Naperville Home Remodeling Blog

 

 

Most people who are shopping for house siding in Bolingbrook are focused on how their new siding will look, selecting from among many different styles and colors. While an attractive exterior is important when looking at fiber cement or vinyl siding, Hinsdale area homeowners who are savvy shoppers know that the type of insulation used with your new house siding is also important. There are three siding options available in the Hinsdale and Bolingbrook areas and each type has negatives and positives for homeowners. Talking to a trusted home improvement contractor can help you decide whether complete wall protection, permeable wrap or foam insulation is best for your home. At Opal Enterprises, we’ll gladly discuss the pros and cons of each type of insulation as well as each type of house siding with you.

 

Fanfold an Old Standby Insulation

 

Fanfold home insulation is made from extruded polystyrene foam. When properly installed over walls, it provides a continuous layer of thermal and air infiltration protection. This extruded polystyrene underlayment provides improved R-value and a solid, level base for new siding. This is the most commonly used insulation with siding contractors...but that does not mean it is the best for your siding project.

 

Permeable Wrap Insulation Under House Siding

 

Permeable wrap or weather wrap insulation lets your house “breathe,” allowing moisture to escape while protecting against the wind and keeping water and cold out. Trapped moisture can promote the growth of mold and cause wood rot beneath your house siding, so permeable wrap is a good choice for homeowners who are concerned about moisture or who are sensitive to molds. The insulation is placed just beneath the outer material of the house and has to cover the complete surface of the home for ideal efficiency. If you choose this style of insulation, talk to your contractor to ensure that a vapor barrier is used to prevent condensation when the cooler outside air meets the air from your home’s interior.

 

Complete Foam Wall Protection For Seamless Insulation

 

Complete wall protection is achieved by molding the insulation so that it exactly matches the contours of your vinyl siding’s interior. It’s remarkably energy efficient because it prevents cold air from becoming trapped in the air pockets sometimes found between other types of insulation and your house siding. Foam home insulation is becoming increasingly popular because it is highly energy efficient and relatively easy to install. The foam is a thick panel used to provide a stable support or base for the home siding you choose. The house siding will easily go onto the foam insulation, creating a tight bond that protects your home. While this style of insulation works best with vinyl siding, new advances have made it practical for use with fiber cement house siding as well. In some cases, homes using foam insulation behind fiber cement house siding are six times as energy efficient because it minimizes thermal bridging – the transfer of heat from the home through the wall studs.

 

 Although complete wall protection is slightly more expensive than other types of insulation, it’s well worth the price because it is crafted to fit precisely with the particular style of house siding you choose. You can easily determine whether a home has complete wall protection by pressing on the house siding. If it feels hollow or has some “give” to it, it’s not complete protection.

 

Choosing the right style of house siding and insulation for your Hinsdale or Bolingbrook home is an important decision. It can not only improve your home’s visual appeal; it can also improve its energy efficiency and comfort. Be sure to discuss all your house siding and insulation options with an Opal Enterprises contractor to learn more about what we have to offer and which options are the most suited to your style of home. Our years of experience ensures a flawless installation every time.

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