What type of insulation goes under siding?

What kind of insulation should I use under vinyl siding?

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. The method works for both new construction and remodeling and doesn't affect siding and trim details very much.

Can you put foam insulation under siding?

Almost any type of siding can be installed over the rigid foam – cedar or redwood planks, exterior plywood sheets, cement fiber board or vinyl siding are common options. In a typical situation, walls are built with 2-by-4-inch studs spaced 16 inches apart and sheathed with oriented strand board.

What do you put under siding?

Underlayment or weather resistive barrier (WRB) is installed between the siding and the sheathing. This can be tar paper or a house wrap such as HardieWrap® or Tyvek HomeWrap®. HardieWrap® is great for keeping water out and at the same time letting water vapor escape from the house.

Does Tyvek go over insulation?

DuPont™ Tyvek® wraps can be installed UNDER or OVER exterior foam insulation. The DuPont™ Tyvek® wrap should be installed on the same plane as the window flanges to allow for the most effective installation.

How To Install Styrofoam Insulation On A Home's Exterior

What do I put behind vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding can be installed over common wood sheathings such as plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), or other materials (e.g., foam plastic insulating sheathing). The thickness of wood sheathing counts toward the total thickness that the fasteners must penetrate into nailable material, usually 1 1/4” (32mm).

Do you need Tyvek with foam insulation?

You don't need Tyvek for air sealing on a foamed home. As has been stated, vinyl siding needs it for waterproofing the subsiding. Other siding systems might be able to do without it, but it's a cheap insurance policy. As noted above, housewrap performs two functions, as an air barrier and as a secondary drainage plane.

Do you need vapor barrier under vinyl siding?

There is no logical reason not to have house wrap under vinyl siding, and many authorities strongly agree that it should be viewed as mandatory, even if your local building codes don't necessarily require it. Vinyl siding is one of, if not the most popular exterior cladding for residential homes.

Can you install vinyl siding over rigid insulation?

Vinyl siding can be used in original construction or as a replacement for old siding. It typically is installed over rigid foam board insulation fastened to wood wall sheathing. Insulation provides a smooth surface for vinyl that allows expansion and contraction.

Should I insulate under siding?

Even the United States Department of Energy (DOE) agrees that “when new siding is to be installed, it is a good idea to consider adding insulation under new siding.”

How thick is the insulation under vinyl siding?

1/2" Polystyrine Foam Board Insulation

This is most common with vinyl siding. The foam board is nailed in place with washer head nails and should be taped at the seams to prevent air movement. The typical R-value of this product is R-2.5 to R-3.5 depending on the density of the foam board.

Do you need foam under vinyl siding?

Installing foam insulation under vinyl siding is a wise choice for homeowners who are seeking to protect their homes against moisture infiltration as well as improve energy efficiency. It also serves as an air barrier.

Can you put siding over Styrofoam?

Installing a layer of foam will improve the R-value and improve air tightness when sealed. Fastening of siding can be tricky. You can install vinyl siding directly over foam as long as your nails extend through it and attach firmly to a solid nail base.

Can I use Tyvek as a vapor barrier?

Is DuPont^™ Tyvek^® a vapor barrier? No, DuPont^™ Tyvek^® is not a vapor barrier. It is made with unique material science to keep air and bulk water out while allowing moisture vapor inside walls to escape.

What happens if you don't install vapor barrier?

Without poly beneath the drywall, water vapor hits the drywall and diffuses through to the drier (in summer) indoor air. By installing a sheet of poly there, you cut off that drying mechanism and water that finds its way into walls can stay there longer and do more damage.

Is house wrap considered a vapor barrier?

For example, House wrap by itself is not an air barrier, it is a vapor barrier. However, IF installed properly, which is rare, with taped seams, bottom, top edges, and no tears, it acts as an air barrier. So primarily it acts as a vapor barrier, but installed properly can do both; vapor barrier and air barrier.

What goes on first Tyvek or insulation?

If you choose to install house wrap with rigid foam, generally, it should go under the insulation, not around it.

What goes first house wrap or foam board?

If this quandary has you discombobulated, though, here's an easy way through the thicket: If you are installing “innie” windows, your housewrap should go under the foam. If you are installing “outie” windows, your housewrap should go over the foam.

How do I prepare my house for vinyl siding?

Do you need sheathing under Tyvek?

A combination of sheathing and Tyvek provides a much better protective barrier. In addition, having the Tyvek attached directly to the studs means that it is unsupported between the studs and more prone to damage and penetration before and during siding installation.

Can you staple Tyvek house wrap?

Tyvek says you can use 4 staples per 9 feet of house wrap if you tape over them an apply the siding right away. But a cap stapler is better. Apply house wrap up the gables before installing exterior trim, even if the attic is not conditioned.

Is Tyvek necessary?

Is House Wrap Really Necessary? While it may seem like an unnecessary and time-consuming addition to your home, the house wrap is actually a necessary component for every American home, no matter the climate of your area. This is because house wrap can provide an effective moisture barrier for your home.