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Should I Install Windows or Siding First?

You are wanting to put the new siding on your home, but should you put the siding first or the windows? This is a very important question. You would want to take the proper steps to ensure that your home is secure from air flow and even water damage, so it is pertinent to make sure that you seal your home up properly.

No worries, we will take this step by step and I will even give you some links that may even help you further along with this process!

What Comes First?

Well, if you are looking to buy one project at a time such as windows then siding or vice versa then I must say that is not a good idea. Generally, people get both done at the same time. I understand that is not always the case though. Sometimes people only do one project per six months or once a year and you really don’t want to wait around doing siding especially if the siding is damaged and needs to be replaced quickly. Angie’s List has some information on this issue.

For the most part, I see that whatever has the need for the most attention should come first but if you plan on doing both it is ideal to go ahead and do both the windows and the siding at the same time. It makes it easier to do it all at once too. It leaves only one mess and one big project to do that way you won’t feel like your home is always under construction.

I Am Installing Windows and Siding, Which One Comes First?

Now, if you have decided to have both projects done at the same time, one will need to be installed first. NorthGuard Windows and Doors, a specialist in Vaughan window replacement says, the windows would come first in this scenario. The reason being is that it gives the contractors time to set the window in just how it needs to be. It gives just the right amount of space to secure the foil that helps secure and air proofs your windows. It can be hard to do that when siding is in the way. With the siding off and out of the way, it makes for a better passage for the contractor to do his work.

Also, if the windows are of different sizes it gives the contractor a chance to make some custom changes so the window will fit properly. SFGATE has a web page for how to install them yourself but it is very informational on the installation of windows before siding and why you should go in that order. Nevertheless, you can install the siding first if you have already started on that. It is just more beneficial to start with the windows.

Tips When Installing Siding Yourself

If you plan on installing the siding to your home yourself, I would like to give you a few tips. For starters always work with a partner. This gets the job done quickly and your workload is lighter. The most important reason why you should work with a partner is the safety aspect. Safety is key in any situation. Being on a ladder and nailing things into place can pose a hazard as with any hard work. It is always good to have a second pair of eyes and arms.

Another great tip is the siding that you buy. Just getting simple installing siding can make the job go really fast. There is siding that simply clips into place which eliminates the stressful need to nail in every single piece. The job goes by fast and you are less tired because there is less work in installing it.

Before you start installing or buying anything you should always measure first. They say measure twice then cut once. In this case, you should measure first before you even buy. This will tell you just how much siding you will need for the entire project on your home.

Another key thing to remember to do is to use a level. You do not want your siding to be going at an angle. That can cause water issues and it can also just look terrible. You should check the course as you go along in the installing process.

Make sure that you have plenty of air flow for yourself too. This will make the job go by in a breeze. Extra extension cords and some fans will do the trick. You can find a lot of useful tips and information on the DIY’s webpage. It even warns of placing a grill to close to the house. That can mess up siding quick.

Conclusion

No matter the case, you can install whichever you like first, but it makes it easier to put the windows in first. Remember to always use safety!

Replace windows and siding together, or windows first

Q: We are considering installing new siding, vinyl or some other type, on our home. We’re also considering new windows as a possibility. If we add them, should the new windows be installed before siding? Does it matter?

A: Most exterior remodeling experts I’ve talked to have said you can do either project first. Ideally, you’d do them at the same time; but if you can’t, it’s typically best to install new windows before adding siding. Though it’s possible both projects could be done independently of each other with no additional cost, it’s more likely that you’ll pay more if you add the siding first.

Most contractors tell me if they were to do both projects at the same time, they would put the windows in before adding the siding. Installing the windows first allows the contractor to set them into place and then precisely finish off all the capping surrounding the windows before adding the siding. Window capping is a protective covering, usually aluminum, that is often added to exposed exterior frames during the installation.

If you decide only to focus on replacing the siding first, the capping on your old windows is something that can damage easily when the old siding is removed, so you’ll have to have those old windows capped again. If you later choose to purchase new windows, you’d have to pay to have those capped as well. Obviously, you don’t want to pay to cap your windows twice. Depending on the number of windows, that could cost several hundred dollars or more..

Another potential problem with doing the siding first is, when it comes time to install the new windows and the moisture barrier for them, the barrier will need to go behind the siding. That means some of the new siding could have to be removed and later reinstalled, which could add to the cost.

If you’re hiring the same contractor to do both jobs and siding is the priority, ask if he or she will give you free window capping, if your windows need capped, when the time comes to install your new windows.

Before you hire anyone to do this project, I recommend you seek out the advice from at least three local companies with good reputations.

Ask for advice on the best and most affordable way to tackle your plan and if there are guidelines for window and siding installation specific to your municipality. Check before you hire that the company carries the proper licensing and liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Also, ask about available tax credits. Some energy efficient windows qualify for a federal credit of up to $200 if installed this year. That alone could be the incentive you need to replace your windows as well.

Exterior Renovations: Should I Update My Windows or Siding First?

Homeowners want to invest in their homes, and when it comes to improvements that make a big difference, siding and window replacement are two things that can make a big impact on a home’s performance. For homeowners tackling exterior renovations, the most common question is often, “Should I update my windows or siding first?”

Here are a few tips dealers can pass along to their homeowner customers in order to help them efficiently spend their time, effort and money when undertaking this kind of remodel.

When Should I Replace That?

Most contractors will suggest tackling the entire exterior renovation simultaneously, starting with replacing the windows. “Installing the windows first allows the contractor to set them into place and then precisely finish off all the capping surrounding the windows before adding the siding,” explains Angie Hicks with Angie’s List.

Windows can account for 25-30% of energy lost in your homeowner customer’s home, and that kind of loss adds up over time. Replacing old windows is an excellent step towards conserving energy in the home. “If you are selecting windows for new construction or replacing existing windows, it’s important to choose the most efficient windows you can afford that work best in your climate,” according to the Department of Energy. New windows can even promote better indoor health for homeowners by helping with ventilation and air quality.

There are a few reasons to replace the windows first in a project like this instead of first replacing the siding. “If you decide only to focus on the siding first, the capping on your old windows is something that can damage easily when the old siding is removed, so you’ll have to have those old windows capped again,” explains Angie.

There isn’t just the potential for damage, but homeowners can run into additional costs if they choose to replace the siding before the windows. “If you later choose to purchase new windows, you’d have to pay to have those capped as well,” says Angie. “Obviously, you don’t want to pay to cap your windows twice.”

Homeowners will need to replace the moisture barrier, which goes behind the siding if they’re installing new windows. “That means some of the new siding could have to be removed and later reinstalled, which could add to the cost,” says Angie. If homeowners need to replace several windows, those costs can quickly add up.

Replace windows or siding first?

Chris Cogan

Michael Plante

Personally at the same time would be best

If not possible I would do windows, siding then porch

Austen Mueller

It depends what’s in worse condition. what type of siding is currently on there, and how bad are the windows? Moisture problems loss of heat? But if nothings pressing I would start with the windows as well.

J Scott (Moderator) —

Windows first. Then siding. Ideally at about the same time, so that you don’t have any open penetrations.

Chris Cogan

@Austen Mueller I currently have vinyl siding that is warped and has a few small golf ball sized holes. The windows are roughly 50 years old and the wood is starting to get soft on most of them. There are no signs of water damage.

Austen Mueller

if you have the budget for it. Do the windows. And get them aluminum wrapped if possible. It’ll reduce maintenance and increase the life of the windows

Chris Cogan

Windows first. Then siding. Ideally at about the same time, so that you don’t have any open penetrations.

Evan Polaski

@Chris Cogan : are both in fine condition and you just want to upgrade both? Or do they both need it and you have budget for them?

As others mentioned, typically windows then siding at the same time. But clearly you can do either or both at anytime, as I have had siding replaced without doing windows and windows replaced without doing siding.

Chris Cogan

Thank you @Evan Polaski Both need to be replaced but I also want to upgrade. The windows are in worse condition than the siding so I could potentially wait on the siding. I’ll have to budget to both both but sense I will be managing the project I didn’t know if it was critical to do one before the other.

Do you or @J Scott recommend a particular siding? I was thinking of replacing the vinyl with hardie plank but I curious to hear other options. The house is a 1300 sqft colonial.

Evan Polaski

Hardie plank is a much nicer product, and will cost more all around (material and labor). We used hardiplank on a duplex in a very nice part of town, but it really depends on your area and market.

Austen Mueller

What are the other houses in the neighborhood wrapped with. I would keep it cheap and simple unless it’s in a nicer area where they be more necessary

Ryan Herting

Rule of thumb, always replace the windows first and then put up siding. Doing things this way is usually the order of operations. If it’s in your budget, I would also recommend replacing the windows.

Josh C.

House wrap, then windows, then siding

Flashing you windows correct is really important for long term water proof house. Make sure the house wrap and window guy are good at water proof details. Super important.

Also, new construction windows are easier and cheaper typically than replacement style ones and work well when doing the siding afterwards if your trim allows it.

Theresa Harris

I’d also start with the windows. If you are going to replace the porch and change it, I’d do that next and siding last. Changing the porch or redoing it can impact the siding.

Joe Splitrock (Moderator) —

@Chris Cogan the best situation is to rip off all the siding, replace the windows, then put the siding back on. Depending on the type of window replacement, it can necessitate removing siding which is why it is best to do both at the same time. There are window inserts that don’t require siding removal, but they may not be possible or as good from a water/air tight situation.

Due to the age of the property, it is very possible that vinyl siding is installed over another siding. That is another consideration as you start ripping out windows, because you may choose to take off the first layer of siding.

In an ideal situation, you rip everything off. Put new vapor wrap on the house. Install windows with proper water seal around. Then I would install fiber cement siding (Hardiplank is one brand). I have had that siding on two houses now. It won’t get damaged in a hail storm and will never rot. Most brands have a 50 year warranty. You have to paint it, but in my opinion that is better than fading vinyl siding.

Chris Cogan

Hardie plank is a much nicer product, and will cost more all around (material and labor). We used hardiplank on a duplex in a very nice part of town, but it really depends on your area and market.

Chris Cogan

@Chris Cogan the best situation is to rip off all the siding, replace the windows, then put the siding back on. Depending on the type of window replacement, it can necessitate removing siding which is why it is best to do both at the same time. There are window inserts that don’t require siding removal, but they may not be possible or as good from a water/air tight situation.

Due to the age of the property, it is very possible that vinyl siding is installed over another siding. That is another consideration as you start ripping out windows, because you may choose to take off the first layer of siding.

In an ideal situation, you rip everything off. Put new vapor wrap on the house. Install windows with proper water seal around. Then I would install fiber cement siding (Hardiplank is one brand). I have had that siding on two houses now. It won’t get damaged in a hail storm and will never rot. Most brands have a 50 year warranty. You have to paint it, but in my opinion that is better than fading vinyl siding.