Is It Better to Replace Siding or Roof First? A Complete Homeowner’s Guide

When your home needs both a new roof and new siding, the big question arises:
Should you replace the siding or roof first?

This is one of the most common dilemmas homeowners face during major exterior remodels. Choosing the wrong order can lead to water damage, aesthetic mismatches, unnecessary labor costs, or even voided warranties.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the roof vs. siding replacement timeline, including expert insights from S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, a trusted contractor serving Jefferson, Youngstown, Ashtabula, and all of Northeast Ohio.

Quick Answer: Siding or Roof First?
Why the Order Matters
When to Replace the Roof First
When to Replace the Siding First
What Happens if You Do It in the Wrong Order
What the Weather Means for Timing in Ohio
Flashing and Trim Details That Must Be Coordinated
Real-World Case Studies from Northeast Ohio
Bundling Your Roof and Siding Project: Is It Worth It?
Financing Options for Roofing & Siding
Tips for Choosing the Right Contractor
FAQ: Common Homeowner Questions
Final Thoughts: Your Next Steps

1. Quick Answer: Siding or Roof First?

In most cases, it’s better to replace the roof before the siding.

That’s because:

Roofing projects often affect flashing that tucks behind siding.
Removing or installing the roof can damage existing siding.
Roof protection takes priority for water-tightness.

But—it’s not always that simple. Let’s dive deeper.

2. Why the Order Matters

The relationship between your roof and siding is more complex than it looks. Your roof doesn’t just sit on top of your house—it overlaps and interacts with siding at:

Dormers
Eaves
Flashing at wall/roof intersections
Soffits and fascia
Roof-to-wall transitions

Choosing the wrong order can lead to:

Improper sealing
Flashing failure
Compromised weatherproofing
Higher long-term maintenance costs
Aesthetic mismatch (e.g. color or style clashes)

When done in the correct order by a professional contractor like S&K Construction, your home’s exterior becomes a seamless, water-tight shell.

3. When to Replace the Roof First

Let’s start with the most common recommendation.

Roof first is best if:

Your roof is actively leaking or deteriorating
Your siding is still functional but unattractive
You’re replacing your fascia, soffits, or flashing
The roof replacement requires removing trim or panels
You’re working with insurance claims on storm damage

Why?

Because your roof is your home’s first defense against:

Rain
Snow (a major factor in Northeast Ohio!)
Ice dams
High winds

A leaky roof can damage not just your attic, but your insulation, framing, walls, and—yes—your siding.

Tip: If you’re replacing your roof with Owens Corning Duration shingles, as offered by S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, flashing systems will be integrated directly into siding areas. These must be installed with siding in mind.

4. When to Replace the Siding First

There are some exceptions where it makes sense to replace siding first, especially in aesthetic or structural upgrades.

Siding first makes sense when:

The siding is structurally failing (rotting, falling off)
You’re upgrading insulation or house wrap under siding
The siding must be redone before soffits or roof fascia can be accessed
You’re making an exterior design change—like board and batten, stone veneer, or fiber cement
Your roof is relatively new and doesn’t need replacement for several years

However, make sure that:

The roof flashing isn’t embedded in the siding
You’re not planning to touch the roof for at least 5 years
Your siding contractor works closely with roofing systems

5. What Happens If You Do It in the Wrong Order?

Doing your siding before your roof (when roof work affects the siding) can result in:

Damaged new siding during roof tear-off
Improper flashing installation or flashing being tucked incorrectly
Water infiltration between roof and wall
Voided siding or roof warranties
Color mismatches or clashing trim lines

At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we’ve been called in to fix jobs where improper order caused:

Flashing leaks at wall intersections
Sagging vinyl siding due to roof eave problems
Torn siding panels from shingle tear-off

6. What the Weather Means for Timing in Ohio

In Northeast Ohio, where winters are harsh and summers are humid, timing is key. Our local climate influences what gets done first and when.

In Jefferson, Youngstown, and Ashtabula:

Late spring to early fall is ideal for siding due to temperature-sensitive materials
Roofing can be done year-round, but best between March–November
Flashing and ice-dam barriers are essential in roofing due to heavy snow loads

If you must choose one during winter—go with the roof first to prevent moisture infiltration. Schedule siding as the weather warms.

7. Flashing and Trim Details That Must Be Coordinated

This is one of the most overlooked issues when homeowners hire different contractors at different times.

Flashings must go behind siding, especially where:

Roofs meet sidewalls
Step flashings tuck into siding
Soffits and fascia are integrated

Poor coordination here means:

Leaks at wall-roof junctions
Failed wind-resistant detailing
Shortened product life span

👉 At S&K Construction, we handle both systems together or in perfect sequence, so transitions are waterproof and warrantied.

8. Real-World Case Studies from Northeast Ohio

Case Study: Geneva Colonial Home

Problem: 20-year-old roof and deteriorating siding. Siding was more visibly worn, but roof had minor flashing leaks.

Solution:

Roof replaced first with Owens Corning Duration shingles
Flashing and underlayment installed with siding integration in mind
Then, installed premium insulated vinyl siding with matched trim

Result:

Leak-free roof
Energy savings from better-insulated walls
Improved curb appeal and $20K boost in appraisal value

Case Study: Youngstown Ranch

Problem: Hailstorm caused roof and siding damage. Insurance covered partial roof but not siding.

Solution:

S&K replaced the roof first to protect the structure
Then provided affordable siding financing
Coordinated trim and flashing between jobs

Result:

Home protected before winter
New siding installed without damage
Homeowner saved $3,000 by bundling with one contractor

9. Bundling Your Roof and Siding Project: Is It Worth It?

Yes—if budget allows, doing both at once offers the best results.

Benefits:

Seamless coordination
Faster timeline
Matching colors and styles
Reduced labor costs
Single warranty

At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we offer:

Bundled pricing on roofing and siding
0% or low-interest financing
Owens Corning Preferred Contractor status for roofing
Top-rated siding brands like Mastic, CertainTeed, and LP SmartSide

10. Financing Options for Roofing & Siding

Worried about paying for both at once? Don’t be.

S&K Construction offers:

0% interest plans for qualified buyers
Deferred payments
Financing up to $100,000
Quick approval times

This means you don’t have to delay a roofing or siding project for financial reasons. Protect your home now—pay later.

11. Tips for Choosing the Right Contractor

Whether you’re replacing one system or both, here’s what to look for:

✅ Licensed and insured in Ohio
✅ Experience in both roofing and siding
✅ Local references in Ashtabula, Jefferson, Youngstown, and surrounding areas
✅ A+ BBB rating or verified reviews
✅ Warranty offerings (labor + material)
✅ Financing options available
✅ They handle permits and cleanup

👉 S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC checks all these boxes and more—with dozens of 5-star Google reviews from happy Northeast Ohio homeowners.

12. FAQ: Common Homeowner Questions

Q: What if I can’t afford both right now?

A: Replace the roof first—especially if it’s leaking. Ask about financing to do siding later.

Q: Will replacing the roof damage my siding?

A: It can—if not done by a careful contractor. S&K uses protective tarps, edge guards, and coordinated flashing installation to avoid this.

Q: How long does it take to replace both?

A: Most average homes (2,000 sq ft) can have the roof replaced in 1–2 days, and siding in 3–5 days. Total project time: 1 week or less in good weather.

Q: Can I use insurance for both?

A: If damage is storm-related, yes. S&K works with your adjuster to maximize your claim and minimize out-of-pocket costs.

13. Final Thoughts: Your Next Steps

If you’re staring down an aging roof and fading siding, remember:

Roof first is the safest and smartest route in most cases.
Siding first only makes sense when there’s no roofing issue or when the roof is still under warranty.
Bundling both with the right contractor saves time, money, and headaches.

Let S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC help you make the right decision. We offer:

Free inspections
Itemized estimates
Professional advice
Transparent pricing
Local expertise in Northeast Ohio

Ready to Get Started?

📍 Serving: Jefferson • Youngstown • Ashtabula • Geneva • Madison • Conneaut • Painesville • Mentor • and surrounding areas.

🔨 Fully licensed • Insured • Owens Corning Preferred
💲 Affordable Financing Options Available
⭐️ 5-Star Rated on Google & Facebook
📞 Call S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC today

Is It Better To Replace Siding Or Roof First