Why Windows and Siding Create the Perfect Home Upgrade
When considering exterior home improvements, windows and siding are two elements that work together to dramatically transform your home’s appearance, comfort, and efficiency. For homeowners searching for comprehensive exterior upgrades, here’s what you need to know about this powerful combination:
Windows and Siding: Key Benefits When Upgraded Together
- Energy Efficiency: Up to 30% reduction in heating and cooling costs
- Home Value: Average 70-80% return on investment
- Aesthetics: Complete, cohesive exterior change
- Protection: Improved defense against weather and moisture damage
- Maintenance: Reduced upkeep requirements with modern materials
Replacing your windows and siding simultaneously creates a seamless exterior envelope that maximizes energy efficiency while giving your home a fresh, updated look. Modern windows eliminate drafts and leaks, while quality siding provides superior insulation and protection against the elements.
As Mary L., a homeowner who recently completed such a project, shared: “The workmanship is second to none, and I am so thrilled to have a home that looks brand new and will continue to be beautiful for decades to come! My neighbors are still raving about what looks like a new house in the neighborhood!”
I’m Voytek Glab, owner of Perfect Windows and Siding with over 25 years of experience helping homeowners transform their homes through quality windows and siding installations across Chicagoland. My team and I understand that these upgrades represent significant investments that should deliver lasting value and beauty.
The Benefits of Upgrading Both Windows and Siding Together
Wondering whether to tackle your exterior renovations one at a time or all at once? Many homeowners face this dilemma, but there’s a compelling case for combining windows and siding projects into one comprehensive upgrade.
Gloria from Bartlett, IL shared her experience: “We replaced all of our upstairs windows and siding at the same time. The windows look fresh, and the installation process was easy. They look great and are much better than our name-brand windows that we previously had. We appreciated the great customer service and follow-up.”
Her satisfaction isn’t unusual – and there’s good reason for it. Let’s look at what happens when you upgrade these elements together versus separately:
| Benefit | Windows Only | Siding Only | Windows & Siding Together |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | 10-15% improvement | 5-10% improvement | 25-30% improvement |
| Installation Efficiency | Standard | Standard | Reduced labor and time |
| Weather Barrier Integration | Limited | Limited | Complete and seamless |
| Aesthetic Cohesion | Partial upgrade | Partial upgrade | Total exterior change |
| Warranty Coverage | Window-specific | Siding-specific | Comprehensive exterior protection |
| Project Disruption | Two separate disruptions | Two separate disruptions | Single installation period |
When you replace windows and siding as a single project, our installation teams can properly integrate all the critical elements – moisture barriers, flashing, and sealing around window openings. This creates not just a prettier home, but a more functional one with better protection against the elements.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Picture your home as a thermal envelope. When there are gaps in this envelope – like outdated windows or deteriorating siding – your heating and cooling dollars literally slip through the cracks. Upgrading both windows and siding simultaneously creates a complete thermal barrier that dramatically reduces energy loss.
Today’s replacement windows come packed with advanced features that old windows simply can’t match. They use Low-E glass coatings to reflect infrared light, multiple panes with insulating gas fills, warm-edge spacers to reduce heat transfer, and tight seals with weatherstripping to eliminate those annoying drafts.
Pair those high-performance windows with insulated siding options like CedarBoards™, which uses 1-¼” rigid foam backing to boost R-value up to 22%, and you’ve got a home that stays comfortable year-round with less work from your HVAC system.
Gloria P. noticed the difference immediately: “Just want to let you know what a difference the windows and new door has made, especially with that cold spell we had.” This isn’t surprising when you consider that damaged windows can account for 25-30% of energy loss in typical homes.
By addressing both windows and their surrounding envelope with quality siding, you’re creating a comprehensive solution that maximizes energy savings for years to come.
More info about energy efficient windows
Boosted Curb Appeal
Nothing says “wow factor” quite like the change that comes from new windows and siding. This powerful combination doesn’t just update your home – it completely reinvents it, enhancing its architectural character and creating a fresh, cohesive look that turns heads.
The visual impact is undeniable. When selected together, windows and siding create perfect harmony in style and color. The right window styles can highlight your home’s best architectural features, while complementary siding adds depth and character. With hundreds of modern siding color options available, you can completely refresh your home’s appearance in ways that weren’t possible even a decade ago.
Texture plays a huge role too. By combining different siding profiles with distinctive window styles, your home gains visual interest and dimension that flat, one-note exteriors simply can’t match.
As one delighted Chicago homeowner told us: “They gave me quality windows and doors at a reasonable price. My neighbors are still raving about my house.” That kind of neighborhood reaction is exactly what many homeowners hope for when investing in their property.
The change extends beyond just the windows and siding panels themselves. During installation, we can add decorative elements like corner posts, window surrounds, and accent panels that further improve your home’s character and create a truly custom look that reflects your personal style.
Top Window Options for Your Home
Selecting the right windows for your home is a crucial decision that impacts both aesthetics and performance. At Perfect Windows & Siding, we offer a comprehensive range of window styles and materials to match any home’s architectural style and your personal preferences.
When I meet with homeowners across Chicagoland, I often find they’re surprised by how many window options are available today. Let me walk you through some of the most popular choices that could transform your home.
Casement windows are a favorite for many of my customers. They’re hinged on one side and open outward like a door, giving you excellent ventilation and unobstructed views. What I love about casements is how tightly they seal when closed – perfect for our windy Chicago weather! They literally press against the frame when shut, creating an exceptionally energy-efficient seal.
Double-hung windows are perhaps the most classic and versatile style I install. Both sashes move up and down, letting you control airflow from the top, bottom, or both simultaneously. They’re perfect for nearly any home style from vintage bungalows to modern new construction. Plus, many of my customers appreciate how the tilting sashes make cleaning a breeze – no more dangerous ladder work!
Bay and bow windows are truly statement pieces. They project outward from your home, creating a little nook inside that’s perfect for a reading seat or display area. I’ve seen these windows completely transform ordinary rooms into extraordinary spaces filled with natural light. One customer told me her new bay window became her favorite spot for morning coffee – a little sanctuary with views of her garden.
Picture windows don’t open, but they provide the clearest, most expansive views of any window style. I often recommend these for living rooms with beautiful outdoor views or areas where maximizing natural light is the priority. They’re incredibly energy efficient since they have no moving parts or potential air leaks.
As one delighted customer shared after her consultation: “I absolutely was thrilled with my new windows. Before my consultation, I hadn’t considered a bay window as an option, but the results are incredible.”
More info about window replacement
Vinyl Windows
If I had to pick the most popular window material I install in Chicagoland homes, vinyl would win by a landslide. And for good reason – these windows offer exceptional performance without breaking the bank.
Vinyl windows are practically maintenance-free, which is a huge relief for busy homeowners. Unlike wood, they never need painting or staining. A simple wipe-down with soapy water keeps them looking brand new for decades. The color runs all the way through the material, so even if they get scratched (which is tough to do), you won’t see a different color underneath.
What impresses me most about today’s vinyl windows is their energy efficiency. The frames have multiple chambers inside – like little pockets of insulation – that significantly reduce heat transfer. This design is perfect for Chicago’s extreme seasons, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Brian G., who recently had us install vinyl windows, told me: “My new vinyl windows are great. The team that installed the windows did a great job and were very clean and left things neat.” This kind of feedback makes me proud of our work.
For families concerned about noise, vinyl windows offer excellent sound dampening properties. I’ve had customers in busy neighborhoods tell me they’re amazed at how much quieter their homes are after installation. The multi-chambered design that helps with energy efficiency also helps block outside noise.
Modern vinyl windows come in a surprising range of colors and finishes – it’s not just white anymore! We offer everything from classic whites and beiges to rich wood-grain textures that look remarkably like natural wood, but without the maintenance headaches.
Wood Windows
There’s something undeniably special about wood windows. When I install them in a historic Chicago home or a traditional-style new build, they bring a warmth and character that’s hard to match with other materials.
Wood windows offer timeless beauty with excellent insulating properties. Wood is a natural insulator – it doesn’t readily conduct heat or cold like aluminum or other metals. This makes wood windows remarkably energy efficient when properly maintained. In Chicago’s older neighborhoods, I often recommend wood windows to maintain architectural authenticity while improving comfort and efficiency.
The design versatility of wood is best. These windows can be painted or stained any color you can imagine, and can be changed over time as your tastes evolve. For homeowners who love to customize their space, wood provides unlimited possibilities.
Many of my customers are surprised to learn that modern wood windows aren’t as maintenance-intensive as those from decades past. Today’s manufacturing techniques include protective treatments and exterior cladding options that shield the wood from weather while preserving that beautiful natural wood interior. This gives you the best of both worlds – classic beauty inside with modern durability outside.
In historic districts, wood windows are often the preferred (and sometimes required) choice. Their authentic appearance maintains the character and value of historic homes. I’ve helped many homeowners in landmark districts find wood window options that satisfy preservation requirements while significantly improving energy efficiency.
While wood windows do represent a higher initial investment, many of my customers find the aesthetic appeal and longevity worth every penny. When properly maintained, quality wood windows can last for generations, becoming an enduring part of your home’s legacy.
Fiberglass Windows
When homeowners ask me about the absolute strongest, most durable windows available, I point them toward fiberglass. These remarkable windows represent the cutting edge of window technology, combining exceptional strength with outstanding energy performance.
Fiberglass windows are built to last – they’re up to eight times stronger than vinyl. This incredible strength allows for slimmer frames and more glass area, maximizing your views and natural light. For larger openings or picture windows, this strength is particularly valuable, as it prevents sagging or warping over time.
What makes fiberglass particularly well-suited for Chicago’s climate is its dimensional stability. The material expands and contracts at nearly the same rate as the glass itself, which means the seals between frame and glass remain intact through our extreme temperature swings. This stability prevents the air leaks and seal failures that can develop in other window types over time.
The energy efficiency of fiberglass is impressive. The material naturally resists heat transfer, and the frames can be filled with additional insulation for even better performance. I’ve had customers report noticeable differences in their comfort levels – especially in rooms that previously felt drafty or too hot depending on the season.
One feature my more design-conscious customers appreciate is that fiberglass windows can be repainted multiple times. This means you can change your window color down the road if you update your home’s exterior. Try that with vinyl windows!
While fiberglass windows do represent a premium option, their exceptional durability makes them cost-effective in the long run. These windows typically outlast other options by many years, reducing the lifetime cost of ownership. For homeowners planning to stay in their homes long-term, fiberglass offers peace of mind and lasting performance that’s hard to beat.
When paired with quality siding, fiberglass windows create an exterior that’s not only beautiful but built to withstand Chicago’s toughest weather for decades to come.
Top Siding Options to Consider
Choosing the right siding is just as crucial as selecting quality windows. Your siding defines your home’s character while providing essential protection against Chicago’s harsh weather. At Perfect Windows & Siding, we offer a variety of siding materials to complement any home style, budget, and maintenance preference.
When you’re exploring siding options, you’ll want to consider several important factors: how well it stands up to Chicago’s weather extremes, how much maintenance it requires, its insulating properties, how it complements your home’s architecture, and whether it offers good long-term value for your investment.
Let’s walk through the most popular siding choices for Chicagoland homes:
Vinyl Siding
It’s no surprise that vinyl siding remains America’s #1 selling siding material, outselling all other options combined. Homeowners love it for its perfect blend of affordability, durability, and minimal maintenance requirements.
Vinyl siding offers remarkable versatility and value. Modern vinyl siding has evolved dramatically from earlier generations – today’s premium options feature thicker panels (up to .046″ thickness) that resist impact, advanced UV inhibitors to prevent fading, and insulated backing that can boost your home’s R-value up to 22.
The color and style options are virtually endless. You can choose from hundreds of colors and multiple textures, from traditional lap to Dutch lap, board and batten, or shake styles. Many of our customers are surprised by how authentically today’s vinyl can mimic the look of natural wood, thanks to advanced manufacturing techniques that create realistic wood-grain textures.
Mark A., one of our recent customers, told us: “Everything looks great. I feel like our exterior is complete. I’ll certainly give you a great recommendation. We are very happy with all the work that was done!”
For Chicago’s unpredictable climate, vinyl siding performs exceptionally well. It doesn’t absorb moisture, preventing problems with mold, rot, and insect damage. It maintains its appearance and structural integrity through our freezing winters and humid summers, with premium options offering wind resistance ratings up to 220 mph.
Fiber Cement Siding
If exceptional durability and authentic wood-like appearance top your priority list, fiber cement siding represents an outstanding investment. This innovative material blends cement, sand, and cellulose fibers to create siding that stands up to virtually anything Mother Nature throws at it.
Fiber cement siding offers peace of mind in a way few other materials can match. It’s exceptionally durable, resisting rotting, warping, and cracking even after decades of exposure. Its fire resistance is particularly valuable – as a non-combustible material, it won’t fuel a fire. It also stands up admirably to hail and debris impact, a significant advantage during Chicago’s severe storms.
As a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, we’re specially trained and certified to install these premium products. The investment pays off – industry data shows that 91% of builders agree that fiber cement siding increases a home’s appraisal value.
You’ll find fiber cement available in various styles that complement any architectural design, from traditional lap siding to vertical board and batten, shingle and shake styles, and architectural panels. Factory-painted options come with high-performance finishes that resist fading and typically carry 15-year color warranties.
While fiber cement represents a higher initial investment than vinyl, its exceptional durability and lower lifetime maintenance costs make it cost-effective over the long term. Many homeowners appreciate knowing their siding will maintain its appearance and function for 50+ years with proper maintenance.
Engineered Wood Siding
For those who love the warmth and character of real wood but want improved durability and less maintenance, engineered wood siding offers the perfect middle ground. This innovative material combines wood fibers with resins and waxes to create a product that looks authentic but performs better in challenging environments.
Engineered wood siding gives you the best of both worlds. It features authentic wood texture and grain patterns that bring natural warmth to your home’s exterior. Yet unlike natural wood, it’s treated to resist moisture, decay, and insects – a significant advantage in Chicago’s variable climate.
The manufacturing process is quite fascinating. It removes air spaces within the wood fibers and replaces them with resins and waxes that resist moisture penetration. The material is then treated with zinc borate to prevent insect infestation and fungal decay. Many options are also made with sustainable wood sources and manufacturing processes, making them an environmentally conscious choice.
You’ll find engineered wood available in various styles that mimic traditional wood siding, including lap siding in various widths, panel siding, board and batten, and shake and shingle styles. It typically comes pre-primed and ready for painting, allowing you to choose any color that suits your home and neighborhood.
For Chicagoland homeowners who appreciate wood’s natural beauty but want improved performance in our challenging climate, engineered wood siding represents an excellent compromise between aesthetics, performance, and value.
Latest research on siding options
Windows and Siding: Improving Energy Efficiency Together
There’s something almost magical that happens when you upgrade both your windows and siding at the same time. It’s like giving your home a complete thermal makeover! Instead of addressing energy loss one piece at a time, you’re creating a complete protective envelope that works together to keep your home comfortable year-round.
Think of your home’s exterior like a winter coat. A coat with holes in the sleeves (old windows) and a worn-out body (aging siding) won’t keep you warm no matter how nice parts of it might be. When you replace both windows and siding together, you’re getting a brand-new coat that works perfectly as a complete system.
Modern building science has taught us that energy efficiency isn’t just about individual components—it’s about how everything works together. When we replace windows during a siding project, we can perfectly integrate the window flashing and sealing with the water-resistive barrier. This comprehensive approach eliminates those troublesome gaps and cracks where air and moisture love to sneak through.
Did you know that damaged or inefficient windows alone can account for up to 30% of your home’s energy loss? Add in problems with old siding and insufficient wall insulation, and you might as well be heating and cooling the outdoors!
Lower Energy Costs with New Windows and Siding
The financial benefits of upgrading both windows and siding go far beyond what you might expect. Yes, you’ll see immediate savings on your energy bills—but that’s just the beginning.
“I noticed the difference in my heating bill the very first month,” shared Kate R., one of our customers. “But what I didn’t expect was how much more comfortable every room would feel. No more cold spots by the windows! And we’re particularly happy with the kitchen awning window—the clear view and light it brings into the kitchen has transformed the space.”
When your home retains heat better in winter and stays cooler in summer, your HVAC system gets to take it easy. This reduced workload means your heating and cooling equipment lasts longer and needs fewer repairs. It’s like putting less mileage on your car—everything just works better and lasts longer.
Modern windows have come a long way from the single-pane glass of yesteryear. Today’s energy-efficient windows feature Low-E glass coatings that act like a thermal mirror, reflecting heat back to its source. In winter, this keeps your home’s heat inside; in summer, it reflects the sun’s heat away. Add in features like double or triple panes filled with insulating gas, warm-edge spacers, and advanced frame materials, and you’ve got windows that work hard to save energy.
On the siding front, options like insulated vinyl siding add a continuous layer of rigid foam insulation that can boost your wall’s R-value dramatically. This extra layer also helps eliminate thermal bridging—those areas where heat transfers more quickly through your wall studs, creating cold spots.
The best part? These energy improvements start paying you back immediately and continue to deliver savings for decades to come.
Tips for Buying Energy Efficient Windows
Environmental Impact
When you upgrade your windows and siding, you’re not just doing your wallet a favor—you’re also giving Mother Nature a helping hand. The reduced energy consumption means fewer fossil fuels burned, whether it’s natural gas for your furnace or the coal and gas that might generate your electricity.
For environmentally conscious homeowners, this reduced carbon footprint is a significant benefit. A typical home with upgraded windows and siding can reduce its CO2 emissions by thousands of pounds annually—equivalent to taking a car off the road for several months each year.
Many of today’s window and siding materials are more sustainable than you might think. Vinyl windows often incorporate recycled content, while engineered wood siding frequently uses wood fiber from sustainable forestry practices. Even the manufacturing processes have become more environmentally responsible, with many companies implementing closed-loop recycling programs and reducing waste throughout production.
There’s also something satisfying about knowing that quality windows and siding will last for decades, keeping materials out of landfills and reducing the resources needed for frequent replacements. While older windows might need replacement after 15-20 years, today’s premium windows can last 30+ years with minimal maintenance.
The benefits extend indoors as well. A better-sealed home with proper ventilation improves indoor air quality, creating a healthier living environment with fewer allergens and pollutants. Many homeowners report reduced allergy symptoms and better overall comfort after upgrading their windows and siding.
Whether your primary concern is your monthly budget, your comfort, or your environmental impact, upgrading your windows and siding together delivers benefits that will make you wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Windows and Siding
Your home speaks to you in subtle ways when something’s not right. While a leaky roof might scream for attention, your windows and siding often whisper their distress signals. Recognizing these early warning signs can save you money and prevent more serious damage down the road.
I’ve worked with countless Chicago homeowners who wished they’d acted sooner when they noticed the first signs of window or siding failure. Let me share what to watch for so you can make timely decisions about your home’s exterior.
Drafty or Difficult-to-Operate Windows
Windows should function smoothly and protect your home from the elements. When they start failing, your comfort and energy bills are the first to suffer.
Do you feel a chill near your windows even when they’re closed? This draft indicates failing seals that allow outside air to infiltrate your home. In Chicago’s winters, these drafts can dramatically increase your heating costs while making rooms uncomfortably cold.
Windows that stick, jam, or refuse to lock properly aren’t just annoying—they’re telling you something’s wrong. Over time, frames can warp or settle, making smooth operation impossible. When you find yourself wrestling with a window just to open it for some fresh air, it’s nature’s way of saying replacement time is approaching.
Condensation between glass panes is another telltale sign of window failure. This foggy view occurs when the seal between double or triple panes fails, allowing moisture to enter. Once this happens, the window has lost its insulating properties and can’t be repaired—only replaced.
Have you noticed your home seems noisier than it used to be? Older windows provide little sound insulation. If street noise, barking dogs, or your neighbor’s lawn mower seem louder than they should, your windows may be to blame.
“I had to replace my old windows before selling the house, and the new windows greatly increased the value of my home,” shared one of our customers who finded that window replacement not only improved comfort but also boosted property value when it came time to sell.
Damaged or Aged Siding
Your siding is your home’s first line of defense against weather, insects, and the passage of time. When it begins to fail, your entire home becomes vulnerable.
Cracked, warped, or loose panels create entry points for moisture—the enemy of any home’s structural integrity. In Chicago’s freeze-thaw cycles, water that penetrates behind failing siding can cause extensive damage to your home’s framework.
Take a walk around your home and look closely at your siding. Do you see any soft spots or areas that seem to be crumbling? This rotting or deterioration indicates serious damage that needs immediate attention. Similarly, persistent mold or mildew growth suggests moisture is trapped within or behind the siding—a recipe for structural problems and potential health issues.
Have you noticed bubbles or blisters forming on your siding’s surface? This blistering indicates water has penetrated and is trapped beneath the surface—another warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored.
Fading color might seem merely cosmetic, but when your siding develops a chalky residue that comes off on your hand, it’s showing material degradation that affects its protective capabilities. Similarly, if you’re repainting your home every few years, your siding is no longer protecting itself properly.
Rising energy bills despite efficient HVAC operation often point to failing insulation in your walls or siding that no longer provides adequate thermal protection. When combined with interior moisture issues like water stains on walls, it’s clear your home’s exterior envelope is compromised.
“Everything looks great. I feel like our exterior is complete,” shared Mark A. after his siding replacement with us. “I’ll certainly give you a great recommendation. We are very happy with all the work that was done!”
When you notice multiple issues with both your windows and siding, it makes practical and financial sense to tackle them together. A comprehensive approach ensures proper integration of all components of your home’s exterior envelope, maximizing energy efficiency while minimizing the disruption to your family.
Many homeowners are surprised by how much more comfortable their homes become after replacing both windows and siding. Beyond the improved appearance, they notice more consistent temperatures throughout their homes, reduced noise, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing their home is well-protected against whatever Chicago’s weather might bring.
Frequently Asked Questions about Windows and Siding
Can Windows and Siding Be Replaced at the Same Time?
Absolutely! In fact, tackling both windows and siding as a single project offers some impressive advantages. When we replace these elements together, we can properly integrate all the weatherproofing components like flashing and moisture barriers, creating a much more effective shield against the elements.
Think of it like making a sandwich – when you assemble all the layers at once, everything fits together perfectly. Similarly, when we install new windows during your siding project, we can ensure perfect integration between all components.
There are several practical benefits to this approach. First, we can properly install flashing around your windows and seamlessly integrate it with the water-resistant barrier behind your siding. With the old siding removed, we also gain a valuable opportunity to inspect and address any issues with the underlying structure – problems that might otherwise remain hidden for years.
The air sealing around your windows improves dramatically with a combined project. Those gaps between window frames and rough openings get properly sealed when both components are being replaced, eliminating those sneaky drafts that drive up energy bills.
Many homeowners also appreciate that a simultaneous replacement means just one period of construction disruption rather than two separate projects. As a bonus, you’ll enjoy a more coordinated appearance since your windows and siding can be selected together as a cohesive design package.
As one of our customers recently told me, “Having everything done at once was such a relief – one team, one timeline, and one beautiful result!”
How Do I Choose the Right Windows and Siding for My Home?
Finding your perfect windows and siding combination doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I’ve helped thousands of Chicago homeowners make these decisions, and I’ve found that balancing a few key factors leads to the best results.
First, consider your home’s architectural personality. A stately Victorian has very different needs than a sleek mid-century modern home. Traditional homes often shine with double-hung windows and classic lap siding, while contemporary homes might benefit from clean-lined casement windows paired with architectural panels. For historic homes, we sometimes need to get creative to maintain authentic character while improving performance.
Our Chicago climate demands special attention too. Those temperature swings from freezing winters to sweltering summers mean we need materials that can handle extreme fluctuations without warping or failing. Energy efficiency ratings become particularly important here – the right windows and siding can make a dramatic difference in how comfortable your home feels year-round.
Be honest with yourself about maintenance preferences. Do you enjoy home maintenance projects, or would you rather install it and forget it? Vinyl windows require almost no maintenance beyond occasional cleaning, while wood windows offer timeless beauty but need more regular care. Similarly, vinyl siding is virtually maintenance-free, while fiber cement and engineered wood options may need periodic painting to maintain their appearance.
“When I needed to replace two windows and a door,” shared one of our customers from Oak Park, “I’m so glad I chose a company that helped me understand all my options. The results exceeded my expectations!”
Your budget naturally plays a role, but I encourage homeowners to think about long-term value rather than just initial cost. Higher-quality materials typically deliver better performance over time, and energy-efficient options often pay for themselves through lower utility bills. Don’t forget to consider warranty coverage when evaluating overall value – our lifetime warranty provides peace of mind that cheaper alternatives simply can’t match.
Finally, trust your personal taste. These are elements you’ll see every day, so choose colors and styles that make you happy when you pull into your driveway. We offer personalized consultations to help you steer all these considerations and find the perfect combination for your specific home.
What Are the Maintenance Requirements for New Windows and Siding?
Good news! Modern windows and siding are designed with busy homeowners in mind, requiring minimal maintenance to keep them looking beautiful and performing well for decades.
For vinyl windows, maintenance couldn’t be simpler. Twice a year, just wipe down the frames with some mild soap and water to keep them looking fresh. Once annually, give the moving hardware a quick spray with silicone lubricant to keep everything operating smoothly. It’s also smart to check the weatherstripping periodically for any signs of damage or compression. For the glass itself, any standard non-abrasive glass cleaner works perfectly.
Wood windows offer classic charm but do require a bit more attention. Beyond the basic cleaning with mild soap, you’ll want to inspect them annually for any paint damage or moisture issues. Depending on your home’s exposure to the elements, you might need to repaint or restain exterior surfaces every 3-7 years. The hardware needs annual lubrication just like vinyl windows.
Fiberglass windows strike a nice middle ground on the maintenance spectrum. They need the same basic cleaning as vinyl, but their finish is remarkably durable. If you ever decide to change their color, they can be repainted – typically only every 7-10 years.
As for siding, vinyl options are the champions of low maintenance. An annual cleaning with a garden hose is usually all that’s needed. For any stubborn stains, a soft-bristled brush with mild soap does the trick. After severe weather, it’s worth taking a quick walk around your home to check for any loose panels or damage.
Fiber cement siding, like James Hardie products, also needs just an annual rinse with a garden hose. The factory finishes are so durable that repainting is typically only needed every 15-25 years! Do keep an eye on the caulking at joints and around penetrations, as this may need occasional refreshing.
Engineered wood siding requires slightly more attention. Beyond the annual cleaning, it’s important to inspect for any damage, particularly near ground level where moisture might be an issue. Plan on repainting every 7-10 years to maintain its protective coating.
Judy from Lincoln Park told us: “I love my new windows! The workers were professional and neat. I was amazed at how quickly they finished the job.” She later mentioned that the minimal maintenance requirements were a major selling point for her.
With proper installation and these simple care routines, today’s high-quality windows and siding will keep your home looking beautiful and functioning efficiently for decades – giving you more time to enjoy your home rather than maintain it.
Conclusion
Upgrading your windows and siding represents one of the most impactful home improvement investments you can make. This powerful combination not only transforms your home’s appearance but also improves its comfort, energy efficiency, and value.
When you invest in new windows and siding, you’re not just changing how your home looks—you’re fundamentally improving how it functions. Think about it: your home’s exterior envelope is its first line of defense against everything Mother Nature throws at it. By upgrading both components together, you create a seamless protective barrier that works in harmony.
The energy efficiency benefits alone make this combination worth considering. Modern windows with advanced glass coatings and insulated frames paired with high-performance siding create a thermal envelope that keeps your heated or cooled air where it belongs—inside your home. Many of our customers are genuinely surprised by how quickly they notice the difference on their utility bills.
“I had to replace my old windows before selling the house,” Arthur B. from the Western Suburbs told us recently, “and the new windows greatly increased the value of my house.” This is something we hear often—the investment pays dividends both in daily comfort and in improved property value.
The comfort improvements extend beyond just temperature control. New windows and siding dramatically reduce drafts, minimize outside noise, and create more consistent indoor conditions throughout your home. No more avoiding that one chilly corner in winter or overheating in certain rooms during summer!
Perhaps the most immediately noticeable benefit is the stunning change in your home’s appearance. There’s something truly satisfying about pulling into your driveway and seeing your home looking its absolute best. As Mary L. shared after her project: “The workmanship is second to none. I am so thrilled to have a home that looks brand new and will continue to be beautiful for decades to come! My neighbors are still raving about what looks like a new house in the neighborhood!”
At Perfect Windows & Siding, we understand these projects represent significant investments in your home’s future. That’s why we take the time to help you explore all your options with free, no-obligation consultations. Our team of experts guides you through selecting the right products for your specific needs, ensuring the installation is performed by experienced, certified professionals, and backing everything with comprehensive warranties.
We also recognize that financing such improvements can be challenging, which is why we offer flexible payment options to make your dream home more accessible. Whether you’re looking to improve energy efficiency, update your home’s appearance, or prepare it for sale, the combination of quality windows and siding delivers exceptional results that stand the test of time.
Ready to transform your Chicago-area home? We’d love to help you create the beautiful, efficient, and comfortable living space you deserve. Our family-owned business has been serving Chicagoland homeowners for years, building our reputation on quality products, expert installation, and genuine customer care.
