Ronald writes from Sharon Springs, New York: "I'm building a garage studded with 2x4's, covered with 7/16 OSB and wrapped with TYVEK. I'm planning on installing 3 1/2" insulation inside and am considering rigid foam insulation outside and finished with 1" board & batten siding.

Should the exterior insulation panels be installed before or after the new windows are installed? I'm concerned that the windows may appear too recessed if installed before the insulation panels but don't know if the panels will compress too much when the windows are mounted. Would furring the windows out to the thickness of the foam panels be a better alternative?"

Answer: The windows should be installed after the foam insulation. Most likely, the windows will have to be furred out.