Is Foam Board Necessary Siding

Why insulation under the siding is important.

Is foam board necessary siding.

The answer happily is yes. One of the biggest questions homeowners have about house wrap is whether it can be installed together with foam insulation. 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. The method works for both new construction and remodeling and doesn t affect siding and trim details very much.

I thought i should show why continuous foam under the exterior siding is so important. Also during this siding process you may also consider asking your contractor to add foam insulation between the vinyl and the house wrap for increased r value. As many things in building science go you my dear reader have to learn something. The studs conduct more heat than the insulation between them.

Insulated foam sheets are also used as an insulated sheathing underlayment for exterior siding. In fact the two products combined make your home super insulated from outside wind and weather. Almost any type of siding can be installed over the rigid foam cedar or redwood planks exterior plywood sheets cement fiber board or vinyl siding are common options. 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.

Bottom line is exterior foam insulation is a good investment. The panels provide a continuous energy efficient surface. Considering how effective house wrap is and how simple it is to install behind vinyl it is a good idea to ensure your contractor includes it when siding your home. In a typical situation.

And even though some manufacturers call it rigid foam insulation for the purpose of vinyl siding it basically has the same insulating value as a piece of plywood. 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.