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What Comes First, Roofing or Siding? The Ultimate Homeowner’s Guide
If you’re planning to renovate your home’s exterior—both roof and siding—you’re likely faced with a critical question:
❓ What Comes First: Roofing or Siding?
Determining the right sequence can mean the difference between a weather-tight home with seamless finishes and a costly mess with leaks, warranty issues, and damaged materials.
At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, serving Jefferson, Youngstown, Ashtabula, Geneva, and nearby Northeast Ohio communities, we’ve seen both good and bad outcomes firsthand. This comprehensive guide will walk you through:
- Why the order matters
- Roof-first vs. siding-first scenarios
- Impact of Northeast Ohio weather
- Flashing, trim, and warranty coordination
- Real-world case studies
- Financing strategies
- Choosing the right contractor
- Step-by-step project timelines
…All designed to help you make informed decisions and boost curb appeal, energy efficiency, and homeowner peace of mind.
🔑 Quick Summary: Roofing or Siding First?
In the majority of situations, roofing should come first, followed by siding. However, specific exceptions apply.
- Roof first is best when:
- Your roof is leaking or aging
- Roof’s flashing or trim integrates with siding
- You want a weather-tight seal right away
- Winter is approaching
- Siding first may make sense when:
- Roof is nearly new (installed within last 3–5 years)
- Siding is failing (rotting, mold, missing panels)
- You’re upgrading insulation or wall systems
- Roof-to-wall detailing is minimal or manageable
1. Why This Roofing‑Or‑Siding Debate Even Matters
Your home’s exterior is a complex system:
- Roof protects against rain, snow, ice, wind
- Siding insulates, seals, and defines visual style
- Where they meet—along dormers, walls, eaves, and flashing—is a critical junction
Doing these projects in the wrong order can cause:
- New siding damage during roof removal
- Improper flashing that leads to leaks
- Voided product warranties (roof or siding)
- Duplicate labor and added costs
Roofers and siding experts may clash if coordination is lacking. A properly sequenced job avoids that entirely.
2. 🚨 Roof First: The Standard Approach
Why Choose Roof First?
- Water Protection is Priority
Roofing is your home’s primary defense. If your roof leaks, water damage spreads to walls, insulation, and even siding. - Flashing and Trim Depend on Roofwork
Step flashing, drip edges, and integrated gutters must be installed with awareness of siding trim placement. Getting the roof right first ensures professionals can place siding around trim rather than retrofitting it. - Protect New Siding from Damage
Roofing tear-off can cause nails, granules, and debris to fall. Doing the roof first means siding is installed after cleanup and protection. - Winter or Weather Emergencies
In Northeast Ohio climates, addressing roofs before big storms is essential—even if siding must wait a bit.
Signs Roof Should Come First
- You’re seeing active leaks or curling shingles
- Roof is over 20 years old
- You’ve experienced hail or wind damage
- Ice dams are forming in winter
3. 🏠 Siding First: Rare but Valid
In some scenarios, replacing siding before roofing may be the cleaner approach:
When It Makes Sense:
- Roof is nearly new (installed within the last few years)
- Siding is failing — rot, holes, peeling paint
- You’re upgrading insulation, house wrap
- Visual makeover is the focus
Important Considerations:
- Ensure roof-to-wall flashing remains intact
- Protect wall openings from rain
- Coordinate with roofing crew so flashing integrates afterward
When to Choose This Route:
Perfect when roof condition is good but walls are compromised, or when you’re refreshing your home’s appearance discreetly without roofing disruptions.
4. Flashing & Trim: The Technical Sweet Spot
Whether you go roof-first or siding-first, flashing coordination is critical:
Key Flashing Steps:
- Drip edge at roof eaves
- Through-wall flashing where siding meets roofline
- Step flashing on dormers, walls, window/door trouble spots
- Vent termination flashing (e.g., dryer, attic vents) must be sealed with siding overlaps
Incorrectly installed flashing is one of the most common sources of leaks.
At S&K Construction, our dual-trained teams handle flashing in sequence so:
- Roof materials are secured before siding goes on
- Trim and corners aren’t sliced during tear-off
- Sealants are applied in warranty-compliant order
5. Northeast Ohio Weather: What Season to Do What
Understanding regional weather is vital to sequencing exterior work:
Temperatures matter:
- Vinyl siding needs >40 °F to seal properly
- Adhesives and sealants fail in freezing conditions
- Roofing can be done across broader conditions—but best between April and November
Humidity & Precipitation:
- Afternoon thunderstorms in spring/summer
- Surprise snow in October
- Improper sequencing can expose new walls or roofs to rain
Pro Tips:
- Do roof first in spring or early summer
- Install siding in late spring/early autumn
- Delay siding after roofing if grant cooling time—avoid flash freeze
6. Real‑World Case Studies (Northeast Ohio)
Case Study A: Jefferson Colonial
- Scenario: 25-year-old roof leaking; cracking vinyl siding
- Sequence: Roof replaced first. New Owens Corning Duration shingles + properly installed drip edge. One week later, S&K installed premium vinyl siding aligned with trim.
- Benefits: Leak solved, siding intact, seamless appearance, bundled warranty.
Case Study B: Youngstown Ranch
- Scenario: New roof installed 2 years ago; siding rotted from sprinklers
- Sequence: Siding removed and replaced with insulated panels. Flashing re-secured. Roofing crew returned three days later to install patch repairs needed as part of warranty.
- Benefits: Home stayed dry, roof remained uncompromised, clean work sequence.
7. Financing Your Exterior Remodel
Tackling both projects can be expensive. Fortunately, smart financing makes it doable.
Typical Project Costs:
- Asphalt shingle roof replacement: $6,000–$15,000
- Vinyl siding replacement: $8,000–$20,000
- Combined project: $15,000–$35,000+
Financing Options:
- 0% interest introductory periods
- Low monthly payment plans
- Government energy incentives
- Insurance funding (in storm-damage cases)
At S&K Construction, we provide transparent bundled quotes, and help homeowners arrange financing that won’t break the bank.
8. Choosing the Right Contractor
To avoid costly mistakes, vet your contractor carefully:
✅ Licensed and insured in Ohio
✅ Experience in both roofing and siding
✅ Demonstrated portfolio of combined projects
✅ Handles permits and inspections
✅ Provides detailed timeline and project scope
✅ Offers bundled warranties
✅ Knows Northeast Ohio weather implications
✅ Clear communication with one point of contact
S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC ticks all these boxes, offering homeowners one-team solutions.
9. Project Timeline: What to Expect
Roof‑First Timeline:
| Phase | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Inspection & estimate | 1 week |
| Permit/paperwork | 1–3 weeks |
| Roofing installation | 1–3 days |
| Flashing & gutter work | Completed with roof |
| Siding installation | 3–7 days after roof |
| Cleanup & final inspection | End of week 2–3 |
Siding‑First Timeline:
| Phase | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Inspection & estimate | 1 week |
| Siding removal/replacement | 3–5 days |
| Flashing prep for roof | Following siding install |
| Roofing & flashing | 1–3 days |
| Cleanup and review | Week 2 |
Timelines vary based on home size, materials, crew availability, and weather.
10. Common Homeowner FAQs
Q: Can the siding crew cover flashings correctly?
A: Yes—if they’re trained in roofing overlaps. Otherwise, flashing may not seal properly.
Q: Will replacing siding first damage a new roof?
A: Rarely—unless roof installers suspect siding is loose or missing flashings.
Q: How long after roofing should siding begin?
A: Ideally within 3–7 days. If longer—a downpour could allow moisture behind walls.
Q: Can I combine the two projects?
A: Absolutely—and with the right contractor, you save on labor and enhance cohesion.
Q: What about attic ventilation?
A: Roof-first ensures soffit and ridge vents are installed before siding blocks soffits.
11. Final Takeaways
- 🛡️ For water protection and warranty safety, roofing nearly always comes first
- 🧱 Siding-first is acceptable only when roofing is minor or nearly new
- 📏 Timing must consider Ohio weather and material requirements
- 🔗 Flashing coordination between trades is vital
- 👷 A single, dual-skilled contractor ensures leak-free transitions, quicker timelines, and warranty compliance
Trust your sequence to a contractor who understands the roofing‑siding interaction, worries about weather patterns, and offers clear project planning. That’s precisely the service you get with S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC—trusted by homeowners from Alfred, Mentor, Painesville, Madison, and beyond.
📞 Ready To Schedule Your Exterior Project?
Whether you’re dealing with roof leaks, siding rot, outdated curb appeal—or just want a fresh exterior—start with a free exterior inspection. We offer:
- Detailed assessment and sequencing plan
- Transparent quotes for roof-first, siding-first, or combined options
- Financing with low monthly payments
- Experienced crews, complete project management, workmanship & material warranties
Contact S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC today to begin your home transformation:
📍 Serving Jefferson • Youngstown • Ashtabula • Geneva • Mentor • Painesville • Conneaut
Call now or visit our website for your complimentary consultation. Don’t leave your home’s exterior to guesswork—get it done right the first time!
