Old windows with worn, outdated frames age your home and can lead to leaks and drafts. New windows are more energy efficient and offer safety features such as hurricane-proof glass.
It’s generally best to replace your windows and siding at the same time for aesthetic and practical reasons. Simultaneously replacing your windows and siding gives your contractors the opportunity to install window capping, a moisture barrier that extends under the existing frame and around the new siding.
Aesthetics
From an aesthetic standpoint, replacing vinyl windows and siding at the same time can make a home look newer and cleaner. It can also improve the energy efficiency of a home by matching the design elements and materials.
If you choose to replace your siding before replacing your windows, you will probably have to install a temporary capping on the window to protect it from moisture until you can get the new siding. However, if you have to do this, it will detract from the overall look of your home.
Additionally, installing the capping on your windows after your siding is installed can damage the existing siding or even cause it to buckle. This can be an expensive and frustrating problem for homeowners. Replacing windows and siding at the same time is the best solution for homeowners looking to improve the appearance of their homes. Fortunately, there are many Milwaukee home improvement specialists who can help with this project.
Energy efficiency
The windows and siding on a home both play an important role in energy efficiency. The windows allow air to move in and out of the house, while the siding provides additional protection from external elements like cold or hot air and rain. When these two aspects of your home are not working efficiently, you can end up paying more than necessary on your monthly energy bills.
On the aesthetic side, upgrading both at the same time is ideal for keeping your home’s design cohesive. Sleek, elegant windows surrounded by old and worn siding look out of place.
It also makes sense to install the windows first, as a moisture barrier will be needed around them when installing new siding. In addition, the capping on the window frames is prone to damage during the removal of the existing siding, and most contractors will want to recap the windows as soon as possible after the siding has been installed.
Cost
A homeowner will save money if they choose to have their windows and siding replaced at the same time. Having the projects done simultaneously means that you can use your contractor for both jobs at once, and there are no additional costs.
Aesthetically, windows and siding are a big part of the overall design of your home. Elegant and sleek new windows surrounded by faded and dented siding isn’t a look that most homeowners want. Having both projects done at the same time ensures that your home’s aesthetic stays cohesive and beautiful.
Additionally, doing both projects at the same time allows your contractor to precisely install capping around your new windows. This is important because capping protects your home’s window frame from moisture, and if you delay the replacement of your existing windows until later, your contractor may need to cut into the siding in order to install window capping. This can damage the siding, requiring it to be repaired or replaced at a later date.