That siding around your house? It’s not just for looks. The right choice of material and contractor can help keep your home warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and lower your energy bills—all with the simple addition of new siding.
Siding is the first line of defense against energy loss.
Siding is the barrier between your home and the outside environment. By shielding the exterior wall, siding slows the transfer of heat to and from your interior and lowers the workload on your HVAC system.
Siding also prevents drafts.
It’s not just about gradual energy loss. If you’ve ever been in an old, poorly-maintained house, you’ve felt drafts of cold air sweep in. Siding helps limit those, too.
Materials matter.
Each siding material has its own levels of insulation and efficiency. It’s a factor you’ll want to consider when you’re choosing a siding.
R-value is the key number to look at.
R-value is the measure of how well a material resists heat flow. (The R stands for thermal resistance). The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.
Let’s look at popular siding types ranked by R-value:
- Insulated vinyl — 2.7 per inch
- Wood – 0.81 per inch
- Aluminum — 0.61 per inch
- Standard Vinyl — 0.61 per inch
- Fiber Cement — 0.47 per inch
Insulated vinyl is the most energy-efficient siding.
As the ranking above shows, one material stands tall: insulated vinyl. A few specialty materials with even higher R-values, like Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs), but they tend to be expensive and less practical.
Insulated vinyl, though, is a great option if you’re looking for a relatively affordable siding that keeps your home comfortable and lowers your energy bills. Its built-in layer of foam insulation makes it more energy-efficient than regular vinyl.
Wood is a solid natural insulator.
It might not have the R-value of insulated vinyl, but wood, especially cedar or pine, offers good energy efficiency with a classic look.
Why does it work? Wood siding tends to be thick, but there’s more to it than that: Its cellular structure has tiny air pockets that act as barriers to heat transfer.
Siding needs maintenance to stay efficient.
Panels break, crack, and warp over time, decreasing their effectiveness.
To be safe, we recommend that most houses get their siding inspected once a year. That’s frequent enough to make sure it’s in good condition and still properly insulating your home.
Insulation enhances siding performance.
Keep in mind, siding is just one factor in determining your home’s energy efficiency.
There are other layers to your home’s exterior, like insulation, sheathing, and vapor barriers, each of which helps limit heat transfer and prevent air leaks.
You’ll want to combine those materials with energy-efficient roofing, windows, and doors to stay nice and comfortable year-round.
Call Juno Construction Group for Energy-Efficient Siding.
Juno Construction installs, repairs, and replaces siding for all residential styles, on time and on budget.
Contact us today for a free assessment. We’ll help you take your first step toward a more energy-efficient home.
