I'm planning to upgrade my house siding, possibly to clay or vinyl, but I'm concerned about the energy costs connected to insulation. Right now, my siding has a vinyl outer layer over a one-inch wood composite core, and the whole structure rests on thick plywood walls. Is my existing setup doing a decent job with insulation, or should I consider something similar for my new siding?
2 Answers
Your current siding setup isn't the worst! It sounds like you have a decent amount of insulation with the composite layer. However, if you're mainly changing siding for aesthetics and want to avoid higher energy costs, it’s good to think about how the new materials perform. You might want to get an energy audit done to see if other areas need improvement first, like the attic or windows, before focusing solely on the siding.
For what it's worth, focusing solely on siding for insulation isn't the best approach. If you really want to avoid a spike in energy bills, consider checking the attic and other areas first. Those spots often make a bigger difference. But, if siding is mainly for looks, just make sure to ensure it’s installed properly with a good wrap to help boost insulation.