What insulated siding actually adds over standard vinyl
Insulated siding is standard vinyl siding with a layer of rigid foam laminated to the back of each panel. That foam adds exterior R-value to the wall assembly, which helps on older Ottawa homes where wall insulation is thin or inconsistent, and it also stiffens the panel, which smooths out minor bumps and waviness in the sheathing underneath rather than telegraphing every imperfection through to the surface. It costs more than standard vinyl and is heavier to handle during installation, but for homeowners doing a full re-side anyway, it’s often a reasonable upgrade for the added performance.