Spring Remodel: Which Should You Replace First – Windows, Siding or Roof?

Following a long and cold winter, there is no better way to put a literal spring in your step than with a spring remodel. The harsh winter weather can oftentimes cause some damage to your home, and as everything begins to thaw out, now is the perfect time to start considering the home improvement projects you want to tackle. Perhaps you need a major remodel, like a new roof? Or maybe a siding update will do the trick to help make your home look brand new again? Perhaps your windows need replacing after you noticed some air leakage and drafts throughout the winter months? 

Whatever the project, spring is a great time to get started. However, how do you know which project to tackle first? If no home improvement project is desperately urgent, what is the best order to remodel your home? At Windows on Washington, we would recommend the following: roof replacement/repair, followed by new windows, followed by new siding. Why that order specifically? The reasoning is simple: this order ensures your new installations will not be damaged by other home improvement projects you undertake. For example, if you start with siding and move onto a new roof, the new roof installation could damage the siding you just replaced. Similarly, if you decide to move forward with new windows and doors, but plan to replace your siding next, you may end up paying for the trim wrapping around all the windows and doors x2.

Now we know the order, let us take a look at each home improvement project and the benefits of each. 

1. Replacement Roof 

A  replacement roof is one of the best home improvements you can make. Not only does a replacement roof improve the look of your home, but it can also create increased  energy efficiency and add significant safety and comfort. 

Increased Energy Savings

How we treat the environment is vital.  Yet, sadly old roofing systems were not designed with the environment in mind.  Unlike modern roofing systems which offer eco-friendly and cost-saving features, many of today’s modern roofs have increased insulating values, as well as ‘cool’ roofing options, which can increase your home’s heat deflection and save you in energy costs. These features keep your home’s temperature more constant year round, reducing the need for air conditioning and heating. 

A Comfortable Home 

These days, we spend a lot of time inside our homes, so it is important we are comfortable there. An important benefit of your roof is to ensure the temperature inside your home is stable and comfortable year round. A new roof helps keep you comfortable inside your home but keeping it at an even temperature throughout the seasons. This can also greatly reduce your utility bills depending on which materials you choose. 

Safety and Security for You and Your Family 

A new roof also increases the safety and security of your home. Old roofs that are at the end of their lifespan can often be a huge safety hazard for things like water damage, which comes with the associated risks of mold and mildew seeping into your home. Not to mention old roofs are much less likely to withstand extreme weather, which is not only a safety risk but also a costly affair if you are caught with unexpected urgent repair costs. 

2. New Windows

Replacing your windows should be your next spring remodel project, and here is why. 

A New Look 

There are plenty of benefits that come with replacing your windows, one of them being achieving the aesthetic look you want for your home. The good news is modern window finishings are extremely versatile and can be adapted to suit any style and taste, with window frames also coming in a large range of colors and finishes.

Air Seal Your Home  

Another important benefit of replacing your windows is they help to air seal your home. Air leakage is one of the biggest impacting factors when considering the energy efficiency of your home. By replacing your windows, you will help ensure any gaps will not appear between the window and the frame throughout the year and changes in weather. This leads to increased energy savings as newer windows significantly slow the loss of energy when compared to older windows. 

Noise Pollution Protection 

Finally, replacement windows can also add comfort to your home by eliminating or reducing the noise from outside penetrating inside. This is especially ideal if you live in a bustling community or on a busy street – the sound difference is certainly noticeable. The feeling of added comfort also comes from the improved security replacement windows offer. 

3. Upgraded Siding

The final piece of the spring remodel puzzle is upgraded siding. Upgraded siding is perhaps one of the best spring home improvement projects you can undertake (but it is often overlooked!) The siding on your home does not only provide unique character and charm, but it is also there to protect the interior structure of the home from the elements. Siding is what protects the inside of a home from rain, humidity and moisture, high and low temperatures and insects and pests. For this very reason, ensuring your siding is up to scratch and in peak condition is vital. 

Better Curb Appeal 

A spring remodel is not just about functionality – the exterior matters too! That is why siding is the ideal project – it improves the look and functionality of your home. As with anything, siding ages over time and more often than not fades to a less vibrant color than it originally was. If you want to freshen up the exterior look of your house, siding is the perfect spring project. When you replace your siding, you can change the color and add some architectural details to your home, which can really add to curb appeal. 

Fix Structural Damage 

Old siding can sometimes allow rainwater to leak around the windows of your home, which has the potential to cause major structural damage. Sometimes, this type of damage is obvious, yet sometimes it is hidden and you will not know there is damage until you remove the siding. When you replace the siding of your home, it is usually possible to repair any structural damage from the outside without causing any problems to the interior of your home. 

Improved Energy Efficiency 

When replacing your home’s siding, you can also choose to add insulation to the exterior walls. Most older homes do not have any wall insulation at all (or minimal insulation), so when the exterior siding is being replaced, it is a good time to consider adding insulation (or extra rigid foam insulation) behind the façade when your home improvement contractor has easy access to the area.

Be Prepared – Book Your Home Improvement Contractor Today 

Spring is a popular time to remodel, so do not delay in booking a project consultation today. It takes time to  find the right contractor, and not to mention sourcing the needed materials, any permits and so on. So, if you are looking to do a spring remodel, get in touch with WoW today to find out how we can help.