl siding is more rigid, durable and lies flat, even on irregular walls.
"This issue was a big one for regular vinyl siding, but over the years that problem has been eradicated," says Hoyt. With insulated vinyl siding, once installed, the insulation provides a suction that doesn't allow for the panel to bend. The siding costs about $450 a square foot installed, which is 25 % to 30% more than regular vinyl siding jobs.
According to Hoyt, insulated vinyl compared to premium vinyl, wood, and fiber cement claddings do not have a high R-value as does insulated vinyl. When installing this product have a trained construction worker install it. It will save the homeowner money in the future, plus an installer typically can provide a warranty. Installing insulated vinyl siding takes skill and it is important the product does not allow moisture to seep through.
