Here’s the Simple Answer You’ve Been Looking For
If you are planning exterior upgrades, there is a good chance you have already hit a very common dilemma:
“Should I replace my windows first or my siding first?”
And honestly, it is a great question. It is also one that can feel confusing when different companies give you different answers, often based on whichever job they happen to sell.
At Southwest Exteriors, we install both windows and siding across San Antonio, so we do not have to nudge you in one direction just to make a sale. Our goal is to help you understand the order that protects your home, protects your budget and makes sure you never pay twice for the same work.
So let’s walk through how to make the right call for your home.
Why This Question Matters More Than You Think
Windows and siding work together as a system around your home. If you replace one in the wrong order, you can accidentally create extra labor, extra cost or small issues that come back to haunt you later.
This is why homeowners search this question thousands of times every month. You want to get it right the first time and you should.
The good news is that the answer is actually pretty simple once you know the logic behind it.
The Short Answer: Most Homes Should Replace Windows First
For the majority of homes, the best sequence is: Windows first. Siding second.
Here is why that order works so well.
1. It prevents damage to new siding
Window replacement requires removing trim, cutting sealant, adjusting openings and sometimes modifying the framing. If your new siding is already installed, it can get scraped, cracked or pulled apart during the window process. That means repairs, patching or redoing work you already paid for.
2. Siding installers need to work around finished windows
When siding crews install Hardie or other materials, they need the window frames already in place so they can flash, seal and integrate everything cleanly. New siding is designed to meet your new windows, not your old ones.
3. You avoid double labor charges
Change the order, and you pay twice for the same trim work. Done in the right order, the window trim, flashing and siding all marry together in one clean workflow.
But There Are Times When Siding Should Come First
While windows first makes sense most of the time, there are exceptions. Your home might fall into one of these situations.
1. Your siding is failing or rotting
If your siding is letting in water, insects or moisture, you need to stop that problem immediately. In that case, siding becomes priority number one because it protects everything behind it, including the window openings.
2. You are changing the structure or layout
If you plan to enlarge openings, remove windows or dramatically alter the exterior design, siding may need to come first so you can rebuild the envelope before placing new units.
3. You are only replacing a few windows
If you are doing windows in phases and most of your siding is still healthy, we can often install siding now and return for the remaining windows later without issues. It depends on your home’s construction and condition.
A good contractor should look at the full picture, not force you into a particular direction just because it is easier or more beneficial to them.
How to Decide for Your Home: Three Simple Questions
Here is the question-first approach we use in every consultation. Ask yourself:
1. What problem am I trying to solve first?
Drafts? Heat? Water damage? Appearance?
Your main goal helps determine the order.
2. Is anything leaking right now?
If there is active water damage, that piece (window or siding) goes to the top of the list.
3. Am I changing the look or structure of the exterior?
Design upgrades can shift the order depending on the final vision.
Once you answer these, the right path usually becomes clear.
Why Order Matters for Long-Term Value
Replacing windows and siding is one of the biggest exterior investments you will make. When you do it in the right order, you get:
- A tighter, more energy-efficient home
- A cleaner finished look
- Longer-lasting performance
- Fewer callbacks and repair costs
- Better flashing and waterproofing
- Higher resale value
When the project is done in the wrong order, you risk:
- Damaged siding
- Voided workmanship warranties
- Water intrusion from poor sequencing
- Paying twice for trim and caulking
- Gaps, uneven lines or mismatched installation
This is one of those times where the details really matter.
How Southwest Exteriors Protects You When You Do Windows and Siding Together
We install both categories, so we design your project as a system, not two separate jobs. You get:
- One project plan
- One team responsible for the final result
- One warranty
- One point of accountability
- A quote that stays valid while you phase your project
- Guidance tailored to your home, not our convenience
Whether you replace both at once or in stages, we help you get the right sequence that protects your home and your wallet.
The Bottom Line
You do not have to guess the right order or stress about making the wrong call.
Most homes do windows first and siding second.
Some homes switch that order based on leaks, damage or redesign.
The safest path is simple: start with a plan that is built around your home instead of a salesperson’s preference.
If you want someone to walk the exterior with you and explain the best order for your specific home, schedule a commitment-free consultation. We will look at your windows, siding and goals, then show you exactly what should come first and why, with no pressure and no rush.
Your home deserves a clear plan. We would love to help you build it.
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