Insulated vinyl siding

Jacklee

I am planning to install insulated vinyl siding on my house. I realize it doesn't have much value as insulation, I just prefer the wider boards appearance.

My question is how much more difficult is this type of siding to install? Anyone here done it themselves? I have been doing a lot of research online, and it doesn't seem like many people are using this. Any thoughts?

joecaption

There not using it because it cost so much more and in reality adds little to the R Value.

There's gaps at every seam, around every window and door, also around every outside or inside corner.

Jacklee

well Joe, as much as I appreciate the response, that wasn't the question. I am looking for information on installing the insulated vinyl siding.

joecaption

It's not much harder to install then reguler siding, it depends on what brand it is.
In some cases it sits away from the wall so far it will need 1" J mounding and corners.
Sitting out that far you may have to build out all your windows and door trim.
Some do not glue the foam to the siding so it becomes a pain to cut.

That wide (about 7" exposure) siding was populer in the 70's but seems to have fallen out of style.

I've seen far to many DIY installs on vinyl siding, I would not suggest it.
The one's I get to see I'm having to go back and fix falling pieces, recutting some shorter or replacing them with longer pieces, adding siding blocks that were left off, fixing walls behind the J moulding that was installed wrong.
A really siding company will have all the proper tools and know how.