Exterior Insulation & Vinyl Siding Renovation

The original stucco exterior was still in good shape on this home, but was lacking a bit aesthetically. And the siding on the front was starting to show its age as well. The homeowners opted to replace their siding at the same time that they updated their windows.

Given the siding change, they thought they would take advantage of the opportunity to increase their R value at the same time. We installed 1.5” Enerspan exterior insulation over the existing stucco. Because vinyl siding can only be installed directly over 1.5” of a non structural substrate or less without strapping, we had to add strapping over the insulation to secure the siding (the insulation used was 1.5”, and the existing stucco is roughly 3/4”).

Adding 1.5” of Enerspan insulation is the equivalent of adding an additional R7.4 of thermal value to the walls of the home. An older 2x4 home like this was built to an R12, and the audit reports we see would generally find the existing insulation performing at an R10 or R11 (a little less than the original R12, as the insulation has settled over time). So that additional R7.4 insulation is a roughly 70% increase in total R value being added to the walls - a massive increase for comfort, energy efficiency, and utility savings.
And, because our exterior insulation is installed in a continuous layer (and not broken up by each stud, like the existing insulation inside the wall cavities), we’re greatly helping to eliminate cold spots on the home. No more drafty rooms and no more frost along the baseboards in the winter!

The pressure treated wood strapping was fastened with structural screws into the existing framing, and then the new vinyl siding was installed. Royal’s Harvard Slate vinyl siding was chosen, and looks amazing against the new windows. The black smart trim around the windows is a gorgeous craftsman touch, and helps bring a little extra character to the home as well.

Interested in your own siding renovation project? Reach out to us today!