Feb 15 2011
Harsh winter weather and high heating bills are making homeowners consider what they can do to increase their energy efficiency. Many are looking at giving their home a makeover with vinyl siding that has a high R-value. Insulated vinyl siding is thicker, stronger and more energy-efficient than other options.
Insulated vinyl siding is a new product that has backing made from extruded polystyrene (EPS) foam. There are many benefits to this option over traditional choices. It is thicker and stronger, making it more resistant to damage and extreme weather conditions.
The R-value is also increased with this product, making the house more energy-efficient and heating and cooling bills lower. The R-value indicates the resistance of heat flow in an insulator. The greater the R-value, the better the effectiveness of the product. This rating varies depending on the material used, its thickness and its density.
Like any product, price can be an indicator of quality. Insulated vinyl siding prices can be higher than more traditional options. Homeowners should weigh their energy savings against the upfront costs before making a decision. They should also get quotes from multiple contractors to find the best price. A homeowner may also find that they will not have as many styles or colors to choose from because this is a newer product on the market. By getting multiple quotes, they can also find the style and color they are looking for to make their home more energy-efficient and beautiful.
Source: http://www.vinylsiding.net/