9 Steps to Install Insulated Vinyl Siding
- #1: Remove Old Siding (If Necessary)
- #2: Correct Any Damage to the Wall
- #3: Add a Weather Resistive Barrier & Flashing
- #4: Install Accessories
- #5: Trim Windows, Doors, and Other Openings
- #6: Install Insulated Vinyl Siding Panels
- #7: Finishing at Tops of Walls and Gables
- #8: Soffit Installation if Applicable
What tools do you need to install vinyl siding?
What tools do I need to install vinyl siding?
- Siding Gauge.
- Zip Lock Tool.
- Power Saw.
- Utility Knife.
- Tin Snips.
- Snap Lock Punch.
- Nail Hole Slot Punch.
- Measuring Tape.
Is it hard to install vinyl siding by myself?
Vinyl Siding. While it is possible to install any of these siding materials as a Do it yourself home improvement project none offer the ease of installation and lack of maintenance that come with vinyl. The fact that it is also easiest on the budget makes this an easy choice when deciding which type of siding is best to install as a DIY project.
Is insulated vinyl siding worth the extra cost?
Yes, there is a greater cost, but consider the advantages that come at the price of an added insulated backing. Durability is one benefit you’ll see with insulated vinyl siding. Regular vinyl siding is known to be brittle in colder temperatures and prone to cracking on impact.
What is the best insulation behind vinyl siding?
eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. 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. It also serves as an air barrier.
Can you install insulation under vinyl siding?
By adding a continuous layer of insulation under new siding, you are able to wrap the home in a complete blanket of energy savings. In addition, flat foam insulations can help level out inconsistencies in the wall for a more perfect siding appearance.
Is vinyl siding with insulation worth it?
Insulated vinyl siding is the only product that can reduce utility bills through energy savings, reducing its total cost over time. And because it helps protect the home from impact damage (read more below), it can reduce the number of repairs that must be done to the siding over time.
Do you need house wrap with insulated vinyl siding?
There is no logical reason not to have house wrap under vinyl siding, and many authorities strongly agree that it should be viewed as mandatory, even if your local building codes don't necessarily require it. Vinyl siding is one of, if not the most popular exterior cladding for residential homes.
What insulation goes under vinyl siding?
1/2" Polystyrine Foam Board Insulation This is most common with vinyl siding. The foam board is nailed in place with washer head nails and should be taped at the seams to prevent air movement. The typical R-value of this product is R-2.5 to R-3.5 depending on the density of the foam board.
How much is insulated vinyl siding installed?
Insulated vinyl siding costs $4 to $12 per square foot, or $8 per square foot on average, to install (rather than $1 to $8 per square foot for standard vinyl siding).
How long does insulated vinyl siding last?
You can rest easy knowing that hundreds of thousands of people have put insulated vinyl siding on their homes. With robust warranties of 25+ years, all the way up to double lifetime, we are confident that even the earliest installed products are still standing up to the test of time.
What goes on first insulation board or house wrap?
Installing House Wrap with Rigid Foam Insulation If you choose to install house wrap with rigid foam, generally, it should go under the insulation, not around it. However, you can rely on the advice of your contractor to make your final decision, since not every professional agrees on this order.
Do i need foam board under vinyl 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. It also serves as an air barrier.
What should you put under vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding can be installed over common wood sheathings such as plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), or other materials (e.g., foam plastic insulating sheathing). The thickness of wood sheathing counts toward the total thickness that the fasteners must penetrate into nailable material, usually 1 1/4” (32mm).
How do you install foam insulation under siding?
1:534:09Increase Home Efficiency and Comfort by Adding Styrofoam ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSpace the fasteners a minimum of 24 inches apart along studs whenever possible use a utility knifeMoreSpace the fasteners a minimum of 24 inches apart along studs whenever possible use a utility knife and straightedge to trim the boards to conform to any irregular angles or projections.
Can you install vinyl siding over rigid insulation?
Vinyl siding can be used in original construction or as a replacement for old siding. It typically is installed over rigid foam board insulation fastened to wood wall sheathing. Insulation provides a smooth surface for vinyl that allows expansion and contraction.
Does vinyl siding make house warmer?
Since vinyl helps insulate your home, it keeps you nice and warm in the winter. With poorly insulated walls, your heater or furnace has to run constantly to keep your house warm. Siding helps to trap all this warmth inside the home, cutting back on your energy bills.
How much R-value does insulated siding add?
2 to 2.7Insulated vinyl siding has been proven to provide many benefits, namely: Vinyl siding typically has an R-value measurement of 0.61, resulting in an increase in R-value of 2 to 2.7.
Does vinyl siding have an R-value?
Standard vinyl siding has an R-value of 0.61, and Hardie siding's R-value is 0.37. While vinyl siding is more energy-efficient, neither makes a significant difference in how much energy your home will save. However, insulated vinyl siding R-values are significantly higher — between 3 and 4.
Does insulated vinyl siding reduce noise?
At a high level, the results obtained through testing confirmed that insulated vinyl siding can reduce noise by up to 39% compared to the base wall tested. This confirmed homeowner claims that having insulated vinyl siding installed made their homes quieter than before.
What type of siding is most energy efficient?
Insulated vinyl sidingInsulated vinyl siding is the only option that can save you money on your utility costs by conserving energy and lowering your total cost over time. It also protects the home from damage.
What is vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding can be used in original construction or as a replacement for old siding. It typically is installed over rigid foam board insulation fastened to wood wall sheathing. Insulation provides a smooth surface for vinyl that allows expansion and contraction.
How thick is foam insulation?
Cover the house walls with 4-by-8-foot sheets of rigid foam insulation, typically 1/2 to 1 inch thick, nailed to wood sheathing with 1 1/2-inch broad-headed galvanized nails every 16 to 18 inches. Put up full sheets, then use a drywall saw to cut out openings for windows, doors and utilities. Secure the seams and edges around openings with tape to match the foam insulation.
Can you put vinyl siding over insulation?
How to Install Vinyl Siding Over New Insulation. Vinyl siding is a durable material that resists deterioration from weather. Most vinyl today will not fade, even in hot sun, and is not subject to decay from water or exposure to salt air or other conditions that affect most wood siding. Vinyl siding can be used in original construction ...
Vinyl Siding Installation Tips
Vinyl comes in a variety of grains, thicknesses and colors, making it a practical choice for many homeowners. We'll give you tips on preparing your home, cutting vinyl siding and installing the siding panels.
Vinyl Siding Cutting Methods
Start cutting with your tin snips at the top interlock and continue toward the bottom of the panel.
Surface Preparation for Vinyl Siding Installation
Securely nail all loose boards and wood trim and replace any rotten boards.
Use Exterior Siding Furring
In new construction, furring strips aren't usually necessary. However, older homes often have uneven walls. These walls should be furred out to prevent a wavy appearance in the finished vinyl siding job.
Insulation for Vinyl Siding
House wrap or foam board insulation helps insulate and level out the exterior of a house. Some manufacturers strongly caution against the use of drop-in type foam or fiberboard behind their vinyl siding. This type of insulation may change and flatten the contour of the panel, causing the siding to bulge or ripple.
Vinyl Soffit and Fascia Installation Guide
Use the following instructions for vinyl soffit and fascia installation.
Why do you need to install vinyl siding?
Installing vinyl siding can help to reduce the amount of maintenance you have to do to the outside of your house. If you decide to install vinyl siding yourself (without the help of a contractor), it's important to be as prepared as possible and to have a clear idea of what the installation process involves.
How long is vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding usually comes in 12-foot (3.66-meter) lengths. Therefore, you will need to cut these long pieces of siding to fit the measurements of your soffit. Keep in mind that the soffit pieces should measure 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) shorter than the actual length of the soffit.
Why is it important to allow extra room for expansion when installing vinyl siding?
When installing vinyl siding, there are a number of important rules to follow with regards to fitting and nailing. Vinyl siding expands and contracts with temperature changes, therefore it is important to allow extra room for expansion in order to prevent the siding from buckling.
What are the problems with vinyl siding?
One of the major issues with vinyl siding is that it masks moisture problems and other structural defects.
What to do if soffit wraps around a corner?
Understand how to deal with wrap-around soffit. If the soffit on your house wraps around a corner, you will need to make provisions for the change of direction.
How thick is a piece of plywood?
Nail a piece of plywood about 3.5 inches (89 mm) thick along the top of the chalk line -- this will hold out the bottom of the first row of siding.
Is vinyl siding good for a house?
Think about why you want to install vinyl siding. Vinyl siding is a good option for homeowners who like the look of siding , but don't want the expense that accompanies cedar and concrete composite products. It is also a favorite for homeowners who don't want the hassle of repainting the outside of their house periodically.
Why is exterior insulation important?
The exterior insulation also helps keep the siding (all vinyl siding leaks !) further away from the exterior sheathing. Basically it creates another drainage plane that helps protect the sheathing and framing from damaging water infiltration.
Why is foam board insulation good?
One of the biggest advantages to installing exterior rigid foam board insulation is improved moisture control. By installing insulation on the outside of the framing it causes the location of the dew point to move to the outside of the wall assembly. This reduces the likelihood of condensation within the wall cavity.
Can you put rigid foam board on exterior walls?
By installing rigid foam board insulation on the exterior walls you’ll need to pay special attention to the details. You’ ll need longer nails for nailing trim and siding. You’ll need to properly flash window and door openings. You’ll also need to pay attention to window and door extension jamb depths as they will increase if ...
Can you put rigid insulation over house wrap?
One of the most asked questions on our site is related to this article. Readers are constantly asking if the rigid insulation is supposed to be installed over the building wrap or vice versa. Dupont says you can install it either way, however we typically install the foam over the house wrap. It’s much easier in my opinion to do it in this sequence.
Does rigid foam insulation increase R value?
If a 1 inch layer of XPS foam is installed it can result in an immediate increase in R value of 5 (20% increase for a wall with 6″ of R19 fiberglass).
Is insulation good for building?
So investing in good insulation is always a great investment. Using exterior rigid foam board insulation is a great way to make a building more energy efficient, quieter and more likely to prevent moisture infiltration problems.
Why put insulation under new siding?
By adding a continuous layer of insulation under new siding, you are able to wrap the home in a complete blanket of energy savings. In addition, flat foam insulations can help level out inconsistencies in the wall for a more perfect siding appearance.
Why is insulation more energy efficient than other materials?
Because the molecules of air (gas) are less dense, insulation does not transfer heat quickly through conduction, making it more energy efficient than other materials. Source: https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-conduction-in-science-definition-examples.html. Think about any insulation products you have seen.
What type of energy loss is reducing by adding insulation to the wall of a home?
The type of energy loss you are reducing by adding insulation to the wall of a home is conduction, a process where heat is transferred from one atom to another by direct contact. Solids, liquids, and gases can all transfer heat through conduction, although solids transfer energy most efficiently because the molecules are most tightly packed.
Can you blow in insulation without siding?
Blown in insulation can be added to a wall without installing new siding. However, from the exterior it creates large, unsightly holes that must be plugged, sanded, and painted to try and match the rest of the siding. Blown in insulation can also be installed from the interior, but similar holes made in the drywall must be plugged, patched, sanded, ...
Is fiberglass insulation lightweight?
Large boards of rigid insulation are generally very light and easy to carry, because they are mostly made of air. Fiberglass batt insulation is also lightweight and compresses when pressed, indicating there is a lot of air in between the fiberglass material.
Can you blow in insulation before installing new siding?
Blown-In Insulation. When new siding is installed, the old siding can be left in place, or torn off before the new siding is installed. In either case, a qualified installer can blow loose fill insulation, typically either cellulose or fiberglass, into each cavity. Installers start by puncturing holes in the side of the house between each stud, ...
Does insulation stop energy loss?
This is a great option for homes that don’t have cavity insulation, or insulation that has settled in the wall over time, but it does not stop energy loss due to thermal bridging through the studs.
How much R10 foam board is needed?
In many areas of the USA, R10 is required -- which equals approximately 2" of most foam board products. Condensation and rot is a particular risk with OSB sheathing. I hope this is helpful. Thank you both, hopefully I can convince my builder to move in this direction.
Can vinyl siding be installed over foam sheathing?
The installation instructions of the Vinyl Siding Institute and most (if not all) vinyl siding manufacturers allow vinyl siding to be installed over rigid foam sheathing. The illustration below comes from the Vinyl Siding Institute.
