How To Apply Exterior Paneling Over Insulation Made Of Foam Boards?

Installing rigid foam insulation on the outside of a house can improve moisture control, air leak prevention, and energy efficiency. If the foam layer is water-resistant, no other water-resistant barrier is needed if seams are sealed. Seal all seams in the insulation with compatible tape and apply tape to clean, dry surfaces. Insulated vinyl siding or rigid foam can be installed over metal-framed walls for added durability.

One method for increasing insulation level in existing homes is to remove exterior cladding and install rigid foam insulation, possibly new house wrap, and new exterior cladding over the walls. For a 2×6 wall, adding R-5 of exterior insulation would be an improvement, but bumping that to R-10 would be a bigger change and worth the extra labor.

Installing rigid foam on the outside of a house is a great way to double the R-value and eliminate air leaks. Large sheets of foam insulation, screwed and sealed to the walls or roof, can cover or replace the existing insulation. A retrofitted wall assembly includes foam board insulation fastened to WRB-covered boards.

When installing wood siding over rigid foam sheathing, protect the siding from moisture and heat buildup and use proper nailing. Vinyl siding manufacturers require a flat, solid supportive surface and limit foam installed under their siding. To increase the R value of your home, put 2 inch foam board insulation on the walls over the sheathing, then wrap, and side them. For good siding performance, supply an air space behind the siding where incidental water can drain and the siding’s back face can breathe.

To install exterior insulation, remove corner and window trim to get down to a flat surface. Furr out windows, doors, etc. with sawmilled true 1″ thick wood, then install vinyl siding on top.

What do you cover styrofoam with?

For spray foam insulation, use water-based acrylic or latex paint, as acrylic paints hold color longer than oil-based paints. Flat or semi-gloss paint is best for hiding irregular foam areas, while a high-gloss finish accentuates bumps. F10E Intumescent Paint for Spray Foam Insulation is a water-based, one-part coating system that passes full scale room corner tests over foam and meets 15 minute thermal barrier requirements. Available in white and tinted different colors, it is ideal for walls, attics, and crawl spaces. You can find the perfect product on our website.

Do you need a vapor barrier over foam board?

The necessity of a vapor barrier in foam rigid insulation depends on the specific situation. In colder climates, an extra vapour barrier is often recommended to prevent moisture from penetrating the insulation layer, which can lead to condensation and damage. In high humidity areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms, or kitchens, a vapour barrier is typically recommended to prevent moisture buildup and damage.

This is especially important for PIR foam insulation, as the foam material can absorb moisture and potentially degrade over time, especially at joints or gaps where moisture can infiltrate. In summary, the necessity of a vapor barrier depends on the specific situation and the specific needs of the insulation.

Does insulation go under siding?

Walls account for 35% of energy loss in a home, making them an ideal starting point for improving energy efficiency. The US Department of Energy recommends adding insulation under new siding when installing new siding. To achieve high energy savings, any combination of insulation solutions can be used. Insulation works through conduction, transferring heat from one atom to another by direct contact.

Solids, liquids, and gases can all transfer heat through conduction, with solids transferring energy most efficiently due to their tightly packed molecules. Understanding the workings of various insulation products is crucial to determine the right solution for your project.

What can I use to cover foam board insulation?

Foam board insulation, while not destroyed by UV rays, can create fire hazards when exposed to interior walls. Most North American jurisdictions require a thermal barrier like drywall to qualify a building for occupancy permits. However, in the United States, foam board products that pass the NFPA 286 test can pass this code standard. Three everyday foam board insulation products perform well when left exposed on the exterior and interior of a wall assembly.

Does mortar stick to foam board?

The recommended mortar for fixing EPS insulation boards is CT 81 or CT 83 Strong Fix. The mortar should be applied with a trowel along the board edges, covering a minimum of 40 of its surface. The boards should be attached to the wall with slight blows of a long float, and the mortar should cover 40 of its surface. For even, smooth substrates, the mortar should be applied using a toothed long float. The boards should be fixed tightly with a brick-like vertical connection, and joints should be free of adhesive to avoid gaps.

The boards should be cut precisely with a hot wire knife, ensuring they fit each other without gaps. Tooth-like arrangement of slabs should be done around the corners, and cut-outs should be made from a single slab to avoid joint issues around windows and doors.

What material sticks to foam board?

Liquid glues like white or craft glue are suitable for foam board mounting due to their strong bond and versatility. They should be applied thinly and evenly to avoid damage. Foamboard adhesive is specifically formulated for foam board applications and is suitable for both lightweight and heavier projects. It comes in a squeeze tube or bottle with a precision applicator for controlled application. Mounting putty is an excellent choice for temporary bonds or repositioning items, as it is easy to use, leaves no residue, and can be reused multiple times. However, it may not provide the same level of permanence as other adhesives, so it’s important to consider your project requirements before choosing this solution.

How do you cover exterior Styrofoam insulation?

Insulation protection on foundations is a complex task, but the most common method is to apply a stucco-like “parged” finish with surface-bonding cement. This can range from a thin paint-on coating to a thick acrylic-modified mortar applied over hardware cloth or metal or fiberglass lath. Mortar with acrylic additives is suitable for this application due to its strength and flexibility. Panel products like pressure-treated plywood or cement board are also popular, but they should not be directly contact with soil. Panel products can be finished with stucco coating or exterior paint, depending on the desired appearance. Cultured stone veneer is another durable but high-cost option.

Do you need house wrap under LP SmartSide?

LP® SmartSide® applications necessitate the utilization of a non-compressible, drainable housewrap (NCDH) exhibiting a minimum 1 mm drainage gap. This requirement is not applicable to all applications.

Can LP Smartside be installed over foam board?

It is possible to install siding directly over foam plastic sheathing.

Can you attach siding to foam board?

Installing vinyl siding over foam can be challenging, as nails must extend through it and attach firmly to a solid nail base. The Vinyl Siding Institute recommends 3/4-inch nail penetration, but the International Residential Code requires 1 1/2 inch penetration for vinyl siding. This means targeting the underlying studs even when foam overlays structural sheathing.

When installing wood siding over foam, it is not recommended due to its history of failures. Wood siding applied directly to foam has a history of failures due to extra long nails that can split the siding unless every nail hole is predrilled. Plastic foam traps heat and moisture beneath the siding, leading to excessive drying and cracking. Wood siding needs an air space between its backside and the face of foam sheathing.

Vented rain screens are a superior weather barrier system, using vertical strips of furring attached over the foam sheathing and fastened directly over stud locations. This creates an air space between the back of the siding and the face of the foam that drains and dries readily.

However, furring that is only 3/4-inch thick does not provide the 1 1/2-inch nail penetration required by manufacturers and building codes. This may not satisfy your local code or manufacturer’s warranty. Additionally, building codes may not allow you to leave an air space behind the siding. Section R602. 8 in the International Residential Code requires fire blocking at the bottom, between stories, every 10 feet, and at the top near the roof in concealed stud spaces, including furred spaces. Some inspectors argue that the code provision is directed at furred interior spaces, while others insist on the addition of fire blocking.

The decision to install rain screens depends on your local building inspector’s opinion, so it is essential to run your design past them before building the walls.

Can Hardie board be installed over foam board?

The method entails the direct application of James Hardie® Siding through continuous insulation (C. I.) and non-nailable substrates up to 1 inch in thickness, thereby ensuring the protection of the foam sheathing from damage throughout the application process.