Polymeric Exteriors – An Industry Leader in Energy Efficiency

by Don Browne

Last May, the Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA) launched its newest publication, Construction Details for Energy Code Compliance: Polymeric Cladding Over Continuous Insulation.

The guide provides “nth degree” instructions for builders to install vinyl siding around continuous insulation in compliance with the latest international energy codes.

It’s another example of PEPA’s commitment to improving the sustainability of its products and the homes they were designed to protect.

Energy efficiency is a critical aspect of this commitment. Utilizing R-value (the temperature difference between the warmer surface and colder surface of a barrier, and heat flux through the barrier) as a measure, we can see where vinyl siding stands up to other claddings when it comes to energy efficiency:

    • Good quality insulated vinyl siding has an R-value of 4.0 or greater, while standard vinyl siding is about 0.61
    • Stone has an R-Value of .08, while brick has an R-Value of .2
    • Fiber Cement has an R-Value of .15, or 2.5 if it’s insulated
    • Wood has perhaps the highest R-Value without insulation, ranging from .71 to 1.41, but requires much more maintenance (if you don’t want to replace it every 5-10 years) and is twice as costly compared to vinyl siding. What the R-value doesn’t account for here is the amount of energy resources required to scrape, paint, prevent rot or replace the wood after such a short performance life
    • Aluminum siding comes close, with an R-value of about 0.61 (and an R-value between 2.0-5.0), but it dents easily and is more expensive than vinyl sidingA cladding’s R-Value is undoubtedly an essential measure of thermal resistance. Still, it doesn’t mean much if that exterior material is installed with traditional cavity insulation (which causes thermal bridging and reduces energy efficiency) or is not installed properly with continuous insulation.

“In a rapidly changing code environment, attention to construction details is crucial for achieving energy efficiency in buildings,” said PEPA Member Rob Balfanz, Vice President, Siding, Home Improvements, Workforce Development at Progressive Foam Technologies. “Properly flashing/sealing gaps, installing insulation without compression, and ensuring continuous air and thermal barriers are key steps to reducing energy loss.”

Polymeric Cladding over Continuous Insulation: Construction Details for Energy Code Compliance includes details for installing vinyl siding, insulated vinyl siding and polypropylene siding based on the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). And these details feature recommendations for nailable substrates, minimum fastener lengths, penetration and spacing for each of these three product types for all seven U.S. climate zones.

One would be hard-pressed to find a details guide as comprehensive for installing other cladding materials over continuous insulation. The 24-page resource helps builders ensure maximum energy efficiency and lower utility bills for their homeowner customers.

“With this guide, construction and architecture teams can optimize the building’s envelope, minimize thermal bridging, and significantly improve overall energy performance,” Rob said. “Applicators can focus on precision installation and coordination between systems, leading to lower operational costs and enhanced indoor comfort in all climate zones. The improved energy efficiency translates to better, more sustainable, long-term value for the homeowner and/or building owner. Simply put, it’s a comprehensive, straightforward tool to assist in boosting a building’s performance while delivering a code-compliant, quality installation with quality products.”

To learn more about PEPA’s energy efficiency efforts, contact Alex Fernandez, Senior Director, at afernandez@polymericexteriors.org.

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Don Browne is a writer, entrepreneur and local legislator who believes that the power of words can change the world. He provides unique writing services for clients in the construction, health care, IT and hospitality sectors. He has a passion for small business and start-ups, as well as writing about Irish history, family and corporate biographies. As a homeowner and father of four who is passionate about community development, Don looks forward to writing more about the exciting possibilities of creating traditional neighborhoods and more sustainable communities using modern materials.