Does Siding Over Wood Help Insulate

A vented drainable air space keeps wood siding dry and stable.

Does siding over wood help insulate.

Most homes in the united states are built with traditional wood frame construction with studs every 16 on center. Continuous insulation under new siding has become a popular way to improve energy efficiency on an existing home because it addresses a problem known as thermal bridging. Siding and insulation have improved greatly but the finest siding is not good enough without proper insulation. Plus rigid foam insulation applied over the outside walls.

Basically it creates another drainage plane that helps protect the sheathing and framing from damaging water infiltration. The insulation also adds some r value or insulating quality to the siding. Removing existing siding and installing osb has several benefits such as having brand new substrate on the home and the ability to inspect the wall cavity and all framing insulation and structural integrity of the home before replacing siding. The foam on the outside keeps the wood.

If you are building a home the extra cost of insulated siding will be better spent on upgrading from 2 4 construction to 2 6 construction in the walls or by choosing a better insulation product. It adds up to a robust system. The exterior insulation also helps keep the siding all vinyl siding leaks further away from the exterior sheathing. Siding and insulation have several jobs to do beyond sheathing the home and insulating it from the elements.

Homes settle and walls shift over time creating imperfections that can be seen through thin siding products. By filling the voids behind the siding s stepped profile the insulation makes the complete material stiffer and more resistant to warping and movement than conventional vinyl siding. Foam board is however often added in order to help level out the wall when it has certain problems with it. The foam insulation also helps level the wall under new siding.

One major stipulation with the james hardie siding warranty is that it specifically states that if. In new construction it typically. Insulation must keep the area between the insulation and the walls free of insects dirt and moisture. Many homeowners choose vinyl siding because it is relatively inexpensive easy for a do it yourselfer to install resists insects and rot and never needs painting.

By adding a cushioning layer of insulation insulated vinyl siding can help eliminate the appearance of imperfect walls.