To determine whether you should insulate the exterior portions of your home, you need to find out how much of your home is already insulated and what type of insulation was used. A qualified professional can easily assist you when potential questions or concerns arise. There are many different types of insulation and being familiar with different characteristics of each is very important.

Most professionals will recommend installing an insulation that has reflective foil on both sides. This type of insulation is most effective at preventing downward heat flow and is suitable for adequate spacing between the exterior walls of your home and the vinyl siding. Reflective foil insulation is also measured by it’s R-value. R-Value prevents heat loss by using conduction, and is a measure of resistance to heat flow through a given thickness of material. The higher the R-value of the insulation, the greater the resistance of the insulation. Insulation in the exterior walls of your home has an R-Value of around 19 and is a great source of natural heat storage.

Another factor when seeking new insulation is its thickness. Wider insulation can “pack out” your exterior walls, past your window frames which can sometimes create an issue to where your windows look sunk into the siding on your home. It’s important to find a product that’s about a half inch thick with R-Value. The half inch thickness won’t “pack out” past your window frames but will still provide the necessary heating/cooling factors needed.

Another important tip is not to wrap your home. A lot of new homes are being installed with insulation so tight that they need to have ventilation systems built in to allow air to flow in and out properly.

In conclusion, insulation behind siding can be an added bonus and great selling point to any home, new or old. It’s very important to do your research and become knowledgeable on types of insulation products, their R-Value and the thickness of the product. Contacting a professional will not only help better your knowledge but proper evaluations and recommendations can be made for your individual needs.

For further professional assistance please feel free to contact us at 717-725-7170 or visit our contact page

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Most homeowners are looking for that little extra WOW factor that can make their home stand out from the rest. There is now a chic alternative without having to change the entire exterior of a house.

Cedar Shake siding – Wood look without Wood Upkeep

Cedar Shake home siding will give your home the appearance of wood, without having to deal with all the upkeep that comes with having actual wood on your home. With this alternative, there will be no need for repainting and weatherproofing each year. It can make onlookers question what is siding and what is actual wood. There are also a lot of different options when it comes to Cedar Shake siding. That means different colors, shades and sizes. There is also the option of installing Cedar Shake on the entire home or just a portion of it.

Board and Batten siding can make your home POP!

First what is Board and Batten Siding?  Board and Batten siding is 8- to 12-inch wide wooden boards that are attached in a vertical pattern and create a barn-like exterior. They way to make your house stand out from your neighbors is to mix the Board and Batten style with your more standard horizontal exterior siding.  Adding as a accent to particular areas of your home to get that extra curb appeal.

Variety is the spice of life – Mix up your siding materials

Home siding can make a wealth of difference even if it means siding just two small gables. Vertical and horizontal styles are a matter of preference and when it comes to choices, there are an abundance on the market today. Cost will dictate how much Cedar Shake you might want to invest in as the price for a whole home would be significantly higher. Whatever the case, the top choices are right there to allow Cedar Shake or Board and Batten siding make your home stand out from the rest.

Contact Brian with Graystone Roofing & Siding to discuss how we can help you with your unique home exterior remodeling job.

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• Roofing – Slate Impression Shingles look strikingly like traditional slate shingles but are made out of a rubber/plastic composite material that has the same warranty as slate at a fraction of the cost and with an increased durability. Cedar Impression Shingles are slightly more expensive but also provide the look of cedar without it’s high maintenance (and the natural appeal cedar has for squirrels and other critters!).
• Siding – Board & Batten is a vertical vinyl siding that comes in a variety of styles and colors, is much less expensive than wood and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Also available, wood-look horizontal siding and for those who love shingle or “shake” paneling, Cedar Impression Shakes can create a similar look.
• Trim & Molding – PVC board for your trim boards makes a variety of  maintenance free, wood-look crown moldings and there is a seemingly endless array of choices for shutters and window framework.

Even if you love the style and detail of your older home, you don’t have to spend the time and money that traditional materials require. There are plenty of options that can save you hours and dollars while still giving you beautiful color and detail.

For more information or to find the right ideas for YOUR home, contact us today.

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