Can You Replace Your Windows and Siding in One Go?

Siding and windows make up a large part of your home’s exterior. They should work together to improve your home’s curb appeal, insulation and protection from the elements. If you’re planning a siding replacement, can you also have your windows replaced at the same time? Yes, you can. And there are some reasons why you should.

Window Capping

Contractors typically expect a window’s capping to be damaged when the old siding is removed. This means they have to replace the capping. So if you replace your siding and not your windows, or if you decide to replace your windows later, you’ll be spending more money on the window capping replacement during the siding installation and then again when you replace your windows.

Moisture Barrier

Your contractor has to cut into your new siding to make way for the moisture barrier beneath the window frame. This is what’s going to happen if you replace your windows and not your siding. This may also add to the cost of your window replacement.

Better Energy Efficiency

Insulated siding installation can improve your home’s energy efficiency by adding to your home’s protection against heat transfer. However, if your windows are old or poorly insulated, your siding’s ability to insulate your home is severely compromised.

When you install new windows with double-glazed Low-E glass and insulative frames, but you don’t replace your old siding, your new windows might not be that effective. There could be rot behind your old siding and you don’t even know it.

There Are Some Considerations…

Of course, if either your siding or your windows are fairly new, it’s probably not the best idea to replace them both at the same time. Even if you have to pay a bit more to have the moisture barrier installed (by cutting into your siding) when you install new windows, it’s still a lot less money than what you’ll spend if you also replace your fairly new siding. Besides, that would be a waste of perfectly good siding.

Another consideration is the cost of doing both projects together. These are serious investments in terms of the product cost, so unless you have a plan for paying for the two projects at the same time, it’s probably best to delay one.

If you need to replace both but you can only afford one right now, replace your windows first. Professional contractors typically install the windows before the siding anyway. That being said, make sure to check which one between the windows and the siding is in worse condition, then replace that first.

Get in touch with Hunterdon Roofing, Siding and Window Company to replace your siding, your windows, or both. Call us today at (908) 735-0809 or fill out this form.