R-value is a way to measure how well insulation stops heat from moving in and out of a building. If you’re thinking about getting new vinyl siding for your home, you may have heard this term. It’s important to know what it means. The experts at CMB Jersey City Stucco & EIFS Repair can help you understand what R-value means for vinyl siding and what to think about when picking a new exterior for your home.
When your home is properly insulated on the inside and outside, air can’t get in or out. R-value measures how well a material stops heat from moving through it. It is based on a term called “R-factor,” which is found by putting a material between two plates and measuring how much heat moves through it. These tests are done in a lab with a piece of material that is one square foot and one inch thick. There is a temperature difference of one degree F between the inside and outside of the material. The rate of heat flow, in BTUs per hour, tells us how well the material moves heat.
To figure out the R-value, multiply the R-factor by the thickness of the material. For example, if a piece of insulation has an R-factor of 2 and is 1.5 inches thick, its R-value would be 3. The better material is at keeping the heat in and cold air out during colder months, the higher its R-value. The opposite is true during warmer months.
Insulation on the Inside
Most people picture rolls of fluffy fiberglass or spray foam in the walls when they think of insulation. Even though this type of insulation works well, it doesn’t stop all air leakage, which can cause your heating and cooling bills to go up. Even though your walls probably have insulation between the wooden studs, the studs themselves are not insulated. Studs can take up to 25% of the wall space in a home. Thermal bridging is the process by which heat moves across them from the warm inside of your home to the cold outside. These energy leaks could be costing you money and making your home less warm than it could be.
Insulated Vinyl Siding
Covering the studs and other spaces with insulated vinyl siding on the outside stops thermal bridging and cuts down on energy loss. Depending on the brand, type, and size of siding you choose, the R-value of good-quality insulated vinyl siding is usually between 2.0 and 4.0.
Most vinyl siding has an R-value of about 0.61. Quality vinyl siding has a higher R-value than many other building materials, even if it isn’t insulated. Other types of building materials that have R-values are:
Fiber cement – 0.37
Stucco – 0.40
Brick veneer –0.44
Stone veneer – 0.11
Talking to a seasoned contractor about your needs and the look you want to achieve can help you understand the R-value of siding and figure out which material might be best for you.
Other Good Things About Vinyl Siding
Both regular vinyl siding and insulated vinyl siding have benefits, like a higher R-value that can help make your home more energy-efficient.
- Low Maintenance: You don't have to paint, caulk, or stain vinyl siding, and it's easy to clean with mild soap and a garden hose.
- Durability: Good vinyl siding can stand up to the elements, like UV rays, strong winds, and snowstorms. It is also resistant to bugs and water, so it won't rot.
- Versatility: Vinyl siding comes in almost every color, texture, and style you can think of, even ones that look like real wood or stone.
- Curb Appeal: The R-value and energy efficiency of siding are important, but so is how it looks from the outside. If you want your home to stand out from the rest or if you want to sell it, installing vinyl siding can make it look better from the street and raise the value of your home.
Contact Us to Find Out More About the R-Value of Siding
CMB Jersey City Stucco & EIFS Repair has been serving customers in Central and Northern New Jersey for more than 65 years with quality work, high-quality materials, and great customer service. Contact us online or call (551) 244-6650 to set up a free estimate and learn more about vinyl siding and the other services we offer. We can help you find a way to pay for home improvements that fit your needs and your budget.
