This is not another “the chicken or the egg” thing, there’s actually a right answer here
We recommend installing windows before siding to avoid extra work.
You must remove siding before adding new windows, but not to install replacement windows.
New windows are usually a better investment than new siding, as they insulate the house and reduce energy bills.
Popular siding options include stone, brick, wood, stucco, vinyl, and more.
Get quotes from multiple contractors before adding windows and/or siding.
If you’re planning an upgrade of your home’s exteriors, you’re likely reviewing options to revamp your windows and siding. Before you dive into the project, be sure to determine whether to install new windows or siding first. In most cases, professionals recommend installing windows before siding to avoid extra trim and siding work. Let’s review the pros, cons, and factors to consider when installing windows first.
In almost all cases, it’s better to install your windows before your siding so you won’t have to redo trim and siding work. Here's a full breakdown based on the type of new windows you’re installing.
New construction windows means adding a completely new window (frames, window panes, trim, and more) where there originally wasn’t one. These are usually installed from the exterior of the house. You may have to remove trim or siding to put them in, so always do them before siding if possible. You may also need to put in a new moisture barrier, capping, or repair the framing. The project often includes waterproofing the exterior, which is best left to a professional.
Replacement windows simply means upgrading your existing windows. Because replacement windows are installed from the interior, you could put them in before or after your siding. You won't need to remove siding to install them, but check with your contractor to see if your framing, capping, or moisture barrier needs repair (more on this below). Replacement windows tend to be easier to install and can be a project for moderate DIYers.
Think of your siding as the finishing touch to your project. Leave siding installation for last if possible, so you won't have to rip out and redo any of your work.
As already mentioned, the golden rule is windows before siding. There are several components to a window aside from just the frame and glass to keep in mind during installation.
If you’re installing new windows, you’ll likely need new capping around your windows, which is better to install before your siding. Capping is a protective covering, usually made of aluminum, that surrounds your window frames. It seals the gap between your windows and wall, protecting your home from leaks and water damage.
If you were to tackle siding first, the capping on your old windows could get damaged while removing the siding. You’ll need to recap the existing windows, then cap your new windows when you install them—doubling the expense. Depending on the number of windows, it could cost you several hundred dollars or more to cap and recap them.
Beyond capping, your windows have a moisture barrier that sits behind the siding. If you replace your siding first, you may have to tear off some of the new siding to install your moisture barrier, then reinstall your siding, which could add to the cost.
If you’re hiring the same contractor to do your windows and siding and you choose to do your siding first, ask about free window capping for when they install your new windows.
If you’re adding a window where there originally wasn’t one (in the case of new construction windows), you’ll have to carefully remove your siding to install them. You don’t have to remove siding to replace windows if you use replacement windows and your framing and moisture barrier are in good condition.
If your budget is forcing you to make an either-or decision, windows are almost always the better investment. Not only are new windows aesthetically pleasing, new windows can help insulate your home, save you money on energy bills, and increase the comfort of your home. When you replace your windows, you may also want to reinsulate any gaps between the window and your wall.
While new siding can look nice and offers your home protection, you can always budget for new siding down the road. Local siding contractors can help estimate how much new siding for your home costs.
New windows and siding have the power to do more than boost your curb appeal. They can increase your home’s energy efficiency, which in turn decreases your energy consumption and—more importantly—decreases your energy bill. Siding offers extra layers of insulation to your home, but should you go a step further with insulated siding?
As a homeowner, you have tons of house siding options to make your home look good and protect it from the elements. Keeping factors like budget, climate, and maintenance in mind, you can choose between some of the more popular styles, including:
Vinyl siding
Stucco siding
Wood siding
Fiber cement siding
Metal siding
Stone siding
Brick siding
If you decide to go the insulated route, you’ll have to stick to vinyl siding. Insulated vinyl siding is one of the more expensive types of vinyl siding. It’s an upgrade from the norm where rigid foam insulation is attached to the back of the siding to fill and block air gaps. Not only does this increase energy efficiency, but it can also soundproof your home from outside noise. Insulated vinyl siding has more material than typical vinyl siding, making it heavier and more expensive to ship and install. The cost of materials and installation will give your siding project a higher budget, but insulated vinyl siding is guaranteed to last longer than most other siding options.
Above all, your decision depends on what your house needs the most. If your siding is in bad shape but your windows can hold up a little longer, address the most pressing issue first. If both projects can wait, it can make better financial sense to hold off for both to avoid duplicative work and expenses.
Steps to take for successful window and siding installation:
Ask for contractor referrals from family and friends.
Get quotes from at least three local companies and read reviews.
Ask for the contractor’s advice on the best and most affordable way to tackle your projects.
Check to see if there are guidelines for window and siding installation specific to your municipality.
Look into available tax credits. Some energy-efficient windows qualify for a federal credit.
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Ecohouse SolarWanted Exterior Windows/Screens washed but was overbooked, so I skipped it, which is fine. Performed job while I was away. Called to tell me he was finished. Upon inspection of his work he missed one entire side of the house. Noticed other side of house was missed - as in a muddy...
Soap and WaterI was very impressed with Miller Cantrell! I live in an old home in which the sewage line that runs from my home to the sewage system is a line of clay tile. These eventually collapse and need to be replaced - an expensive problem and sure to happen at the worst time. I told them that my...
Awful. Made an appointment 1 month in advance. Two days before the delivery appointment they called and said they would be there in the morning to pick up my furniture. The appointment was made at 4:30 in the afternoon, and I had written it down to make sure. I told them that the correct...
Great!, Was able to get them to show up within 2 hours of calling, which was very much needed. Had a new refrigerator delivered that could not be installed. The main water shut off to my house and the shut off to the old refrigerator could not be turned off. Water was leaking everywhere...
A Mann Plumbing LtdThe work went great! Couldn't ask for better. Joel set a work start date. About the time of the storms that may have been associated with Sandy. He was half a day late. They set up on a Thursday. On Friday they had a full crew at work. By Monday they were finishing up. Now, the best...
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We had to replace rotten wood on both buildings and shingle the sides of our dormer walls on the main building. Prior to replacing the roofs we had to tear down a deteriorating chimney to the roofline and Muth and Co worked with our hired chimney vendor to complete the project. While...
Muth & Company RoofingTHE CHALLENGES WERE TO CREATE A SECOND BATH AND MASTER SUITE IN A SECOND FLOOR OF A SMALL AREA OF OUR HOME WHERE SPACE WAS TIGHT. JEFF DEVELOPED ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS THAT MADE MAXIMUM USE OF SPACE AND TURNED A VERY TIRED OLD SECOND STORY INTO A SHOWPLACE. HE ALSO DESIGNED A GARAGE THAT HAS...
Conner Arcitecture llcFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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