If you're currently deciding on the type of vinyl siding you want to put on your home, you may be considering standard and insulated vinyl siding. Here are a few things to know about these materials before you make a decision about what goes on your home.
The Cost
The main difference between these two types of siding is the cost. As you may assume, insulated vinyl siding is going to cost more than vinyl siding, which is due to the insulation material that is built into the siding itself. This adds to the overall thickness of each panel, which can add more time to the installation process as well. For example, it will be more difficult to add trim around windows and other features on your home.
The Maintenance
One area where both regular siding and insulated siding are about equal is maintenance. One material is not going to require more maintenance than the other, since they both typically only need cleaning if the material gets dirty. There is not anything special that needs to be done to keep one siding in good shape when compared to the other.
The Resale Value
Simply getting new vinyl siding is going to add to the resale value of your home due to it looking better to potential buyers. This is definitely a home improvement that you can see, so buyers put value in it. However, know that you may not see the resale value with insulated siding. If you can't see it, then it will be hard to convince a home buyer that your home is worth more for what's hidden underneath your siding.
The Appearance
Another area where both materials are very similar is the appearance. Insulated vinyl siding looks very similar to regular vinyl siding, except that you can actually get the siding in longer runs due to the rigid backing. This can allow you to put siding on the front of your home with fewer seams, which can be appealing to some homeowners.
The Energy Savings
Of course, insulated vinyl siding is going to make your home feel more comfortable due to having more insulation than regular siding. You'll definitely see a small benefit over time due to your home being able to retain heat in the winter and keep in the cool air during the summer.
Reach out to a siding contractor in your area for more information about regular and insulated vinyl siding.
