The decision to replace windows and siding at the same time is an important one. These upgrades influence your home’s efficiency, curb appeal, and long-term protection, so timing plays a key role in getting the best results.
Handling both projects together can reduce labor costs and create a cleaner finish. Still, the right approach depends on your budget, goals, and the condition of your exterior, which is why planning with a contractor is critical.
Why Windows and Siding Work Best Together
Windows and siding meet where the trim and flashing sit on your house. If you swap one without the other, you often end up with gaps or extra work. Say you put in new siding but leave the old windows. The trim may not match, and the fit looks off. If you do windows first, the siding has to be cut and patched around them. That’s why many contractors suggest handling both at once. It’s cleaner and saves trouble later.
Should You Replace Windows or Siding First?
Most of the time, we recommend starting with windows. By setting the new frames first, we can fit the siding cleanly around them. This gives you a tighter seal, fewer gaps, and better energy performance.
When to Replace Siding First
There are some cases where siding must come first. If your siding is badly damaged, rotting, or letting in water, it makes sense to replace it before installing new windows. This way, we can repair the wall structure, stop leaks, and prepare the surface for both upgrades.
When to Replace Windows First
If your windows are drafty, broken, or hard to open, we suggest replacing them before addressing the siding. This prevents wasted labor since we won’t have to cut into fresh siding later.
When It Makes Sense to Do Both at the Same Time
Doing windows and siding together has clear benefits. One crew can handle both jobs, which saves money and avoids the hassle of calling workers back later. The trim and caulking also line up better, so the outside of your home looks more finished.
It also gives stronger protection. New siding and windows installed at the same time seal out wind and water more tightly. Since the work is done in one project, there’s less mess and less disruption. If you’re already fixing storm damage or planning a remodel, doing both at once is often the best choice.
Cost of Windows and Siding Replacement
Every home is different, but here are the main cost factors:
- Size of the home
- Type of siding (vinyl, fiber cement, or engineered wood)
- Style and number of windows
- Trim and custom details
When you do the work together, you often save money on labor. For example, our crew only needs to remove and reinstall trim once, instead of twice. You also get a smoother timeline with fewer contractor visits.
Energy Efficiency and Comfort
When you upgrade windows and siding together, the house seals up better. Drafts around frames and walls go away, so the rooms stay steady in summer and winter. That takes pressure off your furnace and AC, which means lower bills month after month.
Another change you’ll notice is how the house feels. Street noise drops, and the air inside doesn’t shift as much. It’s quieter, tighter, and simply more comfortable to live in.
How to Plan Your Project With a Contractor
Here are a few steps we guide our clients through:
- Inspection: We check both siding and windows for leaks, rot, and insulation issues.
- Measurements: Precise sizing is critical to avoid gaps and costly fixes.
- Project plan: We map out the right order for your home, budget, and goals.
Warranty review: Make sure your contractor explains coverage for both products and installation.
Why Work With Our Team
We live and work here in Kansas City, so we know how the weather hits local homes. Heat, cold, and heavy storms can all wear down siding and windows. Our team handles both jobs in-house. You won’t be dealing with different crews or trying to line up schedules. It’s one group you can count on from start to finish, which keeps things simple and makes the results last.
Conclusion
Replacing windows and siding together is often the smarter choice, but every home is unique. If both are aging or damaged, doing them at once can save you money and prevent headaches. If only one is failing, you may choose to start there and plan for the other soon.
Contact our team today to schedule a free inspection and learn the best path for your home.
