Abstract: A panel for mounting on an exterior wall includes a shaped, molded backing member and a siding member attached to the backing member wherein the shape-molded backing member includes a rear face and an opposing front face. The shape-molded backing member is composed of closed cell expanded polystyrene foam, the front and rear faces having an outer surface composed of a tough smooth skin.

Abstract: An insulation backing for use in a siding product or an insulated siding panel that includes a backing member composed of a closed cell polymeric material. The insulation backing or backing member including a rear face having a planar surface and at least one geometric region that deviates from the planar surface.

Abstract: A method for installing siding panels to a building includes providing a foam backing board having alignment ribs on a front surface and a drainage grid on a back surface and then establishing a reference line at a lower end of the building for aligning a lower edge of a first backing board and tacking thereon. Tabs and slots along vertical edges of the foam backing board align and secure adjacent backing boards to each other. A siding panel is butted against one of the lower alignment ribs and secured thereto. Another siding panel is butted against and secured to an adjacent alignment rib to form a shadow line between the adjacent siding panels on the building.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a drainage system of an exterior wall of a building comprising insulation having a rear face for contact with the exterior wall of the building and a drainage plane positioned on the rear face for removal of water from the exterior wall.