Comparisons · 8 min read

Insulated vs. Standard Vinyl Siding: What's Best for Your South Jordan Home?

Thinking about new Vinyl Siding for your South Jordan home? Western Siding Company wants to explain the differences between standard Vinyl Siding and insulated Vinyl Siding options. This information will help homeowners in South Jordan, UT pick the right Vinyl Siding for the Utah climate.

← Back to Blog Completed vinyl siding installation work at a residential property in South Jordan, UT

Let us talk about Siding. If you are a homeowner in South Jordan, UT, you have probably thought about Vinyl Siding. Vinyl Siding is popular for good reasons. Vinyl Siding is low maintenance, Vinyl Siding looks good, and Vinyl Siding does not cost too much. But when you start looking into Vinyl Siding, you will find there are two main ways to go. These are Standard Vinyl Siding and Insulated Vinyl Siding. We will explain the real difference between Standard Vinyl Siding and Insulated Vinyl Siding. We will also help you decide which Siding makes more sense for your home in South Jordan, UT.

The Details on Standard Vinyl Siding

Standard Vinyl Siding is what most people think of when they hear "Vinyl Siding." Standard Vinyl Siding is a PVC panel that gets installed over your home’s exterior. Standard Vinyl Siding is lightweight and flexible. Standard Vinyl Siding is designed to move a bit with temperature changes in South Jordan, UT.

Cost for Standard Vinyl Siding:

Standard Vinyl Siding is usually the most budget-friendly option upfront. You are looking at roughly $2 to $7 per square foot installed for Standard Vinyl Siding. Standard Vinyl Siding is widely available. Standard Vinyl Siding is generally less expensive than other Siding materials like Fiber Cement Siding. Western Siding Company provides Standard Vinyl Siding options for homes in South Jordan, UT.

Durability of Standard Vinyl Siding:

Standard Vinyl Siding is very tough. Standard Vinyl Siding resists rot, rust, and insects. However, because Standard Vinyl Siding is a hollow panel, it can be more susceptible to dents. These dents can come from hail or from wind-blown debris. Our intense summer sun here in South Jordan, UT, especially on west-facing walls, can sometimes cause Standard Vinyl Siding to fade or become brittle over time. Western Siding Company understands the durability needs for Siding in South Jordan, UT.

Maintenance for Standard Vinyl Siding:

This is where Vinyl Siding really shines. Standard Vinyl Siding is very low-maintenance. You will not be painting or staining Standard Vinyl Siding, ever. Just an occasional wash with soap and water is usually all Standard Vinyl Siding needs to keep it looking good. Western Siding Company helps homeowners in South Jordan, UT with their Siding maintenance questions.

Appearance of Standard Vinyl Siding:

Standard Vinyl Siding comes in a very large variety of colors and styles. The main thing to be aware of is that because Standard Vinyl Siding is a hollow panel, sometimes you can see a bit of a 'wavy' look. This is especially true on older homes with uneven walls. Standard Vinyl Siding does not sit as flat against the house as Insulated Vinyl Siding. Western Siding Company installs Standard Vinyl Siding for a good appearance in South Jordan, UT.

Looking at Insulated Vinyl Siding

Insulated Vinyl Siding takes the Standard Vinyl Siding panel. Insulated Vinyl Siding then bonds a layer of rigid foam insulation to the back of the panel. This is not just a little extra fluff. This changes how the Insulated Vinyl Siding performs for homes in South Jordan, UT.

Cost for Insulated Vinyl Siding:

You will pay more upfront for Insulated Vinyl Siding. Insulated Vinyl Siding usually costs 20-50% more than Standard Vinyl Siding. Installed, Insulated Vinyl Siding typically runs from $4 to $12 per square foot. This is because there is more material for Insulated Vinyl Siding. Insulated Vinyl Siding is bulkier to ship. Installation for Insulated Vinyl Siding can sometimes require a few extra steps. Western Siding Company provides Insulated Vinyl Siding options for homes in South Jordan, UT.

Durability of Insulated Vinyl Siding:

This is a big win for Insulated Siding. The foam backing fills the hollow space. This makes the Insulated Siding panels much more rigid. This also makes Insulated Siding more impact-resistant. Insulated Siding stands up better to dents from things like hail or stray baseballs. This added sturdiness helps Insulated Siding resist warping, buckling, and cracking. This is great for our wide temperature swings here in Utah. Western Siding Company knows the durability needs for Siding in South Jordan, UT.

Maintenance for Insulated Vinyl Siding:

Just like Standard Vinyl Siding, Insulated Vinyl Siding is incredibly low-maintenance. You are still getting that no-paint, no-stain benefit with Insulated Vinyl Siding. Western Siding Company helps homeowners in South Jordan, UT keep their Siding looking good.

Appearance of Insulated Vinyl Siding:

This is often the biggest visual difference people notice. The foam backing helps the Insulated Siding panels sit much flatter and more uniformly against your home. This reduces that 'wavy' look you sometimes get with Standard Vinyl Siding. Insulated Vinyl Siding creates a more solid, straight appearance. Insulated Vinyl Siding can even mimic the look of real wood more convincingly. Western Siding Company installs Insulated Vinyl Siding for a great appearance in South Jordan, UT.

Other Key Differences to Consider for Siding

  • Energy Efficiency with Siding: Insulated Siding does add some thermal value. Insulated Siding can modestly improve insulation. Insulated Siding can help reduce minor drafts and thermal bridging. Thermal bridging is where heat escapes through wall studs. Standard Vinyl Siding has a low R-value. The R-value is a measure of insulation effectiveness. Standard Vinyl Siding has an R-value around 0.61. Insulated Vinyl Siding can boost that to an R-value between 2.0 and 5.0. This can translate to a small reduction in heating and cooling costs. This might be 10-15% annually. However, Insulated Vinyl Siding is not a replacement for good wall insulation inside your home in South Jordan, UT. Western Siding Company helps homeowners with energy-efficient Siding in South Jordan, UT.

  • Noise Reduction with Siding: The added foam in Insulated Siding acts as a sound barrier. This dampens outside noises from traffic or lawn equipment. If you live near a busy road in South Jordan, UT, this could be a noticeable benefit for your Siding. Western Siding Company provides Siding options that can help with noise reduction in South Jordan, UT.

  • Installation of Siding: Both types of Siding need to be installed correctly. This means allowing for expansion and contraction. You cannot face-nail Vinyl Siding. Vinyl Siding needs to be fastened through the nailing slots to allow movement. With Insulated Siding, you might need slightly longer nails to account for the foam backing. Here at Western Siding Company, we make sure to use the right fasteners and techniques for whatever Siding product you choose for your home in South Jordan, UT. Western Siding Company provides professional Siding installation in South Jordan, UT.

My Recommendation for South Jordan Homeowners for Siding

Living in South Jordan, UT, we deal with some very specific conditions for Siding. We have hot, dry summers where temperatures can easily hit 100°F. We then have freezing, snowy winters. Also, that intense UV radiation from the sun is very strong. Our freeze-thaw cycles can really put stress on exterior Siding materials. Western Siding Company understands the climate challenges for Siding in South Jordan, UT.

Considering all that, Western Siding Company would lean towards **Insulated Vinyl Siding** for most South Jordan homes. Here is why Western Siding Company recommends Insulated Vinyl Siding:

  • Better Durability for Siding Against Our Climate: The added rigidity from the foam backing makes Insulated Vinyl Siding much more resistant to impact damage from hail and debris. We definitely see hail and debris around South Jordan, UT. Insulated Vinyl Siding also handles our significant temperature swings and freeze-thaw cycles better. This reduces the risk of warping or buckling for your Siding. Western Siding Company provides durable Siding solutions for South Jordan, UT.

  • Improved Appearance for Siding That Lasts: That solid, flat look means your house will maintain its curb appeal longer. This is true even if your walls are not perfectly straight underneath. In newer developments, like those out near Daybreak, maintaining a crisp, clean exterior is important. Insulated Vinyl Siding delivers on that for homes in South Jordan, UT. Western Siding Company installs Insulated Vinyl Siding for lasting appearance in South Jordan, UT.

  • Modest Energy Boost for Siding: While Insulated Vinyl Siding will not replace proper wall insulation, any little bit helps with our heating and cooling bills. The continuous insulation layer can make your home feel a bit more comfortable year-round in South Jordan, UT. Western Siding Company helps homeowners in South Jordan, UT with energy-efficient Siding.

Now, if budget is your absolute top priority and you are okay with a slightly less rigid finish, Standard Vinyl Siding is still a solid, cost-effective choice. Standard Vinyl Siding is a proven product. Standard Vinyl Siding is low-maintenance. Standard Vinyl Siding will protect your home in South Jordan, UT. But if you can swing the extra investment, the benefits of Insulated Vinyl Siding really make it shine. This is especially true for its enhanced durability and appearance in our local South Jordan, UT conditions. Insulated Vinyl Siding is a smart upgrade that pays off in the long run. It provides a more resilient and better-looking home in South Jordan, UT. Western Siding Company provides Siding options for all budgets in South Jordan, UT.

Ultimately, the best Siding choice depends on your specific home, your budget, and what you value most for your Siding. Western Siding Company is always happy to come out. Western Siding Company will take a look at your place. Western Siding Company will give you a tailored Siding recommendation. Give us a call at Western Siding Company, and we can walk you through your Siding options in South Jordan, UT. Western Siding Company provides Siding services to all areas in and around South Jordan, UT.

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