The Cost Difference for Insulated Vinyl Siding

Costs

• Insulated vinyl siding costs more than 20 percent above the basic, uninsulated variety. For siding with foam-backed insulation, the average throughout the country is $13,973, with a recovery cost at resale of $10,119 or 72.4 percent. For standard vinyl without insulation, the prices run $11,357. The recovery ratio remains the same at 72.4 percent, although the actual amount goes down to $8,223. These figures, from Remodeling Magazine as of 2010 to 2011, ssume 1,250 square feet of new siding, including trim and professional installation..

West

• In Oregon, Washington, California, Alaska and Hawaii, costs are generally higher than average. Standard vinyl siding without insulation runs about $13,980, with a slightly lower-than-average recovery percentage of 72 percent of $10,067. For insulated vinyl siding, the amount is $16,991, with a slightly higher recovery percentage or 72.7 percent of $12,350 per year.

Mid-Atlantic

• In New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, costs are only slightly higher than average. Ordinary vinyl siding with no insulation costs $11,721 per year with a slightly higher recovery percentage of 72.7 percent or $8,515 per year. For insulated vinyl siding, the prices are $14,320 per year, with a slightly lower recovery percentage of 72.2 percent or $10,346 per year.

South Atlantic

• In both Virginias, both Carolinas, Georgia and Florida, standard vinyl siding is cheaper than average at $10,347, though the recovery percentage is higher at 76.5 percent or $7,917 per year. Insulated vinyl siding is equally as inexpensive at $12,860 per year, with an equally high recovery rate of 77.9 percent of $10,027 per year.

East North Central States

• In Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio, costs are more expensive than average. Ordinary vinyl siding runs $11,701, with a lower resale return of 64 percent of $7,484. Insulated vinyl siding costs $14,306, with an equally lower resale value of 63.1 percent of $9,025. (

Tips

• Vinyl siding can contract in cold weather and expand in hot weather. Only excellent installation can prevent boards from coming loose. Ask for references from potential contractors with older installations. Then visit those examples to find any signs of warping, bulging, ripples or separation, which are all signs of poor quality. Negotiate at least three to five years for workmanship, rather than just for materials.