On our 120 year old farmhouse, we are doing a complete tear-off of existing siding and windows, replacement of moisture damaged sheathing/framing and then install of new housewrap, foamboard insulation, furring strips, lap siding (LP Smartside), and windows.  We are working with some local carpenters but we are responsible for the overall design.

We are planning innie windows, with housewrap just outside the sheathing integrated with flanged vinyl windows, and then install of foamboard, furring strips and siding.  We chose innie windows partially for aesthetic reasons, partly to reduce window condensation inside, and partly for logistical reasons: the housewrap layer just outside the sheathing would allow us to quickly cover and rainproof a wall after removing the old siding.  (We have blown-in cellulose in our stud bays and we are concerned about an unexpected rain wetting that insulation when the wall is bared to the sheathing after siding tear-off.)

We have studied a lot of information about window detailing, furring strips, etc., but one question that remains for me is how the innie windows could feasibly be replaced in the future.  It seems very likely that the windows would need replacement before the other components in this assembly (siding, housewrap, insulation).  Am I right that a good, weatherproof window replacement would require digging through the siding and foamboard?  Is this a strong reason in favor of outie windows, where only the siding and furring strips right around the window would need to be removed?

I am a farmer by trade, not a builder, but my work experience with coolers, irrigation systems, & farm buildings is that everything needs to be replaced eventually.  We would like to make things easy and inexpensive for us, our kids, or whoever else is living here.  Thanks for the input!

Chris

Southwest WI, zone 6A