Are you looking to increase your home’s curb appeal? How about bettering your home’s energy efficiency with eco-friendly products? Updating your siding is a great way to do both!
If it’s time to replace the siding on your home, you have several options. Our World World experts are breaking down the types of siding available, the advantages of vinyl siding and how to choose the most energy-efficient siding for your home. Keep reading to learn more!
What is the Most Energy-Efficient Home Siding?
There are quite a few options when it comes to siding for your home. Vinyl, wood, aluminum, brick/stone, stucco and cement are the most common.
These options give your home very different looks, but the differences don’t stop there. They also vary in their insulating properties. A siding’s insulating capability determines how energy-efficient it is, so it’s important to choose a siding that provides enough insulation for your home.
Insulated vinyl siding is among the most energy-efficient options for your home. It’s also low-maintenance and available in a variety of colors and finishes, making it great for giving your home a new, easy look.
What Makes Vinyl Siding Energy-Efficient?
In the home improvement industry, we use R-value to measure how effective an insulating material is at resisting heat flow. Most building codes require that a home’s walls, including insulation, have a total R-value of 13. This means each building material that goes into the construction of your walls, from the drywall to siding, has a different R-value. Together, they should all add up to 13. The lower your siding’s R-value, the higher the R-value of the other materials needs to be to reach 13.
Vinyl Siding R-Value
Here’s a look at the approximate R-value of each of the most popular siding options:
| Stone Veneer (1 inch thick) | .11 |
|---|---|
| Cement | .37 |
| Stucco (2 inches thick) | .40 |
| Brick | .44 |
| Non-Insulated Aluminum/Steel | .61 |
| Beveled Wood Siding | .87 |
| Insulated Vinyl | ≤ (up to) 4 |
Best Siding by R-Value
With an R-value of up to 4, insulated vinyl siding is by far the most energy-efficient option.
It’s also among the most durable options. Unlike wood siding, vinyl doesn’t rot or swell, and it isn’t susceptible to pests like termites. And unlike metal options, it won’t rust, corrode or get dented. Vinyl siding also offers superior weather resistance. From hurricanes to hail, and harsh UV rays to ice storms, vinyl siding can handle it all. That’s why Window World is proud to offer homeowners a variety of durable vinyl siding options!
But the thing homeowners appreciate most is the fact that it’s a low-maintenance option. You’ll never have to repaint or stain it, and all it takes to clean it is a good rinse with a garden hose or pressure washer. The lifespan is also tough to beat: most vinyl siding lasts 20-25 years before it needs replacement!
What to Look for in Energy-Efficient Vinyl Siding
Not all vinyl siding is created equally. Some options are inexpensive because they don’t provide the protection and energy-saving benefits of more expensive ones. To avoid paying for siding that doesn’t deliver, here are a few things to consider.
Energy Efficiency & Insulation
We’ve established that insulated vinyl siding is the most energy-efficient, but let’s look at why. Insulated siding helps prevent thermal transfer (heat loss and gain). This allows your HVAC system to work more efficiently and keep your home temperatures consistent year-round, which means savings on your energy bills each month.
Insulation contoured to both your home’s walls and the siding itself will be the most energy efficient. This maximizes energy efficiency, comfort and utility savings all at once. When you choose Window World, our experts will help you determine the level of insulation you need. We offer vinyl siding with insulation up to 1.5” thick, which can work with any climate in the Long Island area!
Aesthetics
Since you can’t paint vinyl siding, it’s important to find a look that you truly love. Vinyl Siding comes in a variety of colors, styles and textures, each of which can transform the look and feel of your home. Window World vinyl siding is available in over two dozen modern colors, with accents to match. We also offer clapboard and Dutch lap styles with oak, cedar or matte finishes.
Style
Vinyl siding can mimic the look of painted wood, without any of the upkeep wood requires. For a traditional look, choose clapboard style siding with oak or cedar finish. If your style is more modern, you’ll probably love dutch lap siding. You can even choose shakes to give your home a coastal feel or scallops for the classic Queen Anne look.
Panel Length
Another thing to consider when it comes to aesthetics is the panel length. Traditional siding panels are around 12’ long. This means you may end up with several seams where two panels meet, interrupting the smooth lines of the siding. If this is a concern for you, ask your Window World expert about longer panels, such as 16’ or 20’. Depending on the length of your home’s walls, longer panels can dramatically reduce, or even eliminate, the number of seams.
Durability & Weather Resistance
Since siding is exposed to all of the elements, it’s important that it’s durable. While vinyl siding is naturally durable, there are some things to look for to ensure your siding will last through anything nature throws at it. From extreme temperatures and heavy rain to ice and hail, your siding should be able to withstand it all.
Homeowners that live in hurricane-prone areas should look for vinyl siding with very high wind resistance, like Window World’s 4000 Series Reinforced siding.
Double-Hem Nailing
During your vinyl siding shopping process, be sure to look for siding with a double-hem nailing to ensure the panels are securely attached to the sheathing. This type of hem, visible in the photo below, also ensures the panels fit together securely enough to keep wind and rain out. This is especially important in areas that experience hurricanes or tornadoes. Low-quality or poorly installed siding can have gaps that allow heavy winds to get under the panels. If the wind is strong enough or the gap is left long enough, it may pull the panel right off of your home!
A tight seal is also important for keeping out moisture. If moisture gets past your siding and into the insulation, it can cause rotting. You may not realize anything is wrong until it’s too late because everything will look fine from the outside.
UV-Resistance
You’ll also want to make sure the siding you choose has UV protection to avoid fading. Some siding has UV-resistant coatings while others may have UV-resistance baked in with the color. Either one will provide the protection you need.
Maintenance
Vinyl siding is among the most low-maintenance options on the market, but it still involves maintenance. Most vinyl siding, including all Window World Vinyl Siding, simply needs a thorough rinse with a garden hose or pressure washer once or twice a year. (Before pressure washing, be sure you check the manufacturer’s instructions to see the recommended PSI for your siding.)
It’s also a good idea to look at any trees and shrubbery near your home. If a branch were to fall, would it scrape your siding? Do you have shrubs around your home that could scratch it if they went untrimmed? It’s best to address these issues before installing your new siding so maintenance is easier in the long run.
An Experienced Installer
Even the most energy-efficient vinyl siding won’t live up to expectations if it’s not installed properly. Unless you are an experienced professional yourself, installing insulated siding isn’t a DIY project. And not all contractors who say they’re experienced are really up to par. Be sure you thoroughly vet your installer so you know they’ll do the job right the first time.
At Window World, our installers are factory trained and have the experience to install your vinyl siding properly. We thoroughly review the siding and remove/discard old siding before installation starts. We’re happy to answer questions during any step of the process and will review the finished product with you to ensure you’re happy with the results. And if there’s ever an issue with the workmanship, it’s covered by our lifetime warranty.
Maximizing Home Value with Energy-Efficient Siding
Investing in energy-efficient siding like insulated vinyl not only enhances your home’s aesthetic appeal but also contributes significantly to its market value. This type of siding offers multiple benefits that are attractive to potential buyers:
- Reduced Energy Costs: Energy-efficient siding can significantly lower heating and cooling expenses, a selling point for prospective homeowners interested in cost-effective living.
- Improved Comfort: Insulated siding helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures, improving overall comfort levels—a feature that does not go unnoticed by buyers.
- Enhanced Curb Appeal: The visual appeal of your home is the first impression potential buyers get. Insulated vinyl siding comes in various styles and colors, allowing for customization that suits any taste or architectural style, thereby increasing curb appeal.
- Longevity and Durability: Energy-efficient siding is known for its durability and ability to withstand various weather conditions, reducing the need for frequent repairs or maintenance. This durability is a key factor for buyers who are looking for homes that require minimal upkeep.
- Eco-Friendly Living: With a growing trend towards sustainable living, homes with eco-friendly features are becoming increasingly popular. Energy-efficient siding aligns with this trend, making your home more attractive to environmentally conscious buyers.
Tax Credits and Incentives for Energy-Efficient Siding
Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, homeowners can access substantial federal tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements. These credits can cover up to 30% of the cost of qualifying energy efficiency upgrades, with a limit of $1,200 annually for certain energy property costs and improvements. For more extensive upgrades, such as the installation of qualified heat pumps, biomass stoves, or biomass boilers, you can claim up to $2,000 per year. Notably, these credits are available for improvements to your main home and have no lifetime dollar limit, allowing you to claim the maximum annual credit each year for eligible improvements until 2032.
These improvements need to be on an existing U.S. home, not new construction, and the property must be your primary residence. If you’re planning to invest in energy efficiency, it’s beneficial to strategize your improvements to maximize these annual credit amounts. For instance, combining a home energy audit with insulation upgrades in one year can maximize your credit, and you could then plan for a heating and cooling system upgrade in the following year to take advantage of additional credits.
For the most current and detailed guidance on claiming these credits, including the specific forms and instructions, you can refer to the IRS and ENERGY STAR websites. They offer comprehensive information on the available tax credits, how to claim them, and how to plan your energy efficiency improvements to maximize potential savings
FAQs
What is the most energy-efficient siding for a house?
Insulated vinyl siding is considered one of the most energy-efficient options for a house. It provides excellent thermal insulation, reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, which can lead to substantial energy savings.
Is insulated vinyl siding worth the extra cost?
Yes, insulated vinyl siding is often worth the extra cost because of its energy-saving benefits. Over time, the savings on heating and cooling bills can offset the initial investment, making it a cost-effective choice for homeowners.
What is the highest R-value for insulated siding?
Insulated vinyl siding can have an R-value of up to 4, but this can vary depending on the product and installation. The higher the R-value, the better the material’s insulating properties.
Can new siding be claimed on taxes?
In some cases, energy-efficient siding that meets specific criteria may qualify for tax credits or deductions. Homeowners should consult with a tax professional to understand current tax benefits for energy-efficient home improvements.
What type of siding adds the most value to a home?
Siding that offers both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits, such as durability and energy efficiency, typically adds the most value to a home. Insulated vinyl siding is a popular choice for its ability to enhance a home’s curb appeal while improving its energy efficiency.
What is the best siding for harsh winters?
For harsh winters, siding with high insulation value and resistance to weather elements is ideal. Insulated vinyl siding stands out as an excellent option, providing effective insulation against the cold and resistance to moisture and wind.
What is the best siding for keeping the house cool?
Siding with reflective properties and good insulation can help keep a house comfortable. Insulated vinyl siding, especially in lighter colors, can reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption, maintaining cooler interior temperatures during hot weather.
What is the most economical siding?
When considering upfront costs, maintenance, and energy efficiency, vinyl siding is often the most economical choice. Insulated vinyl siding, while slightly more expensive initially, can provide long-term savings through reduced energy bills.
How does siding contribute to a home’s energy efficiency?
Siding plays a critical role in a home’s thermal envelope, influencing how well a home maintains its interior temperature. Energy-efficient siding like insulated vinyl reduces thermal bridging and heat transfer, contributing to more stable indoor temperatures and lower energy usage.
Are there any environmental benefits to choosing energy-efficient siding?
Yes, energy-efficient siding contributes to reduced energy consumption, which can lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling. This not only helps homeowners save on energy costs but also supports broader environmental sustainability efforts.
Make Window World Your First Choice for Vinyl Siding
At Window World of Long Island, we have a variety of energy-efficient vinyl siding options for every home. During your consultation, your Window World representative will help you determine which style and insulation level best suits your needs and budget. The color and accents are up to you!
Get started by scheduling your free estimate today!