On 1/24/2005 1:07 PM US(ET), Robert11 took fingers to keys, and typed
the following:

Hello:

Live in New England.

If I re-do my house with vinyl siding, which would go directly over the
present T1-11 wood siding which is in poor shape, does it make sense
to have installed styrofoam (or other) insulation between the T1-11 and
the vinyl ?



It's another level of heat and sound insulation, and offers some
waterproofing. I had 3/8" foam, faced both sides with aluminum foil,
installed under my vinyl siding.

a. Would the added insulation R value (no idea what it would be) justify
the added installation cost ?



I don't remember what the added cost was, but it was not another stage
of construction. The installer tacked up the foam as he was installing
the siding. I don't know what the R value of my foam was, but every bit
counts up here in the NE.

b. Does it make for a "better" or smoother job ?



Since vinyl siding is 'hung' rather than nailed solidly to the wall,
smoother does not enter the picture.

c. Anything to be particularly aware of in work like this ?



When you get estimates, get them with and without the foam. If the
contractor doesn't mention foam in his contract, ask him about it as if
an afterthought. It may be only a few hundred $ difference.
My foam was folded into a package that was about 2' x 3' and when it was
unfolded it was about 6' or 8' wide by 3' high (three or four folded
panels). It took about 10 seconds or less to tack up the 6' or 8' panel,
except those that had to be cut.

Thanks,
Bob






--
Bill