I'm in the process of redoing the siding on my house, which I've owned for about five years. Winters have been pretty harsh, especially in the extension built by the previous owners. One contractor who came to check things out saw that there was no foam board insulation—just vinyl over tyvek and plywood. He suggested adding 1/2" foam insulation, but since I live on Long Island, NY where winters can get quite cold, I'm wondering if that's enough. What thickness should I really consider?
2 Answers
Totally agree with InsulationExpert! Going thicker is usually beneficial. Just keep in mind that if you go with 1/2" 'fanfold', it can save you on installation costs. However, the most important part is how well you tape the seams and seal around windows and doors. Proper installation can really make a difference even if you stick with a thinner board.
When it comes to insulation, especially in colder climates, the more the better! I'd suggest going for more than just 1/2" if you can swing it. A good rule of thumb is to install as much insulation as your budget allows. You might find that thicker foam boards are actually not that much more expensive per unit when you buy them. An inch of foam might be a better investment overall compared to 1/2".
Is there a specific kind of foam board I should ask for? I feel like my contractor might be pushing the cheapest option.
So just to clarify, having the seams properly taped is actually more critical than just going for an extra 1/2" of thickness, right?