What Siding Insulates the Best? A Guide for Homeowners in Ohio

When it comes to choosing the right siding for your Ohio home, insulation should be a top priority. With hot summers and cold winters, having energy-efficient siding can make a significant difference in your utility bills and overall comfort. But what siding insulates the best?

Why Siding Insulation Matters

Your home’s siding is like a protective shell, but not all siding materials insulate the same way. Some types trap heat in better during the winter and keep it out during the summer, while others do very little on their own. Insulation performance is measured using R-value—the higher the number, the better the insulation. A standard home wall, with proper insulation behind it, usually has an R-value of 13 to 21, but siding can add to that. Let’s go over the most common siding types and their insulation values.

The Best Insulated Siding Options

1. Vinyl Siding (R-Value: 0.61 with insulation, 0.20 without)

Vinyl siding by itself has one of the lowest R-values—about 0.20. However, insulated vinyl siding includes a foam backing up to 1.5 inches thick, increasing its R-value to around 0.61 to 2.0, depending on the product. If you want better insulation from vinyl, insulated versions are the way to go.

2. James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding (R-Value: 0.37, thickness: ~5/16")

Fiber cement siding, like James Hardie, is known for durability, but in terms of insulation, it’s not the best performer. At about 5/16 inches thick, its R-value is around 0.37. It’s denser than vinyl, which helps a bit, but to get real insulation benefits, you’d need to install rigid foam insulation underneath.

3. Wood Siding (R-Value: 0.81, thickness: ~3/4")

Wood siding has a natural R-value of about 0.81 at 3/4-inch thickness, making it better than standard vinyl or fiber cement. However, wood requires more maintenance to prevent rot and pests.

4. Engineered Wood Siding (R-Value: 0.62, thickness: ~7/16")

Engineered wood siding is designed to be more durable than traditional wood while still offering decent insulation. At around 7/16-inch thickness, its R-value is about 0.62, slightly lower than solid wood but still better than fiber cement.

5. Stucco (R-Value: 0.40, thickness: ~1")

Stucco is about 1 inch thick and has an R-value of 0.40. While that’s not very high, stucco is often applied over an insulated wall system, which is where most of the insulation comes from.

6. Brick (R-Value: 0.44, thickness: ~4")

Brick siding is one of the thickest options at around 4 inches, but its R-value is only about 0.44. Like stucco, brick works best when combined with insulation inside the wall.

The Best Insulation Strategy for Ohio Homes

If we’re ranking siding based on insulation alone, insulated vinyl and wood perform the best. But here’s the key: Siding alone is NOT the biggest factor in your home’s insulation.

The real secret is what’s installed behind the siding. Adding rigid foam insulation board can boost your home's R-value by 3 to 6 points, no matter what siding you have. Even a fiber cement or brick home with proper insulation behind it can outperform an insulated vinyl home without it.

The most common thicknesses for foam insulation are:

• 1/2 inch (R-Value ~3.0)
• 1 inch (R-Value ~5.0 to 6.0)
• 2 inches (R-Value ~10.0 to 12.0)

For the best results, pairing a high-quality siding with a 1-inch or thicker insulation board is the way to go.

Upgrade Your Home with American Way Exteriors

At American Way Exteriors, we specialize in installing high-performance, energy-efficient siding tailored to Ohio’s unique climate. Whether you're interested in James Hardie fiber cement, insulated vinyl, or engineered wood siding, our team can help you choose the best option for your home.

Get a Free Siding Consultation Today!

Don’t let poor insulation drive up your energy bills. Contact American Way Exteriors today for a free consultation and find out how our siding solutions can improve your home’s efficiency and curb appeal.

📍 Serving all of Ohio, including the Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, and Cleveland metropolitan areas.

📞 Call us at (937) 221-8860 to schedule an appointment!