Here in the northeast the weather is some of the most challenging anywhere in the country. Winters can be brutally cold, and summers unbearably hot. Wind, rain, sleet, and hail are not uncommon occurrences. These conditions can put an almost unbelievable strain on a home’s siding.

The benefits of vinyl siding over most other forms of siding are well-known. Vinyl is sturdy, quick and easy to install, dent resistant, virtually insect-proof, provides superior protection, and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns to complement virtually any home. But in order to make vinyl siding the best choice for the harsh conditions in the northeast, it is important that the siding be insulated.

Ease of Installation and Durability

Fortunately, insulated vinyl siding is a breeze to install. Preformed expanded polystyrene, one of the best all-round insulation materials for this part of the country, comes preformed in the shape of the interior of the vinyl siding. This way, so it goes right up inside vinyl, producing a tight fit that not only holds in the heat during the winter and keeps the sun’s heat out during the summer, but also keeping down noise and making sure that the siding doesn’t rattle or pull away from the wall no matter how high the winds. As well, it makes sure the siding doesn’t sag or lose its shape, and helps to reduce the number and severity of dents.

In addition to all of that, the insulation will not absorb water, so it is not a medium for the growth of molds or mildew. In other words, insulated vinyl siding will not contribute to “sick house” syndrome, which is very good to know.

Savings Opportunities and Value Generation

There are many reasons for purchasing vinyl siding with built-in insulation, but one imminently practical reason is for the monthly savings on utility bills. The insulation that comes with vinyl siding, especially the insulated siding found at United Home Experts, is close to five times as good as most wall insulation. The savings on heating bills in the winter and cooling bills in the summer will be dramatic, and these savings will add up every month for years to come.

Another dramatic difference will be noise abatement. Many everyday outdoor sounds that have become, over time, simply a part of the expected background noise will suddenly vanish once new insulation is installed along with vinyl siding. It will be almost like living in a whole new (and better) house.

Insulated siding can also add to a home’s value when it comes time to sell. Be certain that real estate agents are aware of the insulated siding on a home, as this can increase a home’s value and reduce the time a home is on the market.

Caring for the Environment and Staying Green

Insulated siding is also “green.” In other words, it is good for the environment. How? First, the insulation is produced using very little energy and very little waste. It is pre-molded to fit into the vinyl siding, so there is very little waste during construction. Once the insulation and the siding is on a home, the energy savings start instantly and last for years and years; less energy used means a cleaner environment. Studies have shown that the amount of carbon saved as a result of reduced home energy consumption equals the carbon needed to produce the insulation in less than three years — which means that after three years of use, vinyl insulation is keeping more carbon out of the atmosphere than it took to manufacture it. That can be a very significant level of carbon savings over time.

Vinyl also never needs painting, another plus for the environment, as ozone-depleting paints, solvents and thinners are never needed.

At the End of the Day

There are not a lot of choices for good, dependable, long-lasting siding in the harsh conditions of the northeast. One of the best choices, one of the longest-lasting choices, one of the most environmentally sound choices, and one of the best choices when it comes to resale, is vinyl. And if vinyl is going to be added to a home in the northeast, then one simply must insulate.