R-value Testing of Insulated Siding

Because the performance of insulated siding is key to its qualification as home insulation, there are a number of regulations, standards and tests that determine how insulated siding is manufactured, tested and marketed. Insulated siding is a building product designed to reach higher levels of rigidity, dimensional stability and thermal performance through specific R-value testing. A product’s “R-value” is a measure of thermal resistance; the higher the R-value, the better the insulation’s effectiveness. For insulated siding, ASTM C1363 Standard Test Method for the Thermal Performance of Building Assemblies by Means of a Hot Box Apparatus is the specified standard for determining the R-value of insulated siding.

VSI is helping ASTM International, a standards-development organization, develop a standard specification for insulated siding. The final standard will include requirements for both the vinyl siding and the foam plastic components, as well as performance requirements. As part of the ASTM standard development process, VSI is proposing that a minimum R-value of 2.0 be included in a new ASTM standard specification for insulated siding.

Learn more about how insulated siding can apply to current codes standards in Insulated Siding as Home Insulation: Guide for Users and Energy Raters.