Planning home renovations can require a little bit of strategy if you’re planning on remodeling multiple parts of your home at the same time.
If your home is in need of both windows and siding, you may be curious about which order to perform the work. Both siding and windows can be expensive projects, and you may want to do one at a time instead of both together. We’ll look at some different situations to tell you when to install siding or windows first.
Generally, if a contractor is installing both your windows and siding, they’ll replace the windows first and the siding second. By installing the windows first, you don’t have to worry about reinstalling the trim.
Let’s look, however, at some different situations, including what to do if you want to paint your exterior instead of installing new siding.
Are you also installing a roof? Learn more about which to install first, siding or roofing.
Windows or Siding First
Most of the time, you want to address your windows before your siding. When replacement windows are installed, your installer may need to make adjustments to the siding to properly fit and seal the new windows. By tackling the windows first, you avoid damaging freshly installed siding. Replacing your windows first allows for your siding to be precisely installed around the new frames, creating a cleaner, more polished look, and a tighter seal.
And, If your windows are in poor condition, single-pane windows, or beyond 20 years old, you should replace them first. In addition to the installation order logic, it will save you more on your energy bills.
Read more: Should you repair or replace your doors and windows?
Installing Siding First
There are times, however, when you may want to install your siding first. This happens when your siding is damaged, cracked, or blown off. You want to protect your home from moisture, so it’s important to repair or replace your siding right away.
Not sure if you need to update your siding ASAP? Here are 9 signs that you should replace your siding. If you fall into any of those categories, then yes, by all means, invest in new siding before you replace your windows.
Ideally, if you have the budget, it’s best to install windows and siding at the same time, allowing the contractor to correctly apply the siding around the installed windows without any concern about reusing materials.
Which Should I Do First, Paint the Exterior or Install Windows?
If you’re painting the exterior of your home, the best time to paint is between the installation of the windows and the installation of the final trim. That way, you’ll have a perfectly neat line around the windows. This may not be the ideal situation for the window installers if they aren’t employed by the same company as the painters, but it will generate the best results. In this situation, we generally recommend waiting until after your windows are installed to have your house painted to avoid any damage to the paint.
And, if you need windows because yours are broken or damaged, obviously, the painting can wait. Professional painters are experienced in working around windows.
Want to paint over your siding? Learn more about painting vinyl siding.
Should I Install New Siding When I Install New Windows?
There’s a good chance that if your house has both its original siding and original windows, they will wear out at the same time. In that case, you may be tempted to replace both at the same time. Generally, this is what we recommend as well.
Read more: What to expect when you install siding
Replacing both at the same time has many benefits for the longevity of the project and the curb appeal of your home. However, we understand that that may not be financially feasible, so it is possible to finish in two phases without losing quality. That’s where high-quality, trusted contractor comes in.
Trust Volpe Enterprises, Inc. to install your windows and your siding, no matter which you decide to install first. Our project consulants can advise you on the best strategy for your exterior home renovation. Contact us today!
