3 Little-Known Insulated Vinyl Siding Benefits

Vinyl siding is a popular home siding type for many reasons. While other home siding options, like aluminum and wood siding, have lifespans that range from just 20 to 40 years, good-quality vinyl siding that is properly installed has a lifespan of up to 60 years or even longer when it is well-cared for. It also requires very little maintenance. 

There are two main types of vinyl siding: uninsulated and insulated siding. Insulated vinyl siding is produced by adding a foam-core backing to traditional vinyl siding panels. As you may expect, insulated siding increases the R-value and insulation of your home's exterior to improve the energy efficiency of your entire home. However, you may not realize that this siding type also offers several additional advantages when compared to uninsulated vinyl siding.

Read on to learn three little-known benefits of insulated vinyl siding when compared to traditional vinyl siding. 

1. Impact and Dent Resistance

While all vinyl siding is more resistant to dents than many other siding types, such as aluminum siding, vinyl siding can dent or develop damage upon impact.

Heavy, dense hail that falls during hailstorms and flying debris propelled through the air during strong winds can strike vinyl siding and leave dents or even more extensive damage. If your children enjoy throwing balls and other heavy objects in your yard, then one of these objects could also strike your vinyl siding and leave a dent or ding behind. 

One little-known advantage of insulated vinyl siding is that it is much more impact- and dent-resistant than uninsulated vinyl siding. The foam-core backing that lies between your insulated vinyl siding panels and the exterior of your home absorbs the shock of impact when objects hit your siding and holds your siding firmly in place to prevent denting.

To ensure your siding is as resistant to impact damage and dents as possible, also be sure to choose a relatively thick vinyl siding type. Vinyl siding thicknesses vary, and insulative foam backings also vary in thickness. In general, the thicker the vinyl siding and its foam backing, the more damage-resistant it is. 

2. Noise Reduction 

If you are like many homeowners, you may hear loud noises inside of your home that originate from the outside, such as planes flying overhead or loud vehicles driving down your street, and feel like these noises lower your quality of living. Installation of insulated vinyl siding can help dampen the sound of these noises.

In fact, sound transmissions tests have shown that insulated vinyl siding reduces the transfer of outside noises into your home by up to 39 percent. Uninsulated vinyl siding blocks much less noise due to the lack of insulative backing, which provides most of the sound-dampening qualities of insulated vinyl siding. 

In addition, the seams of uninsulated vinyl panels can rattle when strong winds hit them, which may create a sound you may hear inside of your home. Insulated vinyl siding is much less likely to rattle when the wind hits it due to its extra-tight adherence to the exterior walls of your home, which eliminates gaps where air can enter. 

3. Pest Resistance

It is not uncommon for insects and other pests to make their way through the seams of traditional vinyl siding. They then may build nests within the air pockets that lie between this exterior siding type and the exterior walls of your home. 

Insulated vinyl siding is much more pest-resistant than traditional vinyl siding. The foam-core backing of this siding type lies flush against the exterior of your home and eliminates all airspaces between the siding and your home where pests may be tempted to build their nests. 

If you need to replace your home siding, then consider adding insulated vinyl siding to your home instead of uninsulated vinyl. Not only can insulated siding help increase the energy efficiency of your home, but it also offers a wide array of additional benefits. Contact the home remodeling experts at Urban Exterior Co. to schedule insulated vinyl siding installation today.