The addition of a layer of foam insulation to standard vinyl siding is one of the home improvement advances that has homeowners smiling. The combination of the two materials, vinyl and insulative foam, serves several purposes. For one thing, the energy efficiency of a home rises noticeably within hours of the application. Heating and cooling bills begin to go down and the comfort level of the interior increases. The benefits to the exterior of a home are both practical and aesthetic. The foam insulation added to the vinyl siding material adds to the moisture protection of the surface. Homes that are protected from extreme weather tend to last longer and require fewer repairs. The foam enhanced vinyl siding keeps the exterior walls of a building looking newer for a longer time since the available products in this line all resist the chips and dents that make a home look old.
There are various methods of combining the protective and insulating qualities of foam with the durability of vinyl siding material. In some case, the insulation foam is bonded directly to the vinyl to create a unified insulation and siding material. A second method applies the foam insulation layers directly to the building and attaches the siding on top of it. The foam itself is usually a polystyrene or similar material that meets strict environmental, as well as, health and safety regulations. The material is also sufficiently porous to allow the interior and exterior walls to "breathe" and release interior moisture.
