Should You Replace Your Siding or Windows First?

When it comes to upgrading your home exteriors, the question of whether to replace siding or windows first often arises. Given the unique challenges of the local climate, making the right decision is crucial for both aesthetic appeal and home efficiency. Enchantment Windows & Doors sheds light on this matter here.

Importance of Replacing Windows Before Siding

The following are some of the reasons why replacing windows first before siding makes sense:

• Cutting Into Siding for Window Replacement. One primary reason to prioritize window replacement involves the installation process itself. New windows necessitate a moisture barrier around the frame that extends beneath the siding. Introducing this barrier could mean cutting into your existing siding, which isn’t ideal, especially if it’s newly installed. Addressing the windows first means any necessary adjustments to siding can be done efficiently without risking damage to new materials.
• Efficiency and Comfort. Improving home efficiency and comfort is a major concern for many homeowners. Windows often play a more significant role in energy loss and interior temperature control than siding. Upgrading to high-quality windows can significantly enhance your home’s insulation, sealing off drafts, and subsequently reducing heating and cooling expenses. It’s an investment that pays dividends in both comfort and utility costs.
• Aesthetic and Functional Upgrades. Replacing windows before siding also offers immediate aesthetic and functional improvements. Modern windows not only boost curb appeal but also enhance natural light, outdoor views, and noise reduction, creating a more pleasant living environment. Windows that offer UV protection can prevent sun damage inside the home, protecting furnishings and floors.

Exceptions to the Rule: When Siding Should Come First

There are exceptions where siding might need priority. Examples include if the existing siding is severely damaged, presenting risks of moisture penetration that could compromise the home’s structural integrity. In such cases, prompt siding replacement can prevent more extensive and costly repairs down the line.

The Ideal Scenario: Replacing Siding and Windows Concurrently

Whenever feasible, undertaking both projects together presents an optimal scenario. This approach allows for the seamless integration of moisture barriers and window capping, minimizing disruption and potential damage. It also enables a cohesive design and aesthetic upgrade to your home’s exterior. 

Generally, replacing windows before siding is advisable. This approach protects your investment by ensuring efficient, effective installation and maximizing the benefits of both upgrades. However, addressing both concurrently, when possible, offers the most advantages, ensuring a cohesive, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing outcome for your Albuquerque home.

For all your window replacement needs, turn to Enchantment Windows & Doors. Our company provides residential and commercial window and door replacements designed to withstand the extreme high-desert climate and altitude. To learn more about our wide selection of high-performance window and door products, give us a call at (505) 881-2020, or fill out our contact form to get a quote.