Full Description

This paper presents case studies that explore the viability of insulation and window upgrades during siding retrofits in four areas across the United States. Approximately one million homes are re-sided every year, but only a fraction of consumers upgrade the thermal performance of their homes at the same time even though a siding replacement is the ideal time to add insulation and upgrade the windows. To better understand why more siding retrofits do not include insulation and window upgrades, research staff from several organizations collaborated with the U.S. Department of Energy on a multi-faceted research project that included a cost analysis, workforce analysis, market assessment, and contractor assessment. This paper will review four in-field case studies conducted with contractors actively engaged in home re-siding projects who agreed to add exterior rigid insulation and window upgrades as part of their projects. Findings from the case studies will be presented including contractor perspectives, cost, and technical approaches on projects located in multiple climate zones including Bellingham WA, Jackson MS, Kalamazoo MI, and Phoenix AZ. All projects involved adding continuous rigid insulation on the exterior walls during a siding replacement. All homes also received a window upgrade. Upgrades varied depending on the original condition of the windows and the climate: upgrades included triple-pane windows, low-e storm windows, and exterior solar shades. Key findings, including technical approaches, opportunities, barriers, and project costs, are presented.

Product Details

Published: 2022 Number of Pages: 9 Units of Measure: Dual Product Code(s): DBldgsXV-C013