Every home relies on insulation to keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer, but have you ever thought about how energy-efficient siding contributes to insulation performance? Energy-efficient insulation can only do so much on its own.
While insulating materials are good for protecting homes from outside temperatures, they aren’t designed to withstand the weather and moisture conditions that can compromise their integrity. That’s where siding comes in!
What is the Most Energy Efficient Siding?
R-value measures the energy efficiency of building materials like siding. The R-value of siding demonstrates the insulative properties of that material. The higher the R-value, the more energy-efficient a material is. This is based on the type of material as well as its density and thickness, though age, moisture accumulation, and temperature also contribute. A higher R-value means better insulation, which can help keep your home comfortable and save on your energy costs too.
When choosing the right replacement siding for your home, material matters! Here are the average R-values for the most common siding types:
- Fiber Cement siding has an average R-value of 0.15, which is higher than stone or brick but still relatively low compared to other siding options.
- Vinyl siding has an average R-value of 0.61, making it one of the best energy-efficient siding options.
- Composite siding has the highest R-value at 2–4, but its cost and difficult installation tend to outweigh this benefit for most homeowners.
Vinyl siding is the best choice for energy-efficient siding because its two-layer structure decreases heat transfer in and out of the home, and the low-maintenance material is very durable to keep your insulation dry and protected.
How Does Vinyl Siding Improve Insulation?
There are many benefits to vinyl siding, including how it improves insulation performance. Here is exactly how high-quality vinyl siding ensures your insulation does its job well:
Vinyl Siding Protects Insulation
One of the most important functions of siding is to protect the insulating materials behind it from adverse weather conditions. Vinyl siding is especially adept at keeping out moisture, cold winds, and extreme weather. At Rolox Home Service, we install The Diamond Kote which comes with a moisture management system that deflects air and moisture, protecting your insulation and your home.
Vinyl Siding Decreases Thermal Bridging
Thermal bridges form when heat-conducting materials on the exterior of a building act as a “bridge,” allowing heat to travel through these weak points either into or out of the building. Gaps in insulation can act as thermal bridges, as can any gapping in siding. Vinyl siding has an airtight construction that stops thermal bridges, keeping your home warm and cozy all winter.
Vinyl Siding is Built to Last
Vinyl siding won’t lose its durability over time, guaranteeing long-lasting protection against the elements and the extreme temperatures that can come with them. Because vinyl siding is so sturdy, it’s less likely to get damaged by hail or extreme weather than other types of siding, keeping your insulation and your home protected.
Light-Colored Vinyl Siding Deflects Light and Heat
Lighter colors of vinyl siding — which are on trend for home siding in 2024 — are excellent at deflecting sunlight. Since these lighter colors won’t absorb heat from the sun, they won’t bring any additional warmth inside the walls. This means your insulation won’t have to work as hard to beat the summer heat!
On the flip side, darker vinyl siding colors can be used for passive solar design to heat your home in the winter naturally!
What About Insulated Vinyl Siding?
If you’re looking for even more insulation from your vinyl siding, there is a special type of siding known as “insulated vinyl siding.” This unique type has a foam backing to increase energy efficiency for your home. Compared to the 0.61 R-value of standard vinyl siding, insulated vinyl siding can have an R-value of up to 4!
At Rolox Home Service, we proudly offer superior vinyl siding with a very high R-value, even without the extra insulation. Our siding systems work in tandem with your insulation to give you all the insulation you need for peak energy efficiency.
Boost Your Energy Efficiency with Rolox Vinyl Siding!
At Rolox Home Service, we install only the best vinyl siding to ensure our homeowners have the protection they need against Kansas and Missouri storms and heat waves. With super-long-length panels to minimize seams, our siding is both energy-efficient and maintenance-free to give you a carefree experience with beautiful colors and textures to level up your curb appeal.
Contact us today to schedule your free in-home consultation!
