Sometimes, when working on one project, it’s beneficial to work on another as well. Siding is a great example of this. As you’re redoing your siding, you’re giving yourself access to parts of the structure of your property that are usually walled off. It may be a good time, then, to use this as an opportunity to add or replace your insulation.
What is Insulation?
Insulation is the ability of your property to block against heat, cold, and sound transfer between the inside and the outside of your property. It is an especially important part of energy efficiency, although it also plays a role in reducing things like road noise.
Benefits of Adding Insulation During Siding Replacement
Insulation has to get into your walls, somehow. When you’re redoing your siding, that exposes your walls, making it possible to access them and add insulation as needed. Adding insulation while replacing your siding offers several advantages that can make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable. These benefits include:
- No Additional Property Demolition
Typically, in order to access your insulation (or lack thereof), a contractor has to demolish a fairly large part of your property – for example, taking out your drywall and replacing it. That means extensive labor, property destruction, and even additional tasks like repainting. When completed during a siding replacement, this additional demolition and replacement is not necessary.
- Minimize Labor Costs
Since your contractor will already be removing and replacing the siding, it reduces the amount of additional labor required to install insulation. You avoid the need for separate projects down the line, such as opening up walls from the inside, which can be more labor-intensive and expensive. Bundling insulation installation with siding replacement allows you to save on overall labor and project costs.
- Maximize Energy Efficiency
Siding itself is already designed to improve energy efficiency, and many people specifically replace siding for that reason. If that’s your goal, then insulation only adds to its value.
During siding replacement, adding insulation to your walls is one of the most effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Without insulation, your home loses heat in the winter and gains heat in the summer, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. By installing insulation beneath the new siding, you can dramatically reduce energy loss through your walls.
This is particularly true if your home was built before modern energy codes required adequate insulation levels. Adding insulation at the same time as new siding will help seal air leaks, reduce drafts, and improve your home’s overall energy performance, leading to lower heating and cooling bills.
- Address Insulation Gaps
Some homes may already have insulation, but may be lacking in certain areas. Finding those areas in an efficient way can be difficult if your original plan was to install insulation at a later date.
When siding is removed, it provides a unique opportunity to assess your home’s insulation status and fill in gaps or add more insulation to increase the overall R-value (thermal resistance). Without this step, you may miss a critical chance to upgrade your home’s insulation for decades.
Why Delaying Insulation Installation Can Be Costly
If you opt to redo your siding without adding insulation, you may face higher costs in the future if you decide to improve your home’s energy efficiency later. Installing insulation from the interior of your home typically involves opening up walls, which is both labor-intensive and disruptive. It also means paying for separate contractors and potentially needing to repair drywall or other finishes.
By tackling insulation and siding replacement together, you avoid these additional costs and complete both improvements at once. This maximizes your investment and ensures your home is well-protected for the long term.
Best Types of Insulation for Siding Projects
Many types of siding already come with insulation, such as insulated vinyl siding. But adding more insulation can be a great help. When upgrading insulation during a siding replacement, there are a few key insulation types that work well with exterior applications:
- Rigid Foam Insulation – One of the most popular options for exterior insulation, rigid foam offers high thermal resistance (R-value) and also acts as a moisture barrier. It’s installed directly over your exterior sheathing before the new siding is applied.
- Spray Foam Insulation – Spray foam can fill gaps and cracks, providing excellent air sealing and insulation performance. However, it’s often used inside walls rather than behind exterior siding.
- Insulated Vinyl Siding – Some siding products come with built-in insulation, offering both thermal and durability benefits. This can be a simple option to enhance insulation without adding a separate material.
Each type of insulation has its benefits, and the right choice for your home depends on your climate, existing insulation, and specific goals for the project.
Take Advantage of Siding Replacement for Insulation Upgrades
Redoing your siding is the perfect time to improve your home’s insulation. By tackling both projects simultaneously, you save on labor costs, improve your home’s energy efficiency, and increase its comfort for years to come. You also address any insulation gaps, reduce moisture risks, and ensure that your investment in new siding delivers the maximum return in energy savings and comfort.
Christian Construction is Staten Island’s favorite siding contractor, and we are happy to provide insulation as well while we’re in there as well for a very competitive price. Get an estimate for your siding and insulation today by contacting Christian Construction.
