Exterior Insulation Under Siding

A continuous layer of insulating sheathing applied to the exterior surface of a wall will minimize condensation and moisture levels.

Exterior insulation under siding.

Insulation under siding not necessary have a contractor who just started vinyl siding on my house built in 1927. The lower level has 2 in of xps rigid foam insulation on the interior walls. If the exterior wall sheathing is below the dew point temperature condensation will form on the sheathing. It also serves as an air barrier.

Hot climates already have a lot of heat and vinyl siding tends to expand and contract with temperature changes up to 1 if the siding is made of recycled vinyl material. Installing foam insulation under vinyl siding is a wise choice for homeowners who are seeking to protect their homes against moisture infiltration as well as improve energy efficiency. Generally referred to as rigid foam insulation this type of foam insulation is. The insulation is glued in place for a permanent connection.

How to install rigid foam under siding. The upper part of the cabin has standard batting and no form of exterior insulation under the siding. The backside of the insulation is flat so the siding installs flush against the home s exterior wall sheathing. Foil faced foam board insulation is a great idea but is not a good choice for hot climates or cold climates as an exterior insulation product.

Continuous insulation under new siding has become a popular way to improve energy efficiency on an existing home because it addresses a problem known as thermal bridging. Many houses built today have a double wall type of insulation with fiberglass batts fastened between the studs on the inside and rigid foam board over. He removed the old aluminum siding and starting putting up the new vinyl over what looks like tar paper and 2 layers of shingle. I get asked if this or that in the in the cavity works as well as foam under the siding.

I thought i should show why continuous foam under the exterior siding is so important. Why insulation under the siding is important. Condensation and elevated moisture levels cause rot mold and mildew. As many things in building science go you my dear reader have to learn something.

We will start with hot climates. Most homes in the united states are built with traditional wood frame construction with studs every 16 on center.