Is Insulated Siding Worth It?
Exploring the Value of Insulated Siding: Is It a Worthwhile Investment for Your Home?
Welcome to the latest blog post from Holda Construction, your trusted family-owned roofing & siding home contractor in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. Today, we’re delving into the world of insulated siding. If you’re considering this for your home, you’re in the right place to learn all about it!
Retain Heat Where It’s Needed – Within Your Home.
A process known as “thermal bridging” occurs when heat and energy leak out through the studs in the walls of your house. Haven® Insulated Siding is designed to significantly minimize this effect. The diagrams below provide a clear understanding of how this process operates.
No Insulation
Framing studs lack insulation, allowing heat to escape from your home through them. The yellow region illustrates the transfer of heat through these studs.
Insulation
Insulation, depicted in blue, reduces the amount of energy lost through the studs in your home’s walls.
What is Insulated Siding?
Insulated siding is a modern exterior cladding that combines traditional siding materials with a layer of insulation. This combination not only enhances the appearance of your home but also contributes to its energy efficiency.
Pros of Insulated Siding
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Energy Efficiency
One of the standout benefits of insulated siding is its energy efficiency. It helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the workload on your heating and cooling systems. -
Improved Comfort
Enjoy more consistent indoor temperatures during both winter and summer, thanks to the excellent insulative properties of this siding. -
Noise Reduction
Acting as a sound barrier, insulated siding can significantly reduce outside noise, creating a more peaceful indoor environment. -
Increased Home Value
Homes with insulated siding often have a higher market value due to their improved energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal. -
Improved Aesthetic Appeal
Insulated siding can level out any wall imperfections, giving your home a more polished look. -
Moisture Control
The permeability of insulated siding helps in controlling moisture, thus protecting your home from water-related damages like mold and mildew, peeling paint, wood rot, nails popping out, and/or soft window trim. -
Durability
Insulated siding is generally more durable than traditional siding, which can lead to reduced maintenance costs and needs. -
Environmental Impact
By reducing energy consumption, insulated siding also lowers your carbon footprint, making it an eco-friendlier choice.
Cons of Insulated Siding
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Higher Initial Cost
The materials for insulated siding are more expensive than traditional siding options. -
Complex Installation
The installation process is more intricate, potentially leading to increased labor costs. -
Limited Style Options
There's a smaller range of styles and colors available compared to traditional siding. -
Potential for Improper Installation
If not installed correctly, it could lead to moisture trapping, causing mildew and mold. After installation from any provider, check for peeling paint, nails popping out, cracks and / or faulty caulking as signs of improper installation. -
Harder to Repair, Replace, and Match
Insulated siding can be more challenging to repair or replace, especially in matching the existing style and color. -
Not Suitable for All Climates
In mild weather climates, the energy-saving benefits are not as pronounced. Given our Chicago winters, the extra insulation can be a large benefit.
R-Values of Insulated Siding
What is R-Value?
R-Value measures the insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the better the insulation properties.
Different brands offer various R-Values, typically ranging from R-2 to R-6, providing substantial insulation compared to traditional siding. Our go-to brands are PlyGem / Mastic, James Hardie, and LP Building Solutions/ LP SmartSide. Each option can be explored, and we will work with you to decide which is best based on the unique characteristics of your home.
Does Insulated Siding Qualify for Tax Credit?
In some cases, installing insulated siding can qualify you for energy tax credits. Current IRS guidelines state that insulation materials can provide a 30% tax credit of their value, up to $1200. Energy credits change frequently, so you’ll want to check the most recent updates.
Bottom Line: Is Insulated Siding Worth It?
Insulated siding offers numerous benefits, from energy efficiency to improved aesthetic appeal. However, the higher initial costs and potential cons should be weighed. It’s an excellent investment for those prioritizing energy efficiency and long-term savings.
Contact Us Today!
Interested in insulated siding for your home? Contact Holda Construction today at 847.847.2883!
Our experienced team is ready to guide you through the siding replacement or siding repair options and help you make the best choice for your home.
Let’s transform your home together!
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote!
Phone: 847-847-2883 / Email: info@holdaconstruction.com
We look forward to serving you and adding you to our family of satisfied customers!
