Question 1

What is ThermoWall insulated siding?

Accepted Answer

ThermoWall is Suburban Construction's exclusive wall system for insulated siding installations. It uses a contoured rigid foam underlayment that provides a solid, continuous foundation behind the siding panel. The result is a maintenance-free exterior that maintains its appearance for a lifetime. Manufacturer tests show that the ThermoWall contoured underlayment system increases the impact resistance of the siding by over 300% compared to conventional vinyl siding. ThermoWall also offers up to four times the insulation value of the most commonly used substitute systems, significantly reducing drafts and air infiltration without trapping harmful water vapor.

Question 2

What does "prevent thermal bridging" mean, and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Thermal bridging occurs when a material that conducts heat well creates a direct path through an otherwise well-insulated wall. In standard wall construction, approximately 25% of your wall area consists of wooden studs — and studs cannot be insulated from inside the wall cavity. Heat passes through those studs relatively easily, bypassing the fiberglass insulation between them. ThermoWall's laminated rigid foam is contoured to fill the gap between the siding and the sheathing continuously across the entire wall surface — studs included. This breaks the thermal bridge at the stud locations and delivers more uniform insulation performance across the whole wall.

Question 3

How much energy will insulated siding save me?

Accepted Answer

Energy savings from insulated siding depend on the existing state of your wall insulation, your home's construction, and local climate conditions. Studies have shown that insulated vinyl siding can reduce heating and cooling costs by 5–20% compared to standard siding. The savings are greatest in older homes with minimal wall insulation, where the foam backing provides a meaningful improvement to the wall's total R-value. In the Quad Cities climate — with cold winters and hot summers — the payback period is typically favorable.

Question 4

What is EPS foam and is it safe?

Accepted Answer

EPS stands for expanded polystyrene — the same material used in building insulation boards and protective packaging. It is a closed-cell foam that is resistant to moisture absorption, will not support mold growth, and does not off-gas volatile compounds. It has been used safely in building construction for decades and is fully compliant with all relevant building codes and standards. The foam backing on insulated siding is permanently bonded to the panel and does not require any special handling or precautions.

Question 5

Does insulated siding cost significantly more than standard vinyl?

Accepted Answer

Insulated siding panels cost more per square foot than standard vinyl siding due to the foam backing. However, the premium is generally modest relative to the total project cost, and the energy savings over time can offset the additional upfront investment. We can provide a side-by-side comparison during your free estimate so you can make an informed decision about whether the upgrade makes sense for your home and budget.

Question 6

Will insulated siding reduce noise from outside?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The EPS foam backing adds a meaningful layer of sound attenuation that standard siding does not provide. Homeowners who have installed insulated siding frequently mention reduced road noise, wind noise, and general exterior sound transmission as an unexpected benefit. This is particularly noticeable in homes near busy streets or in areas with significant ambient noise.

Question 7

How is insulated siding installed differently from standard vinyl?

Accepted Answer

The installation process for insulated siding is similar to standard vinyl, with a few differences related to the additional thickness and weight of the panels. Fastening patterns are slightly different, and corner and trim accessories designed for insulated siding must be used to maintain consistent profiles at transitions. Our installation crews are fully trained and experienced with both standard and insulated siding, so the quality of the finished installation is the same regardless of which product you choose.

Question 8

Can insulated siding be installed over existing siding?

Accepted Answer

While it is technically possible to install siding over existing siding in some situations, Suburban Construction does not recommend or practice this approach. Installing over old siding hides potential rot, moisture damage, and pest activity that should be addressed before new siding is installed. It also adds thickness that can cause problems at windows, doors, and other transitions. We always remove existing siding before installation, inspect the underlying sheathing, and address any issues found — this is the only way to ensure a long-lasting, problem-free result.

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