How Can Residential Siding Help Improve a Home’s Insulation and Energy Efficiency?
Prevents Air Leaks and Decreases House Temperature
Air leaks are major insulation flaws that cost thousands in heating bills in colder regions. If the wooden exterior walls have leaks, the chilly air gets trapped in the first layer of insulation- making the house extremely cold. Rigid foam siding ensures premium sealing, the higher R value (3.6-6.8) is a testament to that.
Steel sidings deflect sunlight, which decreases the overall house temperature. Hence, the residents of Southern US states with 200+ days of sun can curb their utility bills thanks to the efficient use of HVAC. Similar to steel, stucco and stone sidings ensure the heat doesn’t get trapped inside the house.
Prevents Heat Loss and Offers Optimal Insulation
Walls are one of the biggest reasons why you lose a concerning amount of interior heat. Only because of thermal bridging more than 25% of heat is lost in your house which happens because your walls are uninsulated or not properly insulated while sidings offer stronger and better insulation. Taking necessary steps to implement siding that would eventually turn out to be energy efficient by saving that significant heat loss due to thermal bridging as it strengthens the insulation.
Exterior materials that have higher R-values offer better insulation. Wood shingles offer 0.87, while aluminum or vinyl siding provides 0.61, and fiber cement siding yields 0.37 R-value which is far better for optimality in energy efficiency.
Alternatively, an R-value of around 2 to 4 or even more is offered by insulated siding, particularly in vinyl which strengthens the overall durability and longevity. The costs are the only concern here, and may increase by 20% to 50%, but considering the long-term benefits of energy savings makes it worthwhile.
Provides Better Thermal Protection and Lowers Energy Cost
Heating and cooling alone bear a huge amount of your monthly bill which could be minimized by the help of insulation with siding. Upgrading your home’s siding enhances insulation and eventually reduces reliance on heating/cooling which ultimately cuts back the energy costs. Siding materials like insulated vinyl or fiber cement provide better and more durable thermal protection.
Fiber cement siding also offers durability, insulation, and curb appeal that has the ability to increase your home’s worth. Supplement siding with measures like weatherstripping, insulating windows, and attic insulation has also become a trend in the current real estate market.
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