If the siding on your home is getting older and you’ve been thinking about having new vinyl siding installed, there’s no time like the present! Instead of worrying about the cost of purchasing new siding, consider the savings you will enjoy on your energy bills for years to come. Adequately insulated vinyl siding can make a big difference in utility costs all year round. This is particularly true in regions like Charlotte, NC, which experience all four seasons.
There are several types of insulation that can be used in conjunction with siding. You’ll learn more about these later. Almost all sorts of insulation primarily consist of trapped air. Since the gas molecules that comprise air are less dense than their surroundings, insulation is not a good conductor, thereby making it extremely energy efficient and keeping heat (or cool air in the summer) inside your house.
As you read the rest of this helpful article, you’ll see important information about some of the ways you can choose to insulate your siding, reducing energy loss through the walls of your home. The more you know about effectively saving energy, the easier it will be for you and your family to save money on your monthly bills.
Blow-In Insulation
If you’ve decided to insulate your siding, one option is blow-in insulation. This is typically added after your old siding has been ripped off, but before the new siding is put on. Blow-in insulation is generally made from cellulose or fiberglass; installers use specialized tubes to fill the areas between a house’s studs with this material.
It’s important to note that blow-in insulation can be added to houses that lack insulation, or that have poor insulation, without taking off the existing siding. Doing this, however, leaves unsightly holes that have to be filled to prevent vermin and insects from entering. The best option is to have blown-in insulation installed at the same time as new vinyl siding is going up.
Flat Board Insulation
Another option is flat board insulation, which you may have heard referred to simply as “pink.” This type of insulation goes over the wood studs of your home’s walls, adding an extra layer between your siding and the studs themselves. This greatly reduces a problem called thermal bridging. There are several different thicknesses of flat board insulation on the market. You’ll need to talk to your installer about which one is right for you before you make a decision. There may be reasons you need to select a specific thickness.
Insulated Siding
The third option available to you is insulated vinyl siding. This is a relatively new product that can be more costly than the other choices featured in this guide. However, the fact that insulated siding is manufactured with contoured insulation attached to it means that you never have to worry about the insulation settling or falling off; this is a huge benefit that no other insulation can offer. Some people even choose to use insulated vinyl siding in conjunction with blow-in insulation or flat board insulation.
The team at Hatch Homes can properly install any insulation you choose to use with your new vinyl siding. If you’re not sure which option is best for your family, we will work with you to make sure you’re happy with the choice you ultimately make. Our skilled installers will treat you with the utmost professionalism, ensuring that you are thrilled with both your insulation selection and your new siding. We’re excited to upgrade the exterior of your home for you in the near future!