R-value measures how effective insulation is at preventing the flow of heat in and out of a building. If you’re looking to update your home with new vinyl siding, you may have come across this term, so it’s important to know exactly what it means. The experienced team at Garden State Brickface & Siding can help you understand vinyl siding R-value and what to consider when choosing a new exterior for your home.
Proper interior and exterior insulation prevents air from leaving and entering your home. R-value measures a material’s ability to restrict heat flow. It is based on a term known as R-factor, which is determined by putting a material between two plates and measuring heat flow through it. These tests are conducted in a lab, using one square foot of material with a thickness of one inch. The outside surfaces of the material have a one-degree F temperature difference. The thermal conductivity of the material is determined by the rate of heat flow in BTUs per hour.
To determine R-value, the R-factor is multiplied by the thickness of the material. For example, if an insulation material has an R-factor of 2 and the thickness of the material is 1.5 inches, the R-value would be 3. The higher the R-value, the better the material performs when it comes to preventing heat from escaping and keeping cold air out, and vice versa during warmer months. .
When most people think of insulation, they picture rolls of fluffy fiberglass or spray foam in the walls. Although this type of insulation is effective, it doesn’t prevent all air leakage, which can cost you money on heating and cooling bills. Although insulation is mostly likely in between the wooden studs in your walls, the studs themselves aren’t insulated. Studs can comprise 25% of a home’s wall space. Energy travels across them from the warm interior of your home to the chilly exterior through a process called thermal bridging. These energy leaks could be costing you and may be keeping your home from being as warm as possible.
Exterior insulated vinyl siding covers these studs and other spaces, which helps stop thermal bridging and reduces energy loss. Good quality insulated vinyl siding typically has an R-value of 2.0 – 4.0, depending on the brand, type, and size of siding you choose.
Regular vinyl siding R-value is usually about 0.61. Whether it’s insulated or not, quality vinyl siding has a higher R-value than many other building materials. The R-values for other types of building materials include:
Talking to an experienced contractor about your needs and the aesthetic you want to achieve can help you better understand siding R-value and determine which material may be right for you.
In addition to having a higher R-value, which can help increase the energy efficiency of your home, both regular and insulated vinyl siding offer benefits such as:
Low maintenance – Vinyl siding does not need to be painted, caulked, or stained and is easy to clean with mild soap and a garden hose.
Durability – Quality vinyl siding is effective at withstanding the elements, from UV rays to heavy winds to snowstorms. It is also resistant to pests and moisture, which helps prevent rot.
Versatility –Vinyl siding comes in just about every color, texture, and style you can imagine, including siding that looks like natural wood or stone.
Curb appeal –Although siding R-value and energy efficiency are important, first impressions are also critical. Whether you want your home to stand out from the crowd or you’re putting it up for sale, installing vinyl siding adds curb appeal and can increase the value of your home.
Garden State Brickface & Siding has provided quality craftsmanship, top-notch materials, and exceptional customer service to customers throughout Central and Northern New Jersey for more than 65 years. To learn more about vinyl siding and the other services we offer, contact us online or call (908)-395-0177 to schedule a free estimate. We offer flexible home improvement financing options to fit your needs and your budget.
Garden State Brickface and Siding
201 Wescott Dr. Rahway, NJ 07065
Direct Line: (908)-395-0177
