Is the outside of your home looking less than its best? When the siding is dented and loose and the windows are cracked and peeling it dramatically impacts curb appeal. Not to mention leaving a way for wind, water, and animals to find their way inside the house.
But, you may be wondering which area of the home exterior to focus on first. Should you tackle the windows or get siding replacement? Burnett Home Improvement can help you with the decision.
If You Must Choose Between Windows or Replacement Siding
Burnett Home Improvement understands the challenge of maintaining your home on a budget. Homeowners would like to take care of everything that needs replaced or repaired at once, but that’s not always possible. If you need to take care of one home remodeling project at a time, it’s better to start by replacing the windows.
Our contractors may need to cut away parts of the siding and trim in order to install your new windows. This is because windows are usually installed with a plastic moisture barrier that extends underneath the siding. No homeowner wants to see brand new siding cut into and potentially damaged. By installing replacement windows first, you’ll prevent the potential damage to your new siding later.
Also, when contractors install the siding there is a risk of damage to the metal caps on your window frames. Most contractors will simply replace the damaged metal caps when finished installing the replacement siding. There is no reason to waste the effort of replacing metal caps on old windows that are going to be removed anyway.
When You Can Do Both
We always recommend replacing both the windows and siding at the same time to prevent damage to either and to save you time. If you want to replace those older windows eventually, consider getting new ones while during a siding replacement project. The same goes for replacing the siding at the same time you are updating the windows.
It may cost more initially, but this choice gives contractors the chance to install a moisture barrier with your windows and properly install the metal caps on your window frames after the siding is nailed onto your home. Replacing both also serves as a complete home exterior remodel that will certainly boost curb appeal!
Considering the Condition of Each
It’s also important to consider the condition of your siding or windows before choosing which to replace. The part of your home that is most damaged should be prioritized to protect the rest of your property from further harm.
Try not to worry about potential issues that could come later from replacing the siding before the windows. If the siding needs it, your home will still benefit.
Hiring a skilled Tulsa siding company is one way to avoid damage to your windows when updating the home exterior. Let Burnett Home Improvement show you what makes our services superior to others on the market. Simply give us a call or fill out our online form to set up a free, no-obligation consultation with an expert right away.
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FAQs
Windows Before Siding is Almost Always the Answer
Should I replace my windows and siding at the same time? ›
In an ideal scenario, homeowners should replace both the windows and siding in one project, starting with the windows. This results in an exterior built for long-term protection and proper insulation. Sometimes homeowners just can't tackle it all at once, though, usually due to budget constraints.
Can I replace windows without replacing siding? ›
Still, when it comes to window replacement, people want to get more by spending less, which is why many want to know – Is window replacement without removing siding possible? Truth be told, replacement windows don't require siding removal.
Is it cheaper to replace siding or windows? ›
Lastly, your budget. Weather you decide to purchase siding or purchase windows is another factor that needs to be taken into consideration. Windows tend to be more expensive than siding replacements, so if you're on a tight budget, you may want to prioritize siding over windows.
Should you replace doors or siding first? ›
While it is possible (I have done it many times) to replace a door unit after the siding and trim are installed, the work will be easier and the quality of the installation likely greater if it is installed prior to the siding.
How much value does new siding and windows add to a home? ›
Reasons New Siding Increases Home Value
Curb appeal is important, especially if you plan to sell your home in the future. In fact, it can increase its selling price by 7% to 14%, depending on where you live. Potential buyers will perceive your home as more attractive if its siding is in good shape.
How much value does new windows and siding add? ›
Replacing windows and siding cost versus resale value
When replacing windows, you'll likely recoup up to 74% of costs and 76% of costs for siding replacements. These are also some of the least expensive improvements that add curb appeal and value to your home.
Can I replace just the window and not the frame? ›
In the process of window insert replacement, a new window is installed inside the existing window frame. If you have structurally sound window frames and it doesn't make sense to start from scratch there, you can keep that existing interior and exterior trim intact and only replace the window itself.
What windows should you replace first? ›
Windows that are broke, warped, fogging, or just falling apart are the windows to replace first. These windows need to be replaced out of necessity before additional damage happens to them or to your home that will cost you much more than the price of a new window.
How much does it cost to add a window to a house with vinyl siding? ›
The cost to install a window in an existing wall will differ from project to project. A price range that you can expect for the combination of the siding, framing, and finishing work is between $1,000 and $5,000 per window. If that's within your budget, get in touch with a local contractor.
New siding can increase the value of your home exponentially, and it's one of the easiest exterior upgrades to make. Whether you're planning to list your home for sale or simply investing in upgrades to increase property value for the long term, new siding is a smart choice.
What type of siding adds the most value to a home? ›
Brick Siding
Brick is a very low-maintenance exterior siding option that will last at least 100 years on average. Brick also tends to increase your home's value as compared to other exterior siding types, so it can be a good choice if you'd like to turn a home into an investment property.
Is it worth it to replace siding before selling? ›
Why Homeowners Should Consider Replacing Their Siding. If you're planning on selling your home in the next three to five years or sooner, it could pay off to re-side it. After all, first impressions are made in seven seconds, and a home exterior with old siding will not produce a positive response from potential buyers ...
How do I prepare my house for new siding? ›
6 Tips to Prepare your House for Vinyl Siding Installation
- Remove all shutters, downspouts, and fixtures. On older homes, replace any rotten wood and securely nail all loose boards, siding, and wood trim. ...
- Don't forget flashing. ...
- Install furring. ...
- Apply Housewrap. ...
- Don't forget insulation. ...
- Lay the groundwork.
Here's the average life expectancy of siding based on the type of material it's made from: Vinyl siding – Should be replaced every 10-20 years. Fiber cement siding – Should be replaced every 50 years. Aluminum siding – Should be replaced every 20-40 years.
Is it worth replacing siding on a house? ›
Installing new siding to increase your home value is about much more than just good Not only do exterior renovations look great and protect the home, but they also boost curb appeal in a dramatic way and contribute to a more impactful first impression, which can raise the property value.
What is the gap between siding and windows? ›
Their advice on this is, “Maintain a gap of 1/4″-3/8″ between window frame and final exterior wall surface (siding, stucco, etc.).” This is from their literature.
