What is Thermal Bridging, and How to Stop It In a Home
Thermal bridging is the movement of heat across an object that is more conductive than the materials around it. The conductive material creates a path of least resistance for heat. Thermal bridging can be a major source of energy loss in homes and buildings, leading to higher utility bills.
Thermal Bridging in Homes
A significant thermal bridge can be created in residential home construction by the studs in the wall. American homes have traditionally been built with 2x4 wood studs spaced 16” on center, with fiberglass batt insulation added to the cavity.
Although the fiberglass insulation may have an r-value of R-15 or more, it can only be placed in between the wood studs. These studs are more conductive than the fiberglass insulation surrounding them, so although the insulation reduces energy loss through the wall, it does not stop energy loss across the thermal bridge.
Nearly 25% of a home’s wall is made of wood studs. Even if you have fiberglass insulation in the cavity, it adds up to one whole wall of the home with zero insulation. As you are paying to make your home comfortable, 25% of your walls are working against you.
Heat always moves towards cold. In the summer, sweltering heat from the outside works its way across the studs into your air conditioned space. In the winter, the money you’re spending to heat your home is leaking into the cold outdoors.
How to Break the Thermal Bridge
To combat the problem of thermal bridging, the studs must be covered with continuous insulation. During home construction, insulation can easily be added to the wall system to break the thermal bridge. In a remodeling situation, a layer of insulation can only be added from the inside or the outside of the home. Adding insulation from the interior is typically difficult and expensive, since it requires a complete remodel to replace drywall, trim, or other interior finishes.
The easiest way to add a layer of continuous insulation to an existing home is on the outside, under new siding. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says “when new siding is to be installed it is a good idea to consider adding insulation under new siding.”
By adding insulation under new siding, not only do you break the thermal bridge and improve energy efficiency, but you are also able to leave the interior of the home undisturbed and get an exterior makeover at the same time.
There are three types of rigid insulation commonly used to insulate a home under new siding: expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), and graphite polystyrene (GPS). All three options offer varying levels of energy savings and are sold in standard dimensions, but differ in their other features and benefits. Check out our previous blog article to learn more on EPS vs. XPS vs. GPS >
Another option to break the thermal bridge is to install insulated vinyl siding, which is vinyl siding with a contoured foam backer permanently adhered to the panel. With this product, you get the energy savings of adding insulation, along with significantly improved durability and appearance for the siding panel. See if insulated vinyl siding is the right choice to break the thermal bridge in your home >
Summary
Energy loss through the sidewalls of a home accounts for nearly 35% of the total energy loss, more than windows (10%), doors (15%), the foundation (15%), and even the roof (25%).
The thermal bridge created by the wood studs in the home needs to be broken with continuous insulation to help reduce this energy loss. One of the most affordable times to add a continuous blanket of insulation to an existing home is when new siding is installed, whether that be with flat, rigid sheets of insulation, or insulated vinyl siding.
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Popular Posts
Will Vinyl Siding Increase My Home’s Value?
Whether you’re planning to stay in your home for a few years or a lifetime, it’s important to know which products will add to the value of the home when doing improvement projects. Vinyl siding is a great way to not only make a huge impact on the appearance of a home, but also increase its overall value.
According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2018 Cost vs. Value Report, replacing siding increases home value by 76.7% of the project cost; for a mid-sized project valued at $15,072, you can recoup $11,554.
Let’s dive into a few ways vinyl siding helps increase home value: beautiful appearance, durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency.
Beautiful Appearance
There are many reasons you may want to install new siding on a home: the current cladding is old and faded, there are cracks or dents that are leaving the house susceptible to the elements, or maybe you’ve even had water damage or pests nesting behind the siding. Whatever the reason, re-siding a home is the perfect opportunity to create an entirely “new” home at the same address.
While other home improvement products like windows and roofing are important and necessary, they don’t significantly impact the appearance of the home like new siding can. You can take a home from being the ugliest in the neighborhood to the most beautiful, simply by upgrading the siding.
Business Insider says you only have seven seconds to make a strong first impression. Sometimes before you even say a word, an impression has been made based on your appearance, body language, and more.
The same goes for a home listed on the market; curb appeal is everything. The way a home looks on the exterior can make the difference between someone stopping to attend an open house or driving past. If the home appears to have a beautiful, well-kempt exterior, prospective buyers may intuitively expect to pay more for the home.
Vinyl Siding is available in a wide range of profiles and colors to create any desired look. Not only can you enjoy the more beautiful exterior while you live in the home, but you can recoup most of the investment when the time comes to sell.
Durability That Protects the Home
A home that looks beautiful when new siding is first installed is great, but what happens to that appearance over time? If the siding installed is not durable, it can be susceptible to damage from storms, breakage from moisture damage, cracking and peeling finishes, and more.
Color Retention & Water Damage
Vinyl siding offers a durable solution for exterior cladding. According to the Vinyl Siding Institute, the products offered by their manufacturer members are tested, certified, and UV protected for color retention, so you can rest easy knowing your siding isn’t going to fade over time.
Vinyl siding is a polymeric cladding product, meaning it is completely immune to water damage. You will never have to paint or caulk to seal out the water, or worry about the cladding absorbing moisture.
Other siding products such as fiber cement have a porous core that can absorb moisture and lead to problems down the road.
Wind & Impact Resistance
Vinyl siding is built to protect homes from the elements, designed to withstand winds of 110 mph or higher, depending on the product and application.
When Hurricane Irma slammed Punta Gorda in September 2017, average wind gusts ranged between 111-130 mph. The Gulf Breeze community, featuring 171 family units, had been clad with insulated vinyl siding prior to the storm and sustained no visible damage or water infiltration.
Insulated vinyl siding is traditional vinyl siding with an energy-saving foam core permanently adhered to the back. This combination provides significantly improved impact resistance, with the foam insulation serving as a shock absorber. Whether the home is up against hail, rocks thrown from the lawnmower, or the neighbor’s baseball, insulated vinyl siding provides maximum durability to protect the home and it’s appearance.
Check out our previous article Vinyl Siding vs. Insulated Vinyl Siding to determine which product is best for your project.
Low Maintenance
Homebuyers these days place a high value on low maintenance products and features that give them back precious time and money. A house clad in cedar shake siding may have a beautiful appearance, but the commitment of time and cost required to regularly repair and maintain the product quickly puts a drain on the homeowner.
Vinyl siding is the most popular cladding product in America, no doubt due in part to the low maintenance required to upkeep its beautiful appearance. Unlike other siding products, vinyl never needs to be painted or caulked. Simply clean it with mild soap and water from a garden hose as needed.
Energy Efficiency
As mentioned earlier, insulated vinyl siding provides maximum durability, but the foam backer serves as more than a shock absorber for impact. The contoured insulation also adds energy efficiency to the siding job, helping to reduce heating and cooling bills and make the interior of the home more comfortable and quiet.
Experiencing lower utility bills as long as they live in the home is appealing to many buyers. Coupled with a beautiful appearance, low maintenance, and durability, vinyl siding is an excellent choice for homeowners wanting to increase their home value, or make it more attractive to prospective buyers.
Summary
Adding new vinyl siding to your home can increase the value by approximately 76.7% of the project cost, according to Remodeling Magazine. One key thing to consider is whether the siding you select will maintain that value after it has been subjected to mother nature, or the neighbor’s baseball. It’s important to select a product that will be durable enough to weather the elements, look just as good as the day it was installed for years to come.
Products like insulated vinyl siding not only protect the home from damage and maintain its like-new appearance, but also provide other benefits such as energy savings. To learn more, check out our article “Is Insulated Siding Right For You?”.
Vinyl Siding vs. Insulated Vinyl Siding: The Ultimate Comparison
As the inventors of insulated vinyl siding (also known as foam backed siding), you may be surprised to hear us say that insulated vinyl siding isn’t for everyone. As much as we think insulated vinyl siding is the best product for most applications, there may be some situations where other products could be a better fit. We want to make sure you have accurate information at your fingertips to make the best decision for your project. This post was written to discuss vinyl siding vs. insulated vinyl siding
Vinyl Siding vs. Insulated Vinyl Siding
If you’re considering vinyl siding, you can choose between insulated vinyl siding and non-insulated vinyl siding. Let’s go through how these two siding types compare in the following categories:
- Cost
- Appearance
- Energy Savings
- Installation
- Durability
- Moisture Management
- Resale Value
Cost (initial and lifetime)
There are many factors that can impact the initial cost of vinyl siding, depending on what features and benefits you select.
For instance, the location and size of your home, the number of windows and doors that must be worked around, lighter shades or premium dark colors, which accent trim will be used, and much more can change the price, all of which we will discuss more in the paragraphs below. Whether you install it yourself or use a qualified contractor with trained crews, insurance, and more can also impact the job cost.
Insulated vinyl siding costs anywhere from $4.00 - $12.00 per square foot installed, although some projects might fall outside of this range. In general, insulated vinyl siding is going to be more expensive than non-insulated vinyl siding simply because there is more material in the product, it is bulkier and therefore more expensive to ship, and it can require additional steps for installation. Insulated vinyl siding also comes in more premium colors and profiles to create a beautiful exterior, but that makes it more expensive to manufacture.
Luckily insulated and non-insulated vinyl siding are both the lowest maintenance siding products available on the market today, reducing their lifetime costs compared to other products. While sidings like fiber cement and wood require regular scraping, painting, and caulking, vinyl siding only requires an occasional cleaning with a standard scrub brush, soap, and water from the house.
Insulated vinyl siding is the only product that can reduce utility bills through energy savings, reducing its total cost over time. And because it helps protect the home from impact damage (read more below), it can reduce the number of repairs that must be done to the siding over time.
For more information on cost, check out our article Insulated Vinyl Siding Cost: A Guide to Pricing, Estimates, and ROI >
Winner: Non-Insulated Vinyl Siding (initial cost), Insulated Vinyl Siding (lifetime cost)
Appearance
Considering exterior walls are a huge part of the curb appeal of a home, replacing old, worn out siding is a great way to significantly improve appearance almost instantly. Dark, bold colors like navy blue, barn red, and even charcoal have become very popular in recent years, adding a rich pop of color to homes.
Whether you want your house to stand out on the block or blend into the surroundings, there are tons of options, whether using insulated or non-insulated vinyl siding. However, there are some differences in the appearance of these products.
For starters, insulated vinyl siding features contoured foam that provides support to the siding panel. This added support allows vinyl siding manufacturers to not only make products in the dark, rich colors that previously struggled with extreme temperatures from the sun, but also in wider, flatter profiles than ever before. The supportive foam helps maintain sharp, crisp profile lines that best emulate the appearance of real wood.
The foam insulation also helps level the wall under new siding. Homes settle and walls shift over time, creating imperfections that can be seen through thin siding products. By adding a cushioning layer of insulation, insulated vinyl siding can help eliminate the appearance of imperfect walls.
Finally, contoured foam insulation helps protect insulated vinyl siding from impact damage. Traditional, non-insulated vinyl siding creates a hollow void between the siding and the wall, leaving the panel susceptible to impact damage from baseballs, rocks thrown from lawnmowers, or other projectiles.
By significantly increasing impact resistance, insulated vinyl siding will protect a home from damage and maintain the beautiful like-new appearance for many years.
Winner: Insulated Vinyl Siding
Energy Savings & Comfort
It’s safe to assume that an insulated vinyl siding product is going to provide more energy savings over time than vinyl siding without any insulation. In fact, third party studies show that an existing 2-story home without cavity insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by an average of 14.2% by adding insulated vinyl siding.
Even if you have pink insulation in your walls, you are still losing energy through a process called thermal bridging. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends insulation to be installed on the outside of a home when new siding is installed.
Check out our previous article, Is Insulated Vinyl Siding Right for You?, to learn more about this energy loss and how insulated vinyl siding helps reduce utility bills.
Aside from monetary savings, you can also improve the comfort level of a home by adding insulation to new siding. Are there rooms in your home that are too cold to enjoy in the winter, or too hot and uncomfortable in the summer?
Adding insulated siding is like wrapping the whole home in a blanket that helps keep heat inside in the winter, outside in the summer, and money in the bank all year.
Winner: Insulated Vinyl Siding
Before Insulated Vinyl Siding (Winter):
After Insulated Vinyl Siding (Winter):
Installation
Installing insulated vinyl siding is not a far departure from non-insulated siding for those that are experienced. However, the additional thickness of the insulation adhered to the siding does create some challenges that must be understood prior to installation.
While traditional vinyl siding can be cut with a pair of hand snips, it is best practice to cut insulated vinyl siding with a saw. You must use a fine tooth blade or a siding specific blade, installed backwards in the saw to help prevent chipping or cracking while cutting.
The trickiest part of installing insulated vinyl siding is trimming out windows, doors, and other openings. Special accessories with larger receiving pockets are required to accept the full thickness of the siding and the foam. Sometimes the trim around the wall must be built out prior to the siding being installed to accommodate the insulation component.
Although an experienced siding installer will be able to easily to transition to insulated vinyl siding after one or two jobs, it is important to pay attention to the details and spend time understanding the required accessories and prep work.
Winner: Non-Insulated Vinyl Siding
Durability
Over the years, traditional vinyl siding has acquired a reputation for not being the most durable siding option available on the market. Many advancements have been made in the manufacturing of vinyl siding to improve it’s durability and resistance to ailments like fading, cracking, and warping.
Although vinyl siding serves as a great barrier between your home and mother nature, the hollow void created between the siding and the wall still leaves the panel susceptible to damage. Take a look around your neighborhood and you’ll probably be able to find signs of vinyl that has been damaged from hail, rocks thrown from the lawnmower, the neighbor’s baseball, and more. Vinyl siding has many benefits such as low maintenance, long-lasting life, and affordability, but resistance to impact has not been it’s strongest feature.
That is, until insulated vinyl siding came into the market in the 1990’s. By adding a layer of contoured foam insulation that completely fills the gap between the siding and the wall, the impact of the panel significantly improved. The foam insulation and vinyl siding are permanently adhered together, creating one complete, durable panel.
Many torture tests have been done on insulated vinyl siding to show the significantly improved impact resistance of insulated vinyl siding. Check out this high speed video showing an ice ball shot from a cannon at traditional vinyl siding, then insulated vinyl siding.
If that weren’t enough, the foam component of insulated vinyl siding features a built-in insecticide which is safe for people and pets, but protects the foam from termite damage. If your home has any termites burrowing into the foam looking for shelter, they will be killed by trying to bite the foam. Just another layer of protection for the siding and your home.
Winner: Insulated Vinyl Siding
ReSale Value
When making a major improvement to your home, such as having new siding installed, you want to be sure it improves the value of your property, and that if the time comes to sell your home, you will get more from it.
Every year Remodeling Magazine puts out a report stating how much a homeowner can expect to recoup from their investment in new siding. According to the 2017 study, 76.4% of siding replacement costs are recouped, which is significantly higher than a major kitchen remodel at 65.3%, roof replacement at 68.8%, and even a window replacement at 73.9%. As an example, if you spend $20,000 on a siding replacement, you can expect to recoup $15,280, leaving the true cost of your siding around $4,720.
The final factor to consider when calculating return on investment is long term energy savings. By installing traditional vinyl siding without insulation, you will never gain money back over time.
With insulated vinyl siding, the average 2-story home without cavity insulation experiences an average savings of 14.2% on heating and cooling costs. Let’s say you’re spending $250 per month on heating and cooling. If your home is similar to the test house, you could be saving $425 per year, every year you are in the home. This reduced utility cost can also make your home more appealing to potential buyers in the future.
It’s also important to make sure the siding you select will maintain its appearance until the time comes to sell your home. If you select the cheapest vinyl siding that cracks, dents, or fades over time, it’s likely you won’t recoup the full 76.4% anticipated by Remodeling Magazine. You need to be sure to have a product on your home that will look as good as the day it was installed.
Winner: Depends on your situation; Non-Insulated Vinyl Siding can provide a quick return on investment, but Insulated Vinyl Siding can have a better ROI if you’re staying in the home for awhile.
Final Thoughts
Non-Insulated Vinyl Siding Works Well If You:
To tie it all together, non-insulated vinyl siding tends to work well if you...
- Have a lower budget for the siding project
- Aren’t concerned about the long term appearance / durability of the siding, like when flipping a home for quick sale
- Plan to install it yourself but have limited installation experience
Insulated Vinyl Siding Works Well If You:
On the other hand, insulated vinyl siding works well if you...
- Plan to stay in the home and want to protect it from impact or other sources of damage.
- Have some room in your budget to pay for the energy saving insulation up front and earn it back with reduced utility bills.
- Understand the additional installation steps required to do a quality insulated vinyl siding installation
Need help deciding is Insulated Vinyl Siding is right for you? Check out this article to see if you can benefit from selecting insulated vinyl siding for your specific project.
Five Reasons You Need to Insulate New Vinyl Siding [Infographic]
5 Reason You Should Insulate New Vinyl Siding
There is no better time to add insulation to the walls of an existing home than when new siding is installed. Walls account for 35% of energy loss in a home, more than any other component, including the roof, windows, and doors. This makes the walls a great place to start when improving the energy efficiency of a home.
1. Reduce Energy Use
Insulated siding helps reduce heating and cooling costs by wrapping the home in a continuous blanket of insulation, keeping heat inside in the winter and outside in the summer.
Even if you have pink batt insulation between your studs, there may still be an energy leak in your walls. The culprits are the wood studs: heat bypasses the insulation in the wall cavity and transfers through the studs, allowing energy to leak through the walls. This process is called thermal bridging.
Nearly 25% of a home's wall is made of studs that typically aren't insulated, so it's like having one entire wall of the home without insulation.
To combat this problem, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says "when new siding is to be installed, it is a good idea to consider adding insulation under new siding."
2. Enhance Appearance
When you make an investment in new siding, you expect it to look great for a long time to come. Unfortunately, many siding products don’t look as good as they promised, or their appearance degrades over time through exposure to the elements.
The insulation component helps create a great looking exterior by leveling the wall under the siding, reducing imperfections in the wall. The contoured insulation also provides more support to the siding panel, helping it maintain it’s shape and original appearance over time.
3. Increase Durability
Most siding products are made to make a home look great, but they aren't designed to provide protection for the house. In fact, traditional vinyl siding products create a hollow void between the back of the siding and the wall, leaving the siding itself susceptible to damage when hit by things like hail, rocks thrown from the lawnmower, or a child's baseball.
Insulated siding provides significantly increased durability compared to traditional vinyl siding. The contoured foam insulation serves as a shock absorber against impact. Insulated siding stands up to the elements, whether they be from mother nature or man made.
4. Manage Moisture
Insulated siding features a perm rating of up to 5.0, allowing your home to breathe and protecting against moisture damage. Despite some misconceptions in the industry that the insulation can contribute to moisture problems, studies completed with the National Association of Homebuilders Research Center proves that insulated vinyl siding actually keeps the wall system drier and more protected than most other siding systems available on the market today.
5. Create a More Comfortable Home
By wrapping your home in insulated siding, the inside temperature can be more consistent room to room. The insulation also helps dampen sounds from the exterior, making the interior more quiet.
Definition of Vinyl Siding: In Under 100 Words
Noun: An exterior cladding for homes and commercial buildings, made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Vinyl siding is an exterior cladding for homes and commercial buildings. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other ingredients give vinyl siding color, flexibility, and durability. It is the most commonly used siding product in the United States and Canada.
Vinyl siding is low maintenance and comes in many colors and shapes, such as clapboard, dutchlap, board and batten, and shake. Energy-saving versions are also available with contoured insulation attached to the siding panel.
According to the Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value report, a siding replacement costs roughly $15,072
Where Can I Buy Insulated Vinyl Siding: Everything You Need To Know
Where Can I Buy Insulated Vinyl Siding?
You have done your research on insulated vinyl siding (also known as foam backed siding) and understand the benefits, such as energy savings and significantly improved durability. You’re ready to take the next step and get a quote for insulated vinyl siding.
Insulated vinyl siding can be purchased through our extensive network of contractors and distribution professionals. If you can’t find someone near you, contact us, and we will connect you with a qualified supplier in your area.
If you are a homeowner and would like to get a quote on insulated vinyl siding, our Find a Contractor tool can put you in touch with the best exterior contractors in the country.
The professionals in our Preferred Contractor network know their stuff. They have met certain requirements to be considered experts on insulated vinyl siding products, and how to install them so you get the most out of your new siding.
If you are a contractor looking to purchase insulated vinyl siding for a project, our Find a Distributor tool can connect you with the top suppliers in your area.
If you are a DIY homeowner, you may find insulated vinyl siding in stock at a local distributor, lumber yard, or big box store. Be sure you are comfortable with how to install insulated vinyl siding to ensure the job is done properly and the warranty is not voided.
Most Popular Insulated Vinyl Siding Brands
Contractors and distributors offer different variations of insulated vinyl siding. If you want to buy a particular color, profile, or brand, you may have to contact a few locations to find the insulated vinyl siding you are looking for.
Some of the top insulated vinyl siding brands are:
Craneboard Solid Core Siding
Manufacturer: Exterior Portfolio
Profiles: Double 6, Double 7, Board & Batten
CedarBoards Insulated Siding
Manufacturer: Certainteed
Profiles: Double 4”, Double 6”, Single 7”, Double 4.5” Dutch, 12” Board and Batten
CedarMax Insulated Siding
Manufacturer: Provia
Profiles: Single 7, Double 6”, Triple 4”, 8” Board & Batten
Haven Insulated Siding
Manufacturer: Royal Building Products
Profiles: Double 6”, Double 7”, Double 4.5” Dutch
Prodigy Insulated Siding
Manufacturer: Alside
Profiles: Double 6”, Double 7”, Double 5” Dutch
Structure Home Insulation System
Manufacturer: Mastic by Plygem
Profiles: Double 4”, Double 6”, Single 7”, Double 4.5 Dutch
Learn more about the top vinyl siding brands here>
How Insulated Vinyl Siding is Produced
Insulated vinyl siding products are created in partnership with vinyl siding manufacturers and Progressive Foam as the insulation and lamination technology supplier. High-quality vinyl siding is permanently adhered to the insulation during the manufacturing process, so insulated vinyl siding arrives as one piece to the distributor, contractor, and ultimately the homeowner.
Find a contractor or find a distributor near you, or contact us at 1-800-860-3626 for more information about how to buy insulated vinyl siding.
Open Cell vs. Closed Cell Foam Insulation
When adding insulation to a home during remodeling or new construction, understanding the difference between open and closed cell foams can help determine which product is best for your application.
Closed Cell Foam
Closed cell foam is made of uniform cells that maintain their own shape. Because the cells are closed and have their own cell walls, they are more rigid and trap a large amount of air. This makes for more sturdy products that serve as great insulation.
Open cell foam
Open cell foam is made of irregularly shaped cells that are linked together. Because the cell walls are broken, the foam is softer. This makes for great sound dampening products, furniture, and sponges.
photo credit: https://www.o-wm.com/files/owm/owm_february2015_soppi_f1.jpg)
The majority of insulation products used in remodeling and new construction are closed cell, because they trap air for greater insulation value, and do not easily absorb moisture. This includes rigid insulation products made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), graphite polystyrene (GPS) or Neopor, extruded polystyrene (XPS), polyisocyanurate, and more. Due to the rigid structure, closed-cell foams have a higher compressive strength for greater impact resistance. They can withstand more impact from hail and other weather extremes.
Neopor Graphite Polystyrene: What It is and How It Works
Because of their softness and absorbency, open-cell foams are not typically used in construction or building materials. Open cell foams do not perform well when exposed to water, since the openness of their cell walls allows water to be absorbed into the foam. Imagine if the exterior of your home was covered in sofa cushions, soaking up every drop of water and holding it on the wall.
One exception to this is spray foam insulation, which is available in both closed and open cell formats. Since spray foam is typically applied from the interior in wall and roof cavities, it is not subjected to moisture exposure like rigid foam insulations used on the exterior of homes. Open cell spray foam insulation provides a lower r-value per inch, but is therefore typically more affordable than closed cell spray foam insulation.
Summary
Closed cell foams are the most popular type of insulation used in remodeling and new construction applications. They can provide support to the structure due to the composition of their cells. They protect against water damage, and generally provide a higher r-value per inch than open cell foams. While they are not intended for sound proofing applications like open cell foams, they can help dampen sound transmission.
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How to Select a Contractor in Four Easy Steps
A new remodeling project is a big investment in your home, and it’s important to choose the right contractor for the job. The quality of service provided by your contractor is just as important as the quality of the products you select for your home. The right contractor can provide an enjoyable experience, while a bad one can turn your dream project into a nightmare.
The key to choosing the right contractor for your home improvement project is to do your research and know what questions to ask. An educated buyer is a confident buyer, and we all want to have confidence in our decisions when making home improvement projects that will last for many years.
1. Find Prospective Contractors
Get Referrals from Someone You Know
If a family member, friend, or neighbor recently had worked done on their home, they may be able to explain the experience they had with their chosen contractor. If they’re happy with the end result and you trust their judgement, you may way to consider contacting their contractor for a quote.
Attend Home Shows and Events
Most home shows and state fairs include hundreds of exhibitors featuring products and services, including contractors. This can serve as a great place to gather ideas for your new project and meet a large pool of contractors in one location. Meeting representatives in person can also give you a feel for their company the kind of work they do.
Research Online
If you’ve downloaded this e-book, most likely you’ve already doing research online, so it’s a no brainer to leverage the power of the internet to find a contractor. Most reputable contractors have some type of presence online to showcase their work and promote themselves to potential customers. Use search engines like Google to find their websites by searching for “siding contractors near me”, “best contractors near me”, or other applicable phrases.
If you have a specific product in mind for the job, try visiting the manufacturer’s website to find a reliable contractor. Many times a manufacturer will offer a network of their very best contractors, because their reputation is on the line if the product is installed poorly. Manufacturer preferred contractors may also have stronger warranties, a wider product offering, special training and certification
2. Research Contractor Reputations
Check Online Reviews and References
There are many websites available today where you can check what other consumers are saying about local contractors. For instance, Angie’s List, Service Magic, Yelp and the Yellow Pages are good resources to gather recommendations or complaints. You can also request references from the contractor directly.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB)
The BBB serves as a great resource to see if your contractor has had any formal complaints filed against their company. You will also learn if they are BBB accredited and what their rating is based on 16 different factors.
Are They Well Established with a Physical Presence?
A company with a good reputation and solid financial history mostly likely has a physical presence where they can easily be found. This will help to ensure that they will not disappear or declare bankruptcy before your project is completed.
What Are Their Business Credentials?
It’s a good idea to select a contractor that belongs to one or more builder/remodeler associations. These organizations typically attract successful and reliable contractors, and sometimes require ongoing registration and training to maintain their membership. Examples are the National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.
3. Check for Licenses and Insurance
There are many types of remodeling companies in the marketplace today, ranging from one-man crews working out of a truck to large companies with locations all over the country. Regardless of which type of remodeler is right for you, it’s critical that they have proper insurance and required licensing to help protect you and your home.
Are They Fully Licensed?
Most states require that contractors be licensed to do home improvement work. Depending on your state, the requirements to get licensed may include:
- A written exam
- Proof of financial ability
- Letters of reference and experience in the field
Do They Carry Liability Insurance?
Liability insurance helps to protect your property in the event that your contractor causes any damage while on the job. Without liability insurance, you could be left to fix any damages if something goes wrong. Most homeowner’s policies won’t cover it unless you’ve purchased additional coverage for in-home employees.
Do They Have Workers Comp Insurance?
If a worker was to get hurt on your job, you are protected if the contractor has workman’s compensation insurance. Don’t underestimate the importance of workman’s compensation; if a worker gets hurt on your job site, you can be financially and legally liable for their injuries, and most homeowner policies do not cover these types of accidents.
4. Get Everything in Writing
Request Written Estimates
It is typical to get two, three, or more quotes for a large home improvement job, so make sure the details of each quote are in writing. This will help ensure you are comparing apples to apples when selecting a contractor, and will provide a record of the quote.
Make Sure Your Contractor Obtains Necessary Permits
Construction permits are generally needed for any repairs to replacements made to existing structures. Additional permits may be made for plumbing, electrical, or mechanical improvements as well. Check with your local authorities regarding your necessary permits and be sure they are obtained by your contractor before work begins.
Sign a Final, Written Contract
When you select your contractor and are ready to start the job, make sure you sign a finalized, written contract. The contract should include the following:
- Contractor’s name, address, phone number, professional license number
- Description of the work
- Start and completion dates
- Any warranty agreements
- Permits and licenses
Problems with Vinyl Siding: Solved
In the past, some vinyl siding experienced problems like fading, sagging, and cracking. Manufacturing and installation of vinyl siding has come a long way in recent years, and most of these problems are a thing of the past.
This article will discuss the five 5 most common misconceptions with vinyl siding and the truth behind them, including:
- Vinyl warps and buckles
- Vinyl is susceptible to damage
- Vinyl provides no r-value
- Vinyl is for the environment
- Vinyl lowers property value
#1: Vinyl Siding Warps and Buckles
Warping and buckling are both problems associated with vinyl siding, these issues only occur when the siding is not installed correctly.
Vinyl siding expands and contracts as the outside temperature changes. In the summer, when temperatures are high, vinyl expands. In the winter, when temperatures are low, vinyl contracts. To avoid this problem, vinyl siding must be installed in a way that allows it to move.
Insulated vinyl siding can also help with warping and buckling. The supportive foam helps maintain sharp, crisp profile lines that best simulate the appearance of real wood.
Homes settle and walls shift over time, creating imperfections that can be seen through thin siding products. By adding a cushioning layer of insulation, insulated vinyl siding can help eliminate the appearance of imperfect walls.
#2: Vinyl Siding is Not Durable
Vinyl siding is made from a tough plastic material called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Vinyl siding is designed to withstand winds up to 100mph and is moisture resistant, so it will not corrode or rot over time. Unlike other cladding, vinyl never needs to be painted, manufacturers use advanced UV resistant coatings to ensure the color remains.
Insulated vinyl siding increases the durability of standard vinyl siding. Insulated vinyl fills the hollow void behind the siding with a foam backer and acts as a shock absorber against impact.
Insulated siding accessories, such as corner posts and starter strips, also help protect the siding at its most vulnerable points, the corners and the base of the wall.
#3: Vinyl Siding Has a Low R-Value
With heating and cooling costs on the rise, consumers are searching for products that provide energy savings. The average r-value of a vinyl siding panel is about .61, this is compared to fiber cement at .37 and brick at .44. To increase r-value, many homeowners chose to add insulation to the wall before installing vinyl siding. This increases the r-value of the wall system and provides energy savings.
Insulated vinyl siding products come with contoured insulation that is permanently adhered to the siding during manufacturing. This provides a wide range of benefits related to appearance, durability, and energy savings. To see potential utility bill savings with insulated siding, check out our article Insulated Vinyl Siding Cost: A Guide to Pricing, Estimates, and ROI.
#4: Vinyl Siding is Bad for the Environment
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to homeowners, builders, and manufacturers; we want to make sure the materials we are using are what’s best for the environment.
Some believe that vinyl siding is bad for the environment, and is manufactured using harsh chemicals and gases. According to the Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES), software developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), vinyl siding performs better than fiber cement and brick in economical and environmental performance (see the graph below).
Vinyl Siding Institute
According to the Vinyl Siding Institute, vinyl siding is made with natural ingredients including 57% chlorine from common salt and 43% ethylene from natural gas. The manufacturing process of vinyl siding is also highly efficient, any scrap that is produced can be placed back into production.
One thing the study above does not discuss is energy savings. Insulated vinyl siding will reduce energy and carbon usage every day it is on the house, saving money and having a better impact on the environment. The chart below compares the overall environmental impact of various cladding products.
#5: Vinyl Siding Lowers Property Value
Does vinyl siding lower property value? The short answer is no. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2018 Cost vs. Value Report, 76.4% of siding replacement costs are recouped, which is significantly higher than a major kitchen remodel at 65.3%, roof replacement at 68.8%, and even a window replacement at 73.9%. As an example, if you spend $20,000 on a siding replacement, you can expect to recoup $15,280, leaving the true cost of your siding around $4,720.
When considering resale or property value it is important to make sure the siding you select will maintain its appearance over time. If you select the cheapest vinyl siding that may crack, dent, or fade over time, it’s likely you won’t recoup the full 76.4% anticipated by Remodeling Magazine. To learn more about this topic, read our article: Will Vinyl Siding Increase My Home’s Value?
Summary
There are many common misconceptions about vinyl siding in the marketplace. Vinyl siding is a maintenance free product that can increase the curb appeal of your home. Common problems with vinyl siding can be solved by adding a foam backer or using an insulated vinyl siding panel. For more information on insulated vinyl siding check out our article: What is Insulated Vinyl Siding? Materials, Pros, Cons and Installation.
Definition of R-Value (in Under 100 Words)
Noun: The capacity of an insulating material to resist heat flow.
R-value is the measure of an insulating material’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more energy savings provided by the insulation.
To test for R-value, a piece of insulation is placed between two plates in a laboratory. Heat passes through the material to test the thermal conductivity, measured in BTUs per hour. The greater the "R"-value the better the insulation capacity.