WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Insulated siding is recognized as a form of continuous insulation by energy codes and building performance programs. To educate those interested in this energy-saving product, the Vinyl Siding Institute, Inc. (VSI) has published Insulated Siding as Home Insulation: Guide for Users and Energy Raters, a go-to resource that explains how insulated siding can improve a home’s energy efficiency.

“With insulated siding recognized as home insulation in energy codes and energy efficiency programs, it’s important for users and energy raters to understand how to specify, install and inspect insulated siding projects to ensure their energy performance,” said VSI President and CEO Jery Y. Huntley. “This Guide is a valuable tool for builders, contractors, architects, designers, other specifiers, and especially energy efficiency professionals.”

The Guide helps users understand how insulated siding can lower a home’s HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Index and meet the requirements of residential energy efficiency programs, including ENERGY STAR® Qualified Homes Version 3. It covers:

• How insulated siding products are tested to determine actual R-value.
• Proper installation techniques necessary to achieve energy performance.
• How insulated siding can be used to comply with International Energy Conservation Code requirements for continuous insulation.
• How insulated siding contributes to additional building energy performance.

Insulated Siding as Home Insulation: Guide for Users and Energy Raters is a free resource that can be downloaded at www.insulatedsiding.info.

About the Vinyl Siding Institute

The Vinyl Siding Institute, Inc., located in Washington, D.C., is the trade association for manufacturers of vinyl and other polymeric siding and suppliers to the industry. VSI is the sponsor of the VSI Product Certification Program and the VSI Certified Installer Program. See www.vinylsiding.org.