Should I Replace Windows and Siding at the Same Time?

Home renovations can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to making decisions about major exterior updates. Among the most common dilemmas homeowners face is whether to replace windows and siding concurrently. Tackling both projects simultaneously might seem like a hefty undertaking, but it can also present unique advantages in terms of efficiency, aesthetics, and cost savings. As you plan your next home improvement venture, it’s worth considering the pros and cons of coordinating your window and siding replacements.

Balancing Window and Siding Replacement: Timing and Cost Considerations

Thinking of giving the exterior of your home a makeover? It makes sense to tackle a window and siding replacement at the same time. Both are key elements of your home’s overall energy-efficiency, and replacing one before the other may result in damage to whichever gets replaced last.

The 2023 Infrastructure Bill may help make this costly project possible. It provides 30% (up to $3,200 total) annually on energy saving home upgrades, which this project falls into. However, the total cost is still high, and it may make replacing both at once impossible. In that case, here is how to decide whether you should replace your windows or siding first.

Replacing Siding and Windows: Which One Should Be First?

Typically, it is best to replace the windows first because of their capping, which is the protective covering placed around window frames.

Since your original windows’ capping will probably be damaged when the siding is removed, your installer will likely want to recap your windows right away, whether they are new or not. That means if you choose to do siding first, and wait to replace windows, you’ll have to pay extra to have the windows capped a second time. 

Usually, contractors will replace windows first, even when siding and windows are being replaced in the same time period.

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When to Replace Siding First

Although it’s generally best to replace windows first during a window and siding replacement, it’s not always the right choice. These are times when it’s best to replace siding before the windows:

1. Hazards. You should replace the siding on your home first if there are problems that could cause damage if they are allowed to linger. For example, if there are bulges and warps in the siding, it could be an indication of problems underneath that may cause damage to the structure of your home. Also, if siding is protruding, people walking by could be injured.
2. Rotting. If your siding has not been replaced in a long time, it could be rotting. In this case, you definitely want to make sure the siding is handled right away before diving into window replacement.
3. Gaps. Gaps in your siding should be taken seriously because they can lead to damage from mold and moisture. In addition, gaps can attract pests. If you find any gapping, cracks, or holes, you’ll want to replace your siding first.
4. Molding. Mold and mildew growing on your siding needs to be addressed right away to prevent damage to your home. In addition, mold can cause health problems, so you should replace the siding to protect your family.
5. Shingles. If your home’s siding is made of shingles, look at the condition of them before making a decision. If the shingles are in bad shape — such as broken or missing — then you want to work on the siding first.

When to Replace Windows First

On the other hand, these are situations when it’s best to replace your windows before the siding:

1. Breaking, rotting, and damaging. The frames of your windows can be an indication of whether or not you should replace them first. If they are rotting, breaking, and experiencing water damage, then it’s time for the windows to be replaced.
2. Hard to open and close. When your windows become warped, it can make it difficult to open and close them, which can cause several problems. When they won’t open, it can be a hazard if there’s an emergency and you need to use the windows to leave your home. If the windows won’t close, it can significantly increase your energy bills as cold air gets into the house. Also, windows that won’t close make it easier for pests, and intruders, to come in.
3. Condensation. Condensation is a sign that your windows are not limiting moisture and heat transfer. If you have water in your window panels, it can cause serious damage. 

Cost to Replace Siding and Windows Together

A window and siding replacement is a huge investment. The average double-hung window costs between $300 and $700 to replace — and that’s just for one window. Swapping out all the windows in a typical three-bedroom home can cost $3,000–$7,000. Siding for an 1,800 square foot home runs an average of $8,000–$10,000, with expensive siding options like stucco costing upwards of $20,000.

Window and Siding Replacements

Replacing windows and siding at the same time makes the biggest impact on your home's efficiency.

• Can be more cost-effective than doing the projects separately

• Energy-efficient and can lower utility bills

• High total cost may mean splitting this update into two projects

Average Cost for 1,800 sq. ft. home:

$11,000 - $17,000

The average window and siding replacement project costs between $11,000 and $17,000.

If you have the budget to replace both at once, you will see a good return on your investment right away in the form of lower utility bills plus a like-new home exterior that significantly changes the overall feel and aesthetic. However, as you explore the average costs of both projects, you may decide it makes more sense to replace only one.

Improving the Energy Efficiency of Your Home’s Exterior

A window and siding replacement can have a huge impact on your home’s energy profile. Windows in particular can allow conditioned air to escape through the frames and joints, while your siding acts as a protective layer to ward off excess heat and chill. 

When you’re trying to save energy, all parts of your home need to be considered, so it doesn’t make sense to replace your windows with energy-efficient low-e glass windows if you have air and moisture seeping through cracks in the siding.

A siding replacement also offers an opportunity to improve your home’s insulation. Rigid foam insulation and a housewrap installed behind vinyl siding can improve the R-value of your walls, so you become less vulnerable to drafts and weather. That, along with better-performing windows, may significantly reduce your energy costs, particularly if you live in an area that sees intense winters.