Western PA's #1 for Roofing & Interiors

Western PA's #1 for Roofing & Interiors

Menu
Get In Touch
call
(412) 353-5660

Everything You Need To Know About Siding Insulation

Posted on : January 20, 2025

Everything You Need To Know About Siding Insulation

If you're a homeowner in Pittsburgh or the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania, you probably want to keep your home comfortable throughout the year. 

If you’re curious about siding insulation, it might be because you've noticed your energy bills going up or maybe you're feeling cold drafts during our harsh winters. 

In this article, we will cover everything that you should know about siding insulation to make the right choice for your home. 

For a no-obligation discussion about your siding or insulation, feel free to call us at (412) 353-5660.

What Is Siding Insulation And Why Is It Important?

Siding insulation is an extra layer of protection that goes between your home's exterior walls and siding. It's a very important addition to your home that does so much more than just keep indoor temperatures stable.

Here in Pittsburgh, where we deal with everything from summer humidity to winter storms, proper insulation is very important. 

Your home faces temperature fluctuations throughout the year, basic siding alone might not be enough to protect your home properly. This makes it important to consider insulating your siding.

What Are The Pros Of Insulated Siding?

Here, we will discuss why you might want to consider siding insulation for your home. There are several benefits that make it a smart investment:

siding insulation

#1 Lower Energy Bills

Perhaps the most noticeable benefit you'll see is in your monthly energy bills. When your home is insulated properly, your HVAC system doesn't have to work as hard to maintain comfortable temperatures. This means you're using less energy, and that translates to more money in your pocket.

#2 More Comfortable Living Space

Have you ever noticed that some rooms in your house are colder than others? Or maybe you feel drafts near your walls? Proper siding insulation helps maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home so you can feel comfortable in every room.

#3 Protection Against the Pennsylvania Weather

Our state experiences some pretty intense weather changes throughout the year. Good insulation helps protect your home from these temperature swings, and it's particularly helpful during those harsh Pennsylvania winters.

#4 Better Sound Control

Here's something many people don't realize: siding insulation also helps reduce outside noise. Whether you live near a busy street or just want some extra peace and quiet, insulation acts as a sound barrier between your home and the outside world.

What Is R-Value For Siding Insulation?

Before we go any further, let's talk about R-value. This is a measure of how well your insulation resists heat flow. 

The higher the R-value, the better the insulation performs. In Pittsburgh's climate, you'll want to pay special attention to this number.

Energy Star recommends R-5 to R-10 insulative wall sheathing under your home's siding in Pennsylvania. 

When you choose McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC, our team will help you choose the right R-value and siding insulation material for your property. We'll help you understand exactly what your home needs.

What Are The Different Types Of Siding Insulation?

Now that you know why siding insulation is important, let's look at your options. There are several types available, and each has its own benefits. Here are the most common choices for Pennsylvania homes:

#1 Foam Board Insulation

R-Value: R-4 to R-6.5 per inch 

Foam board insulation consists of rigid panels designed for exterior wall installation before siding application. These boards provide high insulation value and maintain their performance for 20 to 50 years. 

The material is compatible with multiple siding options, including vinyl, fiber cement, and stucco, making it a nice choice for various architectural styles. 

Foam board siding insulation comes with a consistent thickness and uniform coverage. This contributes to an improved overall wall insulation performance in your home.

#2 Spray Foam Insulation

R-Value: R-3.6 to R-7 per inch

Spray foam is a high-performance insulation material that creates an airtight seal upon application. This material expands to fill cavities and irregular spaces, ensuring comprehensive coverage in areas that might be difficult to insulate with other materials. 

Professional installation is important for proper application, but as a result, you get a highly effective barrier that can last 80 to 100 years. 

Spray foam insulation is available in two common types: open-cell and closed-cell. Here is how both of them differ based on R-value:

  • Open-cell spray foam insulation: R-3.6 to R-3.9 per inch
  • Closed-cell spray foam insulation: R-6 to R-7

#3 Fiberglass Batts

R-Value: R-2.9 to R-3.8 per inch

Fiberglass batt insulation is another commonly used option, particularly in new construction projects. 

These pre-cut sections (known as batts) are fitted between wall studs and provide pretty nice thermal performance for up to 80 years.

Fiberglass batt siding insulation is compatible with most siding types and provides a practical solution for standard wall configurations. 

#4 Loose-Fill Insulation

R-Value: R-2.2 to R-3.7 per inch

Loose-fill insulation consists of small particles of fiberglass, cellulose, or mineral wool that conform to available spaces. 

Professional installation using specialized equipment is important for proper density and coverage. This type of insulation is particularly effective for retrofitting existing homes and filling irregular spaces. 

Loose-fill insulation generally maintains its insulating properties for 20 to 30 years and works effectively with various siding materials.

#5 Mineral Wool Insulation

R-Value: R-3.7 to R-4.3 per inch

Mineral wool insulation, manufactured from natural or recycled materials, offers superior fire resistance and sound reduction properties. 

You can find mineral wool siding insulation in both batt and loose-fill forms. This siding insulation material can last for more than 30 years and provides strong moisture resistance. This makes it especially suitable for regions with higher humidity levels or precipitation.

#6 Cellulose Insulation

R-Value: R-3.2 to R-3.8 per inch

Cellulose insulation is produced from recycled paper products treated with fire-resistant materials. This siding insulation material provides effective thermal performance for your home. 

However, professional installation using specialized blowing equipment is important for proper density and coverage. 

Cellulose siding insulation generally maintains its insulating properties for 20 to 30 years and works well with various siding types. 

#7 Polyisocyanurate Insulation

R-Value: R-5.6 to R-6.5 per inch

Polyisocyanurate insulation is a high-efficiency rigid foam board that is popular for its superior R-value per inch thickness.

Polyisocyanurate siding insulation is generally moisture resistant and gives a nice long-term performance, lasting for up to 60 years.

What Should You Expect During the Siding Insulation Installation Process?

Many homeowners feel nervous about home improvement projects, but understanding the process can help you feel more confident about your decision.

The installation process for insulating siding generally includes the following steps.

👉 First, our team does a thorough inspection of your current siding and wall structure. We need to make sure everything is in good shape before we begin. 

👉 If there are any issues with moisture or damage, we'll repair those first because it's very important to start with a solid foundation. Then, we carefully remove the existing siding when necessary. 

👉 Then, we prepare the wall surface, which might include adding a moisture barrier. This step is particularly important in Pittsburgh, where our weather can be unpredictable. 

👉 After that, we install the insulation material, making sure it's properly fitted and sealed. 

👉 Finally, we install new siding over the insulation, paying special attention to all the details that make your home look beautiful and perform well.

How Do You Know If Your Home Needs New Siding Insulation?

There are several signs that indicate your home could benefit from new or improved siding insulation:

👉 Your energy bills are higher than they should be. If you've noticed your heating or cooling costs going up, poor insulation might be the culprit.

👉 You feel drafts near your walls. This is a very clear sign that your current insulation isn't doing its job properly.

👉 Your indoor temperatures are uneven. If some rooms are significantly warmer or colder than others, this could mean your walls need better insulation.

👉 Your existing siding is showing signs of wear. Maybe you've noticed some warping, cracking, or other damage. This might be the perfect time to upgrade both your siding and insulation.

How To Maintain Your Siding 

Once you've invested in quality siding insulation, you'll want to keep it in good condition. The good news is that maintenance is relatively simple. Here are some basic tips:

👉 Regularly inspect your siding for any signs of damage. In Pittsburgh's climate, it's particularly important to check after severe weather events.

👉 Keep your gutters clean and functioning properly. This simple task helps to prevent water from seeping behind your siding and compromising your insulation.

👉 Watch for any signs of pest activity. Although most insulation materials are resistant to pests, it's still important to address any potential issues quickly.

Get Professional Siding Services In Pennsylvania Today

When it comes to protecting your Pittsburgh home, experience and local knowledge are important. 

At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC, we understand the challenges that our local climate presents. 

We've been serving the Pittsburgh area for years, and we know exactly what type of insulation works best for homes in our region.

Our team takes pride in providing professional, high-quality siding services in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas in Pennsylvania. 

We use only the best materials, and our installation techniques are designed to make sure your insulation performs effectively for years to come. 

For a free estimate or a no-obligation discussion with our professionals, feel free to call us at (412) 353-5660.

Schedule A Consultation

Footer Form

By submitting, you allow McClellands Contracting and Roofing LLC to contact you by phone, email, or text for more information. You can opt-out at any time. We will never share your personal information with third parties. Standard message/data rates may apply, and your consent is not tied to making a purchase.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Instant Quote Icon

Instant
Quote

Get a quote for your roof in under a minute!
close