Before you call about siding or windows

Siding: repair or replace

A few damaged panels are a repair. Widespread cracking, warping, rot at the bottom edges or moisture inside the walls means replacement. Ask what the Pro expects to find under the old siding and how rot and missing house wrap will be priced.

Windows: what fails

Fogged glass means the seal failed; a sash can sometimes be replaced alone. Drafts, rot in the sill and frames that will not stay open point to full replacement.

Insert or full-frame

An insert window fits inside the existing frame and is cheaper and faster. A full-frame replacement removes everything to the rough opening, repairs rot and flashes properly. Rot means full-frame.

Reading the label

Every new window carries an NFRC label. U-factor is heat loss (lower is better; 0.30 or under in cold climates). SHGC is solar gain (lower in hot climates). Look for ENERGY STAR for your zone.

The estimate

The siding product, thickness and color; the house wrap; the flashing details at windows and doors; the soffit, fascia and trim; disposal; and for windows, the brand, series, glass package and installation method.