One purported benefit of insulated siding is its ability to reduce energy transfer, which helps maintain the interior temperature of a home.
Producers report an average R-value of 2.0 - 5.5, significantly more than that of other siding products including fiber cement, brick and stucco.
The company began marketing its product, Fullback Thermal Support System, in the United States as an improvement over traditional vinyl siding.
In addition to reducing energy consumption, manufacturers report that insulated siding is permeable or “breathable,” allowing water vapor to escape, which can provide protection against rot, mold and mildew and help maintain healthy indoor air quality.
Considered a pioneering category of products, the rigid foam insulation is made of a modified expanded polystyrene (EPS), which includes a brominated fire retardant called HBCD (hexabromocyclododecane) which promotes self extinguishing once removed from direct flame.
Contractors report that it creates straighter lines and lays flatter, making it more effective on irregular walls.