Insulated siding

Insulated siding is a composite building material introduced in the 1990s. It is home siding that includes rigid foam insulation, fused behind the exterior surface of the wall, for the purpose of reducing energy consumption, increasing the insulation value of the wall system and improving the stability and appearance of the siding. Currently, insulated siding is commercially available as a type of vinyl siding.

Another name for "Insulated siding" is "tire wall".

Usage

Insulated siding is exterior cladding that features a rigid foam backing secured to vinyl siding.

One purported benefit of insulated siding is its ability to prevent energy transfer, which helps maintain the interior temperature of a home. Producers report an average R-value of 3.96; [ [http://www.builderonline.com/siding/the-other-side-of-vinyl-siding.aspx The Other Side of (vinyl) Siding - Siding, Exteriors, Products, Walls And Ceilings, Sales And Marketing, Panels, Marketing, Sales - Builder Magazine ] ] triple that of other siding products including fiber cement, brick and stucco. Independent third-party tests show it can save up to 20% on heating and cooling energy consumption. [ [http://www.ohio.com/lifestyle/15899477.html Ohio.com - Stark company develops foam backing for siding ] ] Homeowners also report insulated siding serves as a noise barrier to external sound.

The fused expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) allows for more impact and wind resistance than traditional vinyl siding. Insulated siding is known for its greater impact resistance in comparison with traditional vinyl siding and for its ability to withstand high winds. The rigid foam-backed siding creates straighter sight lines, and prevents denting and bending, for a more wood-like appearance. [ [http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-109219421.html Double duty: insulated vinyl siding offers added strength and higher R-values.(Exterior Products) - Building Products | Encyclopedia.com ] ]

History

Insulated siding was invented in 1992 by Ohio-based Progressive Foam Technologies, Inc. The company began marketing its product, Fullback Thermal Support System, in the United States as an improvement over traditional vinyl siding.

Insulated siding is currently available from a variety of siding manufacturers including Alcoa Home Exteriors, Alside, CertainTeed, Crane Performance Siding, Heartland Building Products, KP Building Products, Mitten, Inc., Norandex/Reynolds, Prodigy, Revere Building Products, RMC/Style Crest, Royal Building Products and Variform. [ [http://www.ebuild.com/articles/articleId.661461.hwx Insulated Siding Reduces Energy Use and Saves Money: Rigid foam insulation offers homeowners highest average system R-value of any exterior finish ] ]

Product Attributes

Environmental Impact

Described by developers as “green building” with reported energy savings of up to 20%, insulated siding may be used by homeowners to make homes more environmentally friendly. [ [http://www.forbes.com/businesswire/feeds/businesswire/2008/04/03/businesswire20080403005017r1.html Insulated Siding Reduces Energy Consumption by Up to 20% - Forbes.com ] ] By reducing energy consumption, insulated siding can reduce air pollution. Insulated siding has an average of R-value 3.96. [ [http://www.ebuild.com/articles/articleId.661461.hwx Insulated Siding Reduces Energy Use and Saves Money: Rigid foam insulation offers homeowners highest average system R-value of any exterior finish ] ] According to manufacturers, insulated siding is manufactured to last for 50 years or more, potentially reducing landfill contributions. Insulated siding products are typically ENERGY STAR qualified, engineered in compliance with environmental standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA.

In addition to reducing energy consumption, manufacturers report that insulated siding is permeable or “breathable,” allowing water vapor to escape, which can provide protection against rot, mold and mildew and help maintain healthy indoor air quality. Some products also include an organic, non-toxic termite and insect repellant.

Specifications

Sizes will vary by manufacturer depending on the insulated siding application and range from 4-16 ft long with widths from 6-21 inches, depending on the profile.

Considered a pioneering category of products, the rigid foam insulation is made of a modified expanded polystyrene (EPS), which includes a brominated fire retardant called HBCD (hexabromocyclododecane) which promotes self extinguishing once removed from direct flame. The EPS used in insulated siding has a density of 1.0 lb/cu ft (16 kg/cu m). Depending on the siding profile, products range in thickness from 75mm to 200mm.

Durability

The rigid foam insulation fused behind the siding panel reportedly makes insulated siding more durable than traditional vinyl siding. The rigid foam backing is precisely fitted to the contours of the siding's exterior surface, preventing the vinyl component of insulated siding from sagging, warping or shifting. Manufacturers claim that insulated siding is not susceptible to distortions caused by freeze/thaw cycles. Contractors report that it creates straighter lines and lays flatter, making it more effective on irregular walls. [ [http://www.chooseinsulatedsiding.com/Durability.aspx Insulated Siding | Durable Siding for the Life of your Home ] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.chooseinsulatedsiding.com Insulated Siding Consumer Information Center]