Siding & Window Projects in Wichita, KS

Why doing both together makes sense

Window leaks are among the most common causes of rot inside exterior walls. On most houses, the window's nailing flange and the flashing around it are tucked under the siding and tied into the water-resistive barrier. When windows are replaced without touching the siding, installers often use insert (pocket) windows set into the old frames, or work around the siding as best they can. When the siding is off, the full window can be removed, the rough opening inspected and repaired, and new flashing integrated with new house wrap the way the window manufacturer and building code intend.

• Better flashing: sill pans, side and head flashing lapped correctly into the barrier.
• Rot found and fixed: damaged sills, jack studs and sheathing around openings are visible and repairable.
• Matching trim: window trim and casing can be chosen to match the new siding.
• One disruption: one dumpster, one round of yard cleanup and one schedule.
• Insulation upgrades: if foam is added under the siding, window trim depth can be planned for it.

Sequencing the work

1. Order windows early. Custom-size windows take time to arrive. Siding tear-off usually waits until the windows are on site so walls are not left open.
2. Tear off siding around the openings (or the whole house) and inspect the sheathing.
3. Remove old windows, repair rough openings and install sill pans.
4. Install new windows per the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Integrate flashing and house wrap so each layer laps over the one below.
6. Install trim and siding.

Who coordinates matters. Some siding contractors install windows; others work alongside a window company. Ask who is responsible for the window flashing details, because that is where the two trades meet.

Retrofit vs. new-construction windows

• Insert (retrofit) windows fit inside the existing frame. They are less invasive but reduce the glass area slightly and rely on the old frame and flashing.
• Full-frame or new-construction windows replace the whole unit down to the rough opening, with a nailing flange flashed into the wall. This is the natural choice when siding is coming off.

Permits

In Wichita and other MABCD areas, replacing windows with the same size or smaller units without altering structural framing is exempt from a building permit, and siding repair or replacement up to 400 square feet in 12 months is exempt (Wichita-Sedgwick County Unified Building and Trade Code (permit exemptions)). A whole-house re-side needs a siding permit, and enlarging window openings or changing structure needs a building permit. Other cities set their own rules. Ask the contractor to confirm which permits apply.

Egress and safety glass

If bedroom windows are being replaced, ask whether the new units meet emergency escape opening requirements. Windows near doors, tubs, stairs and in large panes near the floor may require safety glass. The contractor should know the code for your jurisdiction.

Budgeting

Doing both at once is a bigger budget than either alone, but it can cost less than doing them separately years apart, because the second project would mean disturbing the first. Some homeowners split the work: windows on the front and the most-used rooms now, the rest later, with flashing done right on the replaced ones. Others re-side one elevation at a time and replace windows on that wall at the same time. The cost guide covers what drives the cost of each.

After a hailstorm

Hail that damages siding often breaks window glass, tears screens and dents aluminum window wrap. If both siding and windows were damaged, document both for your claim and ask your insurer how they are handled. See hail damage siding.

Choosing window trim with new siding

• Vinyl siding: J-channel or wider vinyl or PVC window trim; wider trim gives a more finished look.
• Fiber cement and LP SmartSide: matching trim boards, painted with the siding or in a contrasting color.
• Steel: matching steel trim and coil-wrapped casing.
• Stone veneer: stone sills or trim with flashing where stone meets the window.

Questions to ask

• Who installs the windows and who is responsible for the flashing where windows meet siding?
• Are the windows insert or full-frame, and why?
• Are sill pans included?
• How will rotted sills and framing be priced if found?
• What warranty applies to the windows, to the siding, and to the installation?

The guide to replacing windows and siding at the same time covers the pros and cons in more depth.

Energy efficiency

New windows and siding are both chances to tighten up a house. With the siding off, gaps around window frames can be sealed with low-expansion foam, the house wrap can be taped at seams and openings, and rigid foam or insulated siding can be added. Window energy performance is shown on the NFRC label (U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient). In Kansas, with hot summers and cold winters, both numbers matter; ask the contractor or window supplier which ratings make sense for each side of your house.

Getting a quote

Choose "Siding plus windows" on the form and tell us roughly how many windows. We will call you back to set up a free quote. If that contractor does not install windows itself, ask how it coordinates with the window installer.

What does it cost? See published national ranges for siding and window projects in the siding cost guide. They are general industry estimates, not quotes.

Related guides

• Should You Replace Windows and Siding at the Same Time?

Good to know: Requesting a quote is free and there is no obligation. Ask for a written quote that lists the material, the scope, permits and the warranty terms.