The higher the r value the more efficient the building material is.
House has vynil siding and is not energy efficebnt.
Traditional vinyl siding has an r value of about 0 61 nearly five times as efficient.
And you ll notice we just used the word traditional there are better options.
Better insulation more savings.
The truth is no standard siding material offers very good efficiency.
The energy efficiency for building materials is known as r value.
Vinyl siding without insulation has an r value of 0 67.
There are many benefits as well as several disadvantages to choosing insulated vinyl siding much related to its energy efficiency.
Once vinyl siding is installed the effect of light and shadows and proportion is lost.
And just like flat insulating sheathings and fanfolds insulated siding also levels the wall for a better looking siding job.
Siding made with vinyl might not be as thick as some other materials but this material is particularly airtight.
That said however definite differences exist among the various types of cladding.
But insulated vinyl siding has one unique feature.
Compared to most other exterior materials siding made of vinyl is far more efficient.
Another energy conscious renovation homeowners can implement doesn t exist inside of the home but surrounds the home itself.
Insulated vinyl siding vinyl backed with foam insulation bonded permanently to the siding panels carries an r value from 2 to 5.
Wood siding has a rugged classic look that s desirable for many homeowners but it is recyclable.
It looks clean and new but the details decorative seams buttons or tacks and individual cushions that create shadows are gone.
With no insulation behind either material wood siding is slightly more energy efficient having an r value of 0 81 to 0 87.
Contoured insulation that is permanently adhered to vinyl siding.
Similar to blown in insulation insulated vinyl siding provides r value for improved energy efficiency.
Insulation is typically measured in r values.
Here s a breakdown of some of the energy efficient replacement siding options.
Installing vinyl siding on a building is like putting a slip cover on a sofa.
A look that the house was not designed to have.
You have to take into account things like maintenance durability and insulation to determine which siding will truly offer the best energy performance.
This is negligible however as a fully insulated exterior should have an r value of 13.
Most energy experts suggest that your home s walls should have at least an r 13 energy efficiency.
It creates a durable seal around your home keeping your air from escaping.
According to the irs instructions for form 5695 residential energy credits the nonbusiness energy property credit is available for any insulation material or system that is specifically and primarily designed to reduce the heat loss or gain of your home however a component is not specifically and primarily designed to reduce the heat loss or gain of your home if it provides structural.
Specifically here s how the different types stack up.