Where can I purchase insulated vinyl siding?
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Scot asked:
Can anyone tell me where I can purchase insulated vinyl siding? This is siding that has foam insulation fused to the back of the siding. So far the only place I have found it at is by having a contractor install it. I want to do it myself & save money. Is this product available to the general public?
Martha
Can anyone tell me where I can purchase insulated vinyl siding? This is siding that has foam insulation fused to the back of the siding. So far the only place I have found it at is by having a contractor install it. I want to do it myself & save money. Is this product available to the general public?
Martha
June 10th, 2008 at 6:43 am
Most home centers like Home Depot or Lowes should carry it or consider putting insulation board up first and siding over that.
June 12th, 2008 at 6:01 am
Sure! Try Home Depot or whatever you have near where you live. There are video’s you can watch and training you can receive.. Good for you - be brave and do it! Next time you will be able to help someone else! ♥
June 13th, 2008 at 12:45 am
There are allot of pros and cons on the use or non use of preformed foam panels used behind vinyl siding. I have never seen the foam bonded to the back side of the vinyl and there is a reason for that.
Vinyl expands and contracts with temperature changes and foam does not, or at least not to the same extent. That’s why the vinyl has horizontal nail slots and provision for expansion and contraction on each end of the panels.
In addition to that, there has to be a way for moisture that condenses behind the vinyl to escape and evaporate into the atmosphere. If you look at the bottom of each panel you will see a little weep hole. That allows drainage of the condensation. Preformed foam panels sometimes block those holes and damage to the sheathing, especially if it’s OSB, may occur. I have heard of a few lawsuits because of this.
The only real advantage to this is that it helps to hide the overlapped seams and provides a firm surface if you push on it. Big deal! So who goes around pushing on your siding?
I always used 1/2″ Dow Board, (blue board) in 4′ x 10′ sheets. It gave a better insulating quality, allowed proper air circulation behind the vinyl and smoothed out irregular siding surfaces. If the customer insisted on a firm backing, I would cut strips of foamboard that fit behind the flat part of the vinyl. (Dutch Lap) But, that was only done at the entry way or the electric meter area.
Just remember this most important thing::: Vinyl is HUNG to a surface, not NAILED. Leave the nail or screw heads about 1/4″ away from the sheathing or foam.
June 15th, 2008 at 2:20 am
A direct answer to your question would be to open your yellow pages and look for siding manufactors listed in your town. some of these suppliers will be alside, norandex/renyolds, shelter, abc supply etc. These companies are wholesale supply companies who normally sell only to contractors. However, with the housing market so slow you may be able to represent yourself as a contractor without to much trouble. Each supply house will have at least one foam backed panel available, some will be laminated and some will offer drop-in. Please research correct installation proceedures at the vinyl siding institute or chances are you’ll do this more than once. But yes you can buy it and install it yourself, and if no one else will sell it to you, contact me and i will.
June 17th, 2008 at 7:47 am
It sure is available to the public.. Try Bradco Supply or Bak-a-lum. Bradco Supply is in NJ- Rahway,nj. I’m sure they have a web-site.Just so you know, when you cut it, it looks like it’s snowing & the stuff gets all over you!!!