It’s no secret. Your home’s exterior is the first line of defense against Pennsylvania’s unpredictable weather. And if your windows, doors, or siding are starting to fail, it’s going to affect more than your home’s curb appeal.
The truth is, drafty windows, doors, and siding can drain your wallet in more ways than one. Steadily rising energy bills are often the first sign of trouble, with ongoing maintenance issues not far behind.
So, if you’ve been considering a few choice exterior upgrades, this article’s for you. Give it a quick scan and learn when it’s time to take action, as well as how to make the smartest decisions for your home and budget.
Let’s break it down.
Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Windows, Doors, and Siding
Luckily, you don’t have to be an expert to recognize the signs of a worn exterior. If you’re noticing any of the following, it’s time to consider upgrading before matters get worse.
- Drafts or Rising Energy Bills: If your windows and doors feel cold to the touch in winter—or let warm air in during the summer—it’s a clear sign their seals have failed. Also, keep an eye on your utility bills, as drafty windows and doors can account for 25-30% of residential energy loss.
- Water Stains or Soft Spots: When moisture gets in through leaks around your windows, doors, or siding, you’re looking at potential rot, mold growth, and framing issues sometime in the future—and once it starts, it only gets worse.
- Visibly Worn Siding: Cracks, bubbles, loose panels, streaks, and mold… all are signs that moisture is getting in behind your siding. In many cases, individual panels can be replaced, but act ASAP—or you may be looking at a full-blown siding replacement before you know it.
- Increased Noise Pollution: More outside noise getting into your home is another sign your windows are failing. And while additional noise mostly affects your peace of mind, those air leaks also let in your home’s natural enemy: water.
What Are the Benefits of Replacing My Home’s Windows, Doors, and Siding?
The main reasons to replace your windows, siding, and doors—especially here in Pennsylvania—are saving money, improving curb appeal, and making your home healthier to live in.
Consider the following facts.
- The U.S. Dept. of Energy has found that homeowners save $126–$465 annually by replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows—and upgrading existing double-pane windows with newer models can still save you $111 per year.
- 25-30% of residential energy loss is through the windows—something that needlessly stresses your HVAC system. This means not only higher bills, but also additional maintenance issues and replacements, which can easily cost you $10,000.
- New windows and doors provide an excellent ROI. New steel entry doors return an average of 101.8% of their cost on resale. And home buyers are willing to pay 10% more for a recently updated home.
- Poor indoor air quality is linked to irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; headaches; dizziness; and even cancer. Larger windows let in more natural light and fresh air, creating a happier, healthier, and more comfortable environment for everyone inside.
Which Should I Replace First: My Windows or Siding?
Budget constraints often make it difficult to tackle multiple problems at once. But with some strategic planning, you can fortify your home from the elements, save money on bills, and prevent major headaches down the line.
That said, the decision of whether to replace your siding or windows first will depend on your situation.
Here’s what to think about:
Replace your windows first if they are leaking, warped, or poorly insulated. These compromises to your home’s seal can damage the surrounding walls and framing. Additionally, you risk tearing into fresh siding panels when it comes time to replace the windows (though this is preventable with a skilled contractor).
That said, if your siding is seriously damaged—cracked, buckling, or letting water in—any moisture penetrating your home can destroy insulation and the framing behind the exterior. In that case, siding installation should be your first move.
When in doubt, a trusted contractor can help you make the best choice for your situation and budget.
Can I Replace My Windows Without Damaging My Siding?
The short answer is yes, usually.
Ultimately, this depends on your home’s construction and who’s doing the work. When done correctly, window replacement in Chester County—and our surrounding Lancaster and Berks counties—should not damage the surrounding siding.
The key is hiring experienced pros who know how to carefully remove and install windows while preserving the integrity of your siding—something we’ll cover in a moment.
Is it Cheaper to Get My Windows and Siding Replaced at the Same Time?
If your budget permits, combining window replacement and Chester County siding services has many benefits, including a lower overall price.
When you replace your siding and windows simultaneously, labor costs go down as siding, trim, and flashing are only removed once. Then, with new windows in place, your contractor can wrap the home in a complementary siding style in a single session.
Additionally, this is where working with skilled, detail-oriented professionals—including Amish contractors in PA with a reputation for quality craftsmanship—pays off. They’ll make sure your new windows fit perfectly, prevent leaks, and look absolutely seamless next to your existing siding.
How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your Exterior Renovations
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a contractor to replace your windows, doors, and siding:
- A strong portfolio featuring examples of window installation, siding installation, and door replacements is a must
- Clear communication about timelines, materials, and warranties keeps you in-the-know and demonstrates transparency and honesty
- Local expertise and knowledge of building codes. You don’t want a project done improperly, or one that the city demands you fix down the line
Additionally, you should shop around for a contractor that feels right to you. And while you have your options, our crews would be remiss not to throw Smucker Exterior’s name into the hat.
Here’s why…
Smucker Exteriors Knows How Important Your Home Is
It’s where you and your loved ones live. It needs to be safe, comfortable, and energy efficient. And sometimes, that means updating old work.
The Smucker team has been keeping PA homeowners safe and dry for over 20 years. We back all of our projects with a lifetime workmanship warranty and crews trained beyond best practices. And while major upgrades aren’t always cheap, you can rest assured it’s better for you and your loved ones in the long run.
So don’t wait. Get your free quote today. Because you deserve a home you're proud of—and that starts with windows, doors, and siding that protect your wallet, look amazing, and make your home a healthy, comfortable place to live.
