What needs to be underneath siding? Substrate requirements vary by product. Building paper or house wrap is what is typically found underneath siding. Most walls are framed with two by six or two by four...
Building paper or house wrap is what is typically found underneath siding. Most walls are framed with two by six or two by four wall studs and have insulation placed between the studs says Hometips.com. Wood sheathing is nailed over the wall studs and the sheathing is covered with building paper if the walls have wood, metal, fiber cement, or vinyl finishes. Stucco should be applied over wire mesh, which is nailed to wooden-slat spacers or sheathing. Brick and stone veneers are attached to sheathing with short metal brackets called "ties."
Sheathing is a cover, made of a layer of plywood or pressboard, applied to the studs, and joists of a house's frame to strengthen it and serve as a foundation for a weatherproof exterior. According to Homehumor.com, plywood sheets range from 3/8ths to 5/8ths of an inch thick and come in 4x8 foot sheets. Plywood sheathing performs two functions: it serves as a stabilizing influence on the frame and acts as a platform on which to put siding and shingles. The wood is precut, and should fit on 16 or 24-inch frame. Other options to use instead of plywood are solid wood, hardboard, oriented sideboard, and recycled paperboard.
"As for substrate requirements underneath siding, it varies by product," says James Dickerson who is the technical services manager for GenStone Enterprises, which makes simulated rock, brick, stone, and stucco. "Most require a flat surface like OSB or plywood that would normally sheath the outside of a structure."
Another issue to take into consideration is insulation. According to the website Ornl.gov, heating and cooling account for 50% to 70% of energy used in a home. Adding insulation will reduce energy costs, as well as muffle outside noise. More new homes constructed are energy efficient, which will save money in reduced utility bills and increase the resale value of a home in the future.
"Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading causes of energy waste in most homes," the website states. If a home has proper insulation, then walls, ceilings, and floors will be warmer in winter and cooler in summer. A homeowner can add insulation to any home.
Use recommended levels of insulation for exterior walls under any type of siding applied. There are four types of insulation: loose-fill, blankets, rigid foam, and liquid foam. Rigid foam is the type that is applied on exterior of homes and under siding says Dickerson, . When selecting insulation, consider the products qualities such as long-term performance, the materials it is made of, recycled content, and health impacts to a homeowner's family. It is very cost-effective to add a layer of rigid foam insulation under siding and is easy to do. It is also recommended to put an air resistant house wrap under insulation to reduce air infiltration.
If homeowners want to install insulation themselves, it is not recommended. According to Energycheckup.com, "This type of work is typically not a job for the average homeowner; consult contractors who have this expertise."
