# Is insulated vinyl siding worth it?

> Insulated vinyl costs about $2 more per square foot than standard vinyl in Northern Indiana ($7.50–$10.50 vs $5.50–$8.50 installed). It is worth it mainly for a stiffer, straighter, quieter wall that resists dents, plus a modest cut in drafts. Do not buy it on energy savings alone: the foam adds roughly R-2 to R-3, which helps most on older homes with little insulation in the walls.

Source: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/siding-decisions/is-insulated-vinyl-siding-worth-it

## Prices (installed, Northern Indiana)

| What | Range |
|---|---|
| Standard vinyl siding, installed | $5.50–$8.50 per square foot of wall |
| Insulated vinyl siding, installed | $7.50–$10.50 per square foot of wall |

Prices updated 2026-10-15.

## Worth it if…

$7.50–$10.50 per sq ft
- Your walls have little or no insulation (common before 1980)
- You have long, flat walls where standard vinyl looks wavy
- Hail or kids’ balls hit the siding
- You want the wall to sound and feel solid

## Skip it if…

$5.50–$8.50 per sq ft
- The house already has insulated walls and foam sheathing
- Budget is tight and the money is better spent on tear-off and wrap
- You are siding a garage, shed or pole barn
- You plan to sell within a couple of years

**Standard vs insulated vinyl**

|  | Standard vinyl | Insulated vinyl |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Installed price | $5.50–$8.50/sq ft | $7.50–$10.50/sq ft |
| Added R-value | About R-0.6 | About R-2 to R-3 |
| Stiffness and flatness | Can look wavy on long walls | Noticeably straighter |
| Impact resistance | Good | Better; foam supports the face |
| Noise from wind and rain | Some | Quieter |

## Where the real energy savings come from

Siding is the outermost layer, and its foam only partly covers the wall. Studs, corners and openings stay uncovered. The bigger energy gains on a re-side come from sealing gaps and installing new house wrap during a tear-off, which stops the air leaks you feel as drafts. Insulated vinyl then adds a continuous layer over most of the wall, including the studs, which fiberglass between the studs cannot do.

## Does vinyl siding need an air gap?

Standard vinyl hangs loosely and its hollow back drains and dries naturally, so it does not need a separate air gap. Insulated vinyl’s foam is grooved to let water drain. Both go over a water-resistive barrier such as house wrap, and both must be nailed loose enough to slide as they expand and contract.

## FAQ

### How much more does insulated vinyl siding cost than regular vinyl?

About $2 more per square foot installed in Northern Indiana: $7.50–$10.50 versus $5.50–$8.50. On a house with 2,000 square feet of wall, that is roughly $4,000 more.

### Is insulated vinyl better than fiber cement?

It costs less and adds insulation that fiber cement does not have on its own. Fiber cement lasts longer, will not melt and looks more like painted wood. Fiber cement over foam board closes the insulation gap at a higher price.

### What are the benefits of vinyl siding?

Low cost, no painting, easy repair of single panels, a wide range of colors and profiles, and a lifespan of 20 to 40 years with only an occasional wash. Thicker and insulated grades also stay straighter and resist impact better.

Book a free siding estimate: https://www.hoosiercladding.com/book/free-siding-estimate · Call (574) 931-2119