Siding Installation and Repair
Siding replacement exposes the building envelope — it's the ideal opportunity to add exterior insulation that would otherwise be inaccessible without major demolition. Most homes benefit significantly from this enhancement.
Continuous exterior insulation eliminates thermal bridging through wall studs. Standard batt insulation between studs still conducts heat through the framing members; continuous rigid insulation on the exterior side eliminates this pathway.
Material Selection Guide
Rigid insulation types include expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), and rigid mineral wool. Each has different moisture performance, compressive strength, and R-value characteristics. Mineral wool is vapour-open and fire-resistant; XPS has higher R-value per inch but is vapour-closed.
Thickness is limited by window and door reveal depth. Adding significant exterior insulation depth changes the relationship between the new wall plane and existing window and door frames. Extension jambs may be needed.
What the Installation Process Looks Like
Code requirements in Ontario have been moving toward higher continuous insulation requirements for new construction. While renovations typically don't trigger full code compliance, exterior insulation brings thermal performance toward current standards.
The cost premium of adding exterior insulation during siding renovation is modest relative to the standalone insulation cost. Strapping, insulation board, and additional trim extension work add 15-25% to the base siding project cost.
Calculate payback in the context of energy costs and comfort improvement. In older Ontario homes with minimal wall insulation, adding R-10 to R-15 of continuous exterior insulation produces meaningful heating and cooling cost reductions.