Insulated Siding Reduces Energy Consumption by Up to 20%; Energy-Efficient Siding Helps Consumers "Green" Their Homes and Save Money

Americans spent an average of 9.4% more on heating their homes this winter, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association (NEADA). Third-party research demonstrates thatInsulated Siding with Fullback Technology(TM) helps consumers reduce home energy consumption by up to 20%, thereby reducing their carbon footprint and adding to the greening of their homes.

Insulated siding is agreen productthat has the highest insulation rating (wall system R-value1) of any exterior siding product on the market - 3.96. With an R-value that is more than triple that of the next most energy-efficient exterior cladding, insulated siding significantly reduces heat and cooling loss, while improving home value and curb appeal andreducing maintenance. In comparison, products like fiber cement, brick and cultured stone offer virtually no insulation, with R-values of 0.15 to .062.

How it Works

Insulated siding is home siding that includes a rigid foam insulation fused behind the exterior surface of the siding panel. Unlike flat foam insulations that leave gaps through which air escapes, insulated siding's custom-contoured shape and continuous coverage drastically reduce temperature loss. For further information, go towww.chooseinsulatedsiding.com.

Wall studs make up 25% of the wall surface of an average home. As much as 40% of heat loss occurs through wall studs where there is no insulation. Insulated siding envelops the home in a total energy blanket by insulating continuously over the framing of your home, where heat loss is greatest.

"Homeowners today are more interested in reducing their energy needs than ever before, and with a product like insulated siding, they can save up to 20% on their monthly energy consumption and feel good about contributing to a better environment," said Pat Culpepper, president of Progressive Foam Technologies, Inc., which manufactures the rigid foam insulation.

Additional Green Attributes

Insulated siding eliminates installation and exterior maintenance materials, reducing the use of hazardous or ozone-depleting products such as paints, stains and caulks. Once installed, it can remain in place without significant degradation for 50 years or more, reducing landfill deposits and performing for the life of a home. And the unique breathability of insulated siding improves indoor air quality by reducing mold, mildew, bacteria and other contaminants that can grow in a home's walls.

"Insulated siding not only addresses our need to reduce energy consumption, it is a green product that contributes to a healthier home and planet," said Culpepper.

Insulated siding is available through premium siding manufacturers including Alcoa Home Exteriors, Alside, CertainTeed, Crane Performance Siding, Heartland Building Products, KP Building Products, Mitten Inc., Norandex/Reynolds, Revere Building Products, RMC/Style Crest and Variform. Fullback Technology, the application of contoured, high-performance EPS foam to any exterior siding product, is manufactured by Progressive Foam Technologies at its headquarters in Beach City, Ohio.

For further information, go towww.chooseinsulatedsiding.com.

1R-value is the recognized numerical measure of the ability of an insulation product to restrict the flow of heat and, therefore, to reduce energy costs. R-values may be expressed per unit of thickness (e.g., one inch) or for the total thickness of a particular insulation product or installation. The higher the R-value, the better the product's insulating ability. Visithttp://www.ftc.gov/os/1999/08/rvaluefr.htmfor full information regarding R-value. The wall system R-value average is an industry average based on the collective R-values of all insulated siding products offered by various manufacturers.