When undertaking a home remodeling project, should you replace windows or siding first? Window replacement seems like a better starting point in terms of the installation process. However, an exterior remodeling company in Colorado Springs won’t always advise this order of events if certain factors are at play.
Discover how installing windows affects the siding, and vice versa, below.
When You Should Replace Windows Before Siding
Should you replace windows or siding first during an exterior remodeling job? If you’re going to replace both the siding and the windows as part of the same job, the go-to choice is to replace the windows first. Why?
When you’ve got a whole new construction job happening and things are developing, you would usually put in the windows before the siding. Regular replacement windows require a different installation process.
For example, professionals typically install a replacement window from the interior of the house and might not have to disturb the siding at all. If this is the case, it doesn’t matter in which order you install the siding and windows. If, however, those replacement windows require a new moisture barrier installation, the installers might have to cut into the siding to install the barrier.
If you put up the siding first, installing the new moisture barrier for the windows later might force you to cut the new siding, which could damage it. In that situation, your property would face less risk of damage when hanging the new siding after installing the window’s moisture barrier.
Note here that windows require capping material over their exterior frames. If you’re replacing windows first, wait to install the capping material until after completing the siding. Otherwise, you might damage the capping while hanging and securing siding.
When You Should Replace Siding Before Windows
Should you replace windows or siding first? Is the siding in poor shape? Siding that allows moisture to penetrate could increase the level of damage to the home’s structure, so cracked or broken siding might need replacement first.
Some people may want a new siding color right away for aesthetic purposes. If you don’t mind paying a little extra for the window replacement later, go ahead and replace the siding to instantly spruce up your home exterior. Broken pieces of siding and rotting wood are also clues that you should not wait any longer to replace the siding.
Hanging the siding first means you may have to spend extra later to repair damages that happen during the window replacement process. Such repairs can be significantly cheaper than repairing the home’s structure from ongoing moisture damage, though.
It’s Beneficial To Install New Windows and Siding at the Same Time
Should you replace windows or siding first when both have to go? Typically, the best option for exterior remodeling is to replace both windows and siding at the same time. It costs more but minimizes the potential damage in replacing one or the other separately.
If you can afford to do both window and siding replacement at the same time, you’ll also have fewer disturbances to your home life. The process of separately putting in replacement siding and windows creates longer inconveniences.
Lastly, installing both types of products gives your home the maximum energy-efficiency benefits. Your home will be more comfortable and have better curb appeal with new windows and siding together. You might even save on energy bills sooner.
Why You Shouldn’t Put Off One Over the Other When You’re Prioritizing Home Value
Even if you’re questioning whether or not to do them together, never put off replacing poor-quality siding or failing windows. Redoing windows and siding in the right order won’t matter much if you’re having to pay for moisture damage or structural repairs because you delayed the replacements for too long. The benefits of new materials usually outweigh any logistical concerns.
Why not let a trusted exterior home remodeling company inspect your current windows and siding and chat with you about fitting the replacements into a limited budget?
Trust Our Experts for All Your Home Exterior Remodeling Needs in Colorado Springs and Beyond
At Rowe And Macphail Renovations & Construction LLC, our experts can help with all your home exterior and interior remodeling needs. Should you replace windows or siding first? Our team can provide exterior remodeling tips that help you decide and prioritize modern upgrades for better energy efficiency.
Need to improve your home’s moisture barrier? Think about siding and window replacement or other exterior upgrades? Contact Rowe And Macphail Renovations & Construction LLC today at (719) 963-7209!
