IS FIBER CEMENT BOARD A GOOD INSULATOR?

One of the questions DURAGREEN Fiber cement solutions helps to resolve is if fiber cement board is a good insulator or not.  Actually, the majority of fiber cement products are good insulators by themselves but fiber cement siding is not completely good.  Most siding, including fiber cement have an R-value of less than 1 when installed alone without additional layers or types of insulation. It explains that when installing fiber cement siding, there is no need to add much insulation to your home.

Options to add insulation with siding:

When installing most siding products you have the option to add insulation at the same time in one or more of the following manners:

• Use blown-in cellulose insulation

• Install rigid exterior foam board insulation

• Add a moisture/vapor barrier

Cellulose Insulation

With Duragreen, fiber cement or any other siding product, in most cases cellulose insulation can be added to a home before the new siding is installed. To add cellulose insulation we have to cut holes in the exterior wall and use a high powered blower to force loose insulation into the wall cavities, thus increasing the R-value or insulation.

Rigid Foam Board Insulation

A layer of rigid foam board is also an ideal choice for insulation before new siding is installed.  This will typically add between 1 and 3 R-value depending on the thickness and properies of the insulation product being installed.

Moisture Barrier

Installing a moisture barrier is prefered (commonly called a vapor barrier) to the walls before installing new siding.  A vapor barrier will not only prevent the wood elements of your home from rotting, but will also reduce draftiness.

If you're considering various types of new siding for your home.  We strongly recommend DURAGREEN fiber cement siding and boards because Duragreen takes all above advantages and is most suitable for your home.