Is Rigid Foam Good For Siding

While meps is not as resistant to water damage xeps polyurethane and polyiso rigid foam make effective barriers against moisture although sometimes a facing made of aluminum foil may have be needed.

Is rigid foam good for siding.

It is often used as a layer of continuous insulation on exterior walls and in the roof. A blanket of foam slows heat loss and it also slows drying. Eps is used under roofing over foundation walls and beneath siding. Rigid foam insulation is used as an alternative to open cell insulation and it used for many types of insulation from the foundation to the roof.

Bottom line is exterior foam insulation is a good investment. It protects the wood sheathing or framing from any rain or water that leaks in under the siding. This foam board insulation is the rigid pink or blue panels that can be found at home centers in many different thicknesses. And it warms the interior sheathing or framing enough to prevent moisture accumulation from the heated interior air in the winter.

But it s possible that you are planning to replace your siding. If so it s a good opportunity to add enough extra rigid foam to make your wall safer. Better at controlling moisture when it comes to controlling moisture rigid foam serves two functions. The method works for both new construction and remodeling and doesn t affect siding and trim details very much.

Siding over rigid foam a vented drainable air space keeps wood siding dry and stable. The nails have a plastic cap that keeps them from damaging the foam. Used in this way the foam lowers the loss of energy through framing members a phenomenon called thermal bridging and increases the overall r value of the roof or wall assembly. Using exterior rigid foam board insulation is a great way to make a building more energy efficient quieter and more likely to prevent moisture infiltration problems.

Fit the rigid foam insulation snugly and seal all seams with the specialized tape. It s important to think about drying potential. To secure the foam use two inch cap nails. Some people use roofing nails but if a strong gust of wind gets under the siding it may not hold.

As noted above you ll also need to install new jamb and sill extensions for the windows and doors new window and door flashing and new furring strips. One or more layers of rigid foam insulation help reduce thermal bridging and increasing wall r values but foam with foil facing or thick layers amount to an exterior vapor barrier. And even though some manufacturers call it rigid foam insulation for the purpose of vinyl siding it basically has the same insulating value as a piece of plywood. In reality rigid foam board which sometimes comes in fanfold usually only has an insulating factor of r 1 and does not add any appreciable insulation effect to your home.