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Home Improvement : Exterior : Roofing and Siding

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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