Window and Siding Questions Answered

Answers to common questions

1. What happens after I request an estimate?

   An independent provider who serves your area contacts you to ask a few questions and set up a visit. At the visit they measure, press on sills and frames, look at the siding and explain your options. You then get a written estimate. You can compare it with others and decide whenever you are ready, with no obligation.

2. What should I expect on install day?

   Window crews usually work one opening at a time, so each room is open only briefly. Siding crews work around the house with ladders and staging. Expect noise and some dust, and plan to move furniture, plants and cars out of the way.

3. Will insurance pay for storm damage to windows or siding?

   Some policies may cover sudden damage from wind, hail or falling limbs. Coverage depends on your policy and your insurer. Call your insurer first, take dated photos and keep receipts for tarps or plywood. A provider can often help document the damage with notes and photos for a claim.

4. Does insurance replace old or drafty windows?

   Usually not. Most policies treat wear and tear as maintenance. If a storm broke the glass or tore the frame, that may be different. Ask your agent before you file anything.

5. Is it safe to work on my own windows and siding?

   Ground-level cleaning, weatherstripping and small caulk jobs are safe for most people. Ladders, broken glass and old paint are where injuries happen. Older homes may have lead paint, so do not sand or scrape it.

6. What should I do if a window breaks?

   Keep kids and pets away, wear gloves and shoes, and pick up the big pieces first. Sweep the rest. Tape plastic or cardboard over the opening and take photos before calling a provider.

7. Which window jobs can I do myself?

   You can clean tracks and drain holes, replace weatherstripping and screens, lubricate locks and caulk small gaps. Replacing a window takes exact measuring, leveling and flashing, so leave that to a provider.

8. Which siding jobs can I do myself?

   Washing vinyl with a soft brush, snapping a loose lower panel back with a zip tool, trimming shrubs and recaulking around outdoor fixtures are all fine. Anything that means removing panels, replacing sheathing or working high on a ladder belongs with a provider. A full install depends on the weather barrier and flashing being right, and mistakes there let water into the wall where you cannot see it.