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Installation of Vinyl Siding
Installation
Manufacturers provide installation instructions and accessories needed for most situations.
A starter strip is placed over building paper or house wrap to begin
the installation of the Thermowall system. Then the first panel of
vinyl siding is used to insure exact positioning of the foam
underlayment. With the foam layer in place, fastening the siding
proceeds according to the siding manufacturer's instructions. Special
profiles are provided to finish corner and window areas.
Solid core siding products are installed much like conventional vinyl
siding, except that the sections are larger. Corner and trim
accessories are also available.
Benefits/Costs
Both systems provide the thermal insulation benefits of foam sheathing
in a format that enhances the appearance and performance of vinyl
siding. Exterior wall insulation is improved by R-3 or more, depending
on the system and profiles chosen, with enhanced air-flow resistance
and better sound control properties. Waviness is reduced and impact
resistance is improved with solid support behind the entire siding
surface. The Thermowall underlayment system provides these benefits in
conjunction with any vinyl siding product chosen, while the Craneboard
and Techwall systems allows installation of both insulative sheathing
and exterior surfacing in a single step, saving labor costs.
The solid core siding systems cost 30 percent more than conventional
vinyl siding, or about the same as vinyl siding over 3/4 inch foam
sheathing (R-4).
Limitations
Although specialty tools for cutting contoured foam backed insulation
are not necessary, it makes the job a lot easier if the solid insulated
wall system is cut with a hot knife. Special accessories, such as
starter strips, shims, and corner posts, are needed for trim work due
to the thicker profile of foam with insulation. However, these
accessories are available from the manufacturer.
Foam products take up more space than conventional vinyl products alone, so slightly higher shipping costs may be incurred
Code/Regulatory
ASTM standard D3679 is the industry standard for vinyl siding
performance. The test measures four features of vinyl siding including
its weatherability, impact resistance, ability to resist distortion
from extreme temperatures, and product uniformity and dimensional
consistency. Certified products are listed with the Vinyl Siding
Institute.
Availability
Both systems are available through common distribution networks, but
may not be carried as in-stock inventory items. Manufacturers can
provide lists of local distributors and qualified installation
contractors.
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