Siding insulation

Siding insulation is essential for improving the comfort and energy efficiency of your house. Siding insulation provides a flexible solution that can be used to lower energy costs, enhance indoor comfort, or simply improve the external appearance of your home.

By adding a layer of thermal protection to a home’s exterior walls, siding insulation typically uses materials made to reduce heat loss and control interior temperature. This lowers the building’s carbon footprint in addition to assisting in the year-round maintenance of a more consistent indoor climate.

The capacity of siding insulation to improve your home’s overall thermal performance is one of its main advantages. Insulation helps keep the interior warmer in the winter and colder in the summer by minimizing heat transfer through the walls, which lessens the need for excessive heating or cooling.

In addition to providing thermal benefits, siding insulation can extend the life and durability of the outside of your house. It acts as a barrier against the elements, stopping moisture from penetrating and possibly damaging the underlying structure. Over time, this is essential to preserving the integrity of the facade of your home.

Basic requirements for insulation for siding

Every building supply store has a large assortment of heaters, making it challenging for a novice to understand them. How do you decide exactly what you need when it comes to rolled and slab, costly and inexpensive, domestic and foreign production, and varying densities and thicknesses?

Insulation for siding

Initially, you should follow the guidelines for what the content needs to include:

• low thermal conductivity is one of the most important qualities that the insulation should have. The smaller this indicator, the less heat exits through the walls of the room;
• resistance to temperature and moisture changes – since the insulation is located on the outside of the building, it is exposed to high and low temperatures, and not all materials retain the initial properties. When moisturizing, the same thing happens, in addition, the risk of the appearance of the fungus under the casing increases;
• Environmental friendliness – the presence in the composition of toxic compounds is a health hazard and requires additional protective measures when performing thermal insulation;
• Fire safety – insulation should not contribute to the spread of fire during a fire and secrete toxic smoke during burning. Therefore, preference should be given to fire resistant and self -adjacent materials;
• Durability – here it is understood that the insulation must completely maintain its characteristics, including geometric forms, throughout the entire life. Unfortunately, many materials give shrinkage in a few years, or begin to crumble, which leads to a decrease in thermal insulation properties.

Not all materials possess these attributes, so we will only look at the best ones here. The installation technique is the next thing you should consider, particularly if you plan to handle everything yourself. Installing roll insulation is less convenient; fixing slabs is much simpler.

Slab and rolled insulation

In this guide to siding insulation, we’ll look at how using siding as exterior insulation for your home can increase comfort levels in addition to energy efficiency. We explore the advantages of siding insulation, going over important points like cost-effectiveness, installation techniques, and material selection. This post offers helpful advice and suggestions for selecting the best siding insulation option for your requirements, whether your goal is to lower energy costs or improve the insulation of your house.

Types of insulation

Nowadays, the most widely used siding insulation options are:

• mineral wool;
• based on polystyrene foam;
• Superior insulation (ecowata, foamyizol, polyurethane foam).

GOST 52953-2008 categorizes mineral wool into three types: glass, slag, and stone.

GOST R 52953-2008-Free download. Materials and products thermal insulation

The first species is produced using mixtures of basalt and silicate rocks, slag cotton wool is made from metallurgical waste, and glass wool is made from waste from the glass industry. These heaters are made of extremely thin fibers that are compressed into thick canvases. They are created as rolls and mats in different densities and sizes. They could also be coated with foil. Since slag insulation has less water resistance, only stone and glass wool are typically used to warm the house before siding is installed.

Insulation against mineral water using a foil layer

An illustration of how mineral wool is used as siding insulation

Polystyrene, EPS, and polystyle heaters are light-density sheets made of numerous air-filled closed cells. This heater’s structure essentially prevents water absorption. They are only made as plates that vary in size, density, and level of combustibility.

Insulation based on polystyrene

The climate in Russia is ideal for extruded polystyrene foam.

The blended materials are those that are applied under high pressure using a special installation to the base. They create a robust, seamless coating with superior thermal insulation qualities once they have dried.

Ecowata offers superior insulation.

House insulation that is seamless

Characteristics of mineral wool insulation

Stone cotton wool

Features of basalt wool that are technical

Basalt insulation is thought to be the most widely used type of stone cotton wool out there. It is one of the most environmentally friendly materials because it contains the least amount of the binding components, which include phenol and dangerous formaldehyde resins. Because the insulation’s fibers aren’t sharp or smooth enough, they don’t stick to clothing or irritate skin, allowing you to work without wearing protective gloves.

Features of basalt wool that are technical

Options	Meanings
Thermal conductivity	0.035-0.041 W/(m · K)
Water absorption	no more than 2%
Vapor permeability	0.55 mg/mchpa
Density	30-225 kg/m3
Working temperature	from-180 to 700 ᵒs
The degree of combustibility	Not combustible material
The thickness of the material	30 to 150 mm
Dimensions	500×1000 mm, 600×1000 mm, 600×1200 mm

Stone cotton wool is made by manufacturers into rolls, soft, semi-rigid, and hard slabs. Hard and semi-rigid plates are the most practical for installing siding, but roll insulation works better on horizontal and slanted surfaces.

Stone cotton wool’s advantages

• The material is easily cut, has a low weight, does not create difficulties in installation;
• does not burn and does not distinguish harmful substances;
• It does not develop microorganisms, including fungi;
• reduces noise level to 20%;
• The service life is 40-50 years without losing the main characteristics.

• The production of material requires high costs, respectively, the prices for stone cotton wool are quite high;
• When cutting and shaking the material, thin fibers break and form very fine dust, which easily penetrates the respiratory tract. As a result, during thermal insulation work, you must always use a respirator.

To cut costs in the manufacturing process, many manufacturers substitute a variety of industrial waste for clean rocks, but they still distribute their products as high-quality basalt insulation. Purchase stone wool from reputable, well-established brands because it can be very difficult, especially for a novice, to distinguish a fake at first glance. Presently, the following producers are well-known in the industry for thermal insulation materials:

• Rockwool;
• KNAUF;
• Ursa;
• ISOVER;
• Technonikol.

Technicol, the insulation manufacturer

ISOVER mineral wool

Glass wool

Since basalt and slag insulation entered the market, glass wool’s appeal has considerably decreased, although it is still utilized in a variety of industries. Although it looks similar to stone wool, many manufacturers reinforce the material with steel thread stitching because of its increased fragility. Glass wool has the property that even the smallest impact breaks down the fibers into a fine dust that is easily absorbed into the skin, entering the eyes and respiratory system and causing extreme irritation. Because of this, you should only work with glass wool while wearing protective gear, a respirator, and eyewear.

Specifications

Options	Meanings
Thermal conductivity	0.039-0.047 W/(m · K)
Vapor permeability	0.6 mg/mch*PA
Water absorption	1.5-1.7%
Density	11-25 kg/m3
The degree of combustibility	from ng to g1
The thickness of the material	50-100 mm
Dimensions	610×1170 mm, 600×1250 mm
Working temperature	from 60 to 450 ᵒs

• due to low thermal conductivity, glass wool perfectly holds heat in the house. A layer of material with a thickness of 50 mm is similar in the heat -insulating properties of brick masonry of meter thickness;
• In the manufacture of glass wools, toxic additives are not used, so it does not emit harmful substances even under the influence of high temperatures;
• glass wool plates have a low weight and can be compressed in the package 6 times from the initial volume, followed by straightening, which simplifies the transportation of the insulation;
• The material is easily cut and mounted on the walls;
• Microorganisms do not develop in the glass wool and insects and rodents do not start;
• Compared to other fibrous heaters, glass wool is much cheaper.

• High fragility of fibers requires enhanced protection and caution in operation, increased loads on the material should be avoided;
• The average service life of glass wool is 10 years, then it gives a strong shrinkage and does not even provide minimal thermal insulation of the walls;
• glass wool absorbs wet evaporation and water, which leads to a complete loss of thermal insulation characteristics.

Rolls of glass wool

Suggestions. Siding should be installed on glass chloride-sunk slabs with a density of roughly 30 kg/m3. Choose only certified glass wool from reputable producers, such as Knauf, ISOVER, URSA, and the home brand Neman, to avoid low-quality insulation.

Mineral wool prices

Mineral wool

Characteristics of polystyrene foam insulation

Styrofoam

Compared to fibrous heaters, foam has substantially less hygroscopicity. Polystyrene-sheathed walls likewise don’t need any extra wind protection. Though not the most efficient, this is among the least expensive insulation choices. Owing to the material’s vapor permeability, frequent ventilation of the space is required to prevent condensate buildup on the walls.

• affordable cost;
• low thermal conductivity;
• small weight;
• Easy installation.

• in sound absorption, the foam is inferior to other types of insulation;
• The sheets of the material are easily broken, so caution is necessary during transportation and installation;
• foam is damaged by rodents;
• refers to combustible materials, when burning, emits toxic smoke.

Foam insulation used on the facades

EPPS (extruded polystyrene foam)

While this material and foam share some similarities, this material is superior in every way. Industrial and private construction both use EPPS extensively, and installing it doesn’t take a lot of work or specialized knowledge.

• high density and strength of the material;
• almost zero hygroscopicity;
• excellent thermal insulation properties;
• good indicators of noise acceleration;
• long service life;
• relatively small weight.

• The cost of EPPS is approximately 20-30% higher than that of foam;
• prevents the walls of "breathing";
• may be damaged by rodents;
• Refers to combustible materials.

Options	Styrofoam	EPPS
Thermal conductivity	0.035 W/(m · K)	0.028 – 0.032 W/(m · K)
Water absorption	0.5 – 1%	0.1 – 0.4%
Density	11-35 kg/m3	30-40 kg/m3
The degree of combustibility	G1 – G4	G1 – G4
Thickness	20-100 mm	40-100 mm
Dimensions	500×500 mm, 600×1200 mm, 1000×1000 mm	580×1180 mm, 600×1200 mm

Foam prices

Styrofoam

Characteristics of the conceal insulation

A novel material derived from cellulose fibers is called Ecowata. Boric acid serves as an antiseptic and is combined with lignin and antipyrene as a binder. Ecowata is applied in a dry or "wet" manner and is a loose mass.

Liquid penoizole and polyurethane foam are applied to the walls and possess a cellular structure. They cover the entire area with a dense, homogeneous layer while also placing almost no load on the base due to their slight weight. This insulation greatly simplifies installation because it eliminates the need to align the walls and install wind protection.

Universal insulation made of carbamine-formaldehyde foam

Foamyizol insulation installed within the home

• absence of cold bridges;
• durability;
• low thermal conductivity;
• The speed of installation.

• These materials are more expensive than other heater;
• For application, you must have special expensive equipment and experience with it.

Options	Ecowata	Penoizole
Thermal conductivity	from 0.037 to 0.042 W/(m*K)	from 0.031 to 0.041 W/(m*K)
The density of the layer	28-65 kg/m3	5-75 kg/m3
Vapor permeability	0.3 mg/(MCPA)	0.21–0.24 mg/(MCPA)
The degree of combustibility	G2	G1
Working temperature	from -40 to +120 0C	-60 + 80 ᵒs

Siding insulation can greatly improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your house. A thermal barrier that lowers heating and cooling expenses and helps control indoor temperature is created by placing insulation under siding materials.

Siding insulation’s capacity to minimize heat gain in the warmer months and prevent heat loss in the colder ones is one of its main advantages. Over time, this lowers your energy bills and enhances the general comfort of your living areas.

To get the best results, selecting the appropriate insulation material and installation technique is essential. The thermal performance and durability of foam board insulation, spray foam, and insulated siding panels are among the benefits that come with each choice.

Furthermore, by adding an additional layer of defense against structural deterioration and moisture intrusion, siding insulation can increase the longevity of your external walls. By doing this, you can lower the need for maintenance and increase the lifespan of your siding materials.

To sum up, adding siding insulation to your home’s exterior is a cost-effective and sensible way to improve its longevity, comfort, and energy efficiency. Not only does it lower energy bills, but it also lessens the carbon footprint of your household, improving environmental sustainability overall.

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