New Windows New Siding Do I Add Foam Board

Insulated vinyl siding is a great way to improve the appearance of your home with new siding while adding insulation that will help reduce your utility bills all in one step.

New windows new siding do i add foam board.

I m not sure where you do work bob but you may not even be in a zone 6 or greater energy zone. The old siding will either be removed or covered up in the process making it easy to add insulation a number of ways. The method works for both new construction and remodeling and doesn t affect siding and trim details very much. The window sills are flashed using a 1 4 dam along the interior edge of the sill and the side and top nailing fins are flashed to the sheathing.

If you purchase foam insulation that is too thick it may pose a problem by pushing the wall system too far out from the existing windows and trim. If you have your contractor install the siding prior to replacing the windows they may have to cut into your lovely new siding to put that barrier in place. The foam board not only helps insulate the home but also provides additional stability and durability to the siding panel. If you are doing a remodeling of the entire exterior or new construction this may not be a concern.

Bottom line is exterior foam insulation is a good investment. Often if foam is decided upon to add the r value on the exterior the owner often is installing new windows anyhow to get the u vaule and will build the window bucks out to accomodate the foam. Using exterior rigid foam board insulation is a great way to make a building more energy efficient quieter and more likely to prevent moisture infiltration problems. If i add the 1 foam board the vinyl siding will no longer of course fit into the built in j channel.

And even though some manufacturers call it rigid foam insulation for the purpose of vinyl siding it basically has the same insulating value as a piece of plywood. The windows are vinyl with a built in j channel. Specialized equipment is not required for the installation of foam board. There is no better time to add insulation to the walls of an existing home than when new siding is installed.