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Home Exterior Improvement Company

Minneapolis / St. Paul, Minnesota

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Call Us At 763-316-4270

Seven smart resolutions for your home exterior

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As the end of 2017 draws near, you may be thinking of New Year’s resolutions. As you plan what you’d like to achieve in 2018, remember to think about your home exterior. What maintenance or projects would you like to complete in the new year? Here are seven smart goals for your home.

1. Make sure your attic has effective insulation. This can help prevent ice dams. If you’re not sure how well your attic (or the rest of your home) is insulated …
2. Have an energy audit done. An energy audit can help you discover what you can do to make your home more energy efficient. Then the savings can really add up.
3. Prepare an emergency kit for your home. Hopefully you won’t have to use it, but stored supplies come in very handy if there is a power outage. From Elk River to Eden Prairie, it’s a good idea to pack away some flashlights, blankets, water and non-perishable food. And remember supplies for your pets!
4. Keep your gutters clear and in good repair. Whether or not water can successfully drain away from your home can make a significant difference in your home’s well-being.
5. Clean your siding – and entry doors. Giving your home exterior a good wash can help it look fresh and bright.
6. Have your roof inspected. Winter snow and summer rain can make an impact on shingles. It’s wise to find damage and repair it before it becomes worse.
7. Clean windows and check for leaks or cracks. The world looks so much brighter through clean windows. And keeping windows well-sealed and maintained can help you conserve energy.

Your home is such an important part of your life. So while you’re making goals for the New Year, remember to plan what you’d like to do with your home. Perhaps it’s time for new siding, windows or roofing. Whatever your needs, let us know how we can help. A trusted company, we’ve helped Minnesota families improve their homes for 70 years. We can help you keep your home beautiful and well-maintained in the new year.

5 Home exterior trends in 2019

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Have you decided on your New Year’s resolution yet? Maybe it is getting around to those home improvement projects that you keep putting off? It is never too late to start researching what the latest home exterior trends are going to be for 2019. From colorful siding to updated windows, there is a world of options available. Here are five home exterior trends you may see in 2019. Which ones would you like to see on your home?

1.Scenic doors and windows. Larger doors and windows can bring more sunshine into your home and help you feel more connected with the great outdoors. Not to mention, they give you a more beautiful view. Respected window manufacturers in the industry include but are not limited to: Marvin Infinity, Weather Shield, and Lindsay. The sky is the limit when it comes to giving your home the look and feel you desire while keeping up with the latest trends.
2.Energy efficient home improvements. With the cost of living going up, people are looking for alternative ways to save money. This can be accomplished by replacing old drafty windows with energy efficient ones. Or by insulating and sealing your home to reduce air leaks with caulk, insulation, and weather stripping. If you haven’t started this trend already, it’s not too late. So jump on the bandwagon and start working to reduce your carbon footprint!
3.Colorful window frames. Window frames don’t need to blend in with the rest of your home. The biggest trend right now is black windows. The color enhances both the interior and exterior of the home, giving it a contemporary, clean appearance. When black is combined with white or natural trim, it gives your home a more modern farmhouse look.
4.Intriguing textures. Siding is available in many textures: vertical and horizontal, the look of shakes or lap siding. Why not use a few different choices for your home?
5.Low maintenance requirements. Busy schedules leave us with little to no time to get things done around the house. Today’s vinyl siding delivers the character and charm of a wood sided home without the maintenance worries. And the best part is, it never needs paint! Why stop at low maintenance siding when you can you purchase affordable, low maintenance windows to go with it?!

Updating your home exterior can make your house more efficient, as well as easier to care for. New siding, roofing and/or windows can also increase your home’s curb appeal. But even as you look at new trends and choose the newest products, make sure to look for old-fashioned service and commitment. Choose a home improvement company that can provide skilled installation. Find out what warranties a contractor provides – and ask how long they have served your geographic area.

Minnesota Exteriors is one of Minneapolis’s highest regarded exterior contractors’. We can provide both new trends and old-fashioned service. When you work with us, you’ll be able to select from multiple brands. You can choose styles and features that truly suit your home. And you can feel secure that your products will be properly installed; we offer a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty on installations. Whether you live in St. Michael or St. Paul, come browse our large Osseo showroom. You’ll find beautiful new styles and dedicated, knowledgeable service. We also provide free in-home estimates. Simply fill out the form located on the top of the page and someone will get back to you promptly to schedule an appointment.

4 Popular Home Siding Trends

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Updating your siding can give your house a very different appearance. And in addition to making your house more beautiful, you might make it easier to maintain. Here are four home siding trends that could make you feel like you have a new home.

1. Wood pattern. Woodgrain gives your home a cozy, warm appeal. Options such as LP SmartSide can give you the beauty of natural wood, but with lower maintenance.
2. Cultured stone. Adding cultured stone to your home exterior can give your home a stately look. This material can give you the appearance of limestone or ledgestone. You can even find brick patterns. Cultured stone can also provide an interesting contrast to the rest of your siding. This leads us to …
3. Combining textures. You don’t need to stop with just one type of siding. Many homes now showcase two or more textures together. You may see both vertical and horizontal siding, or both short shakes and long horizontal lap siding.
4. Contrasting colors. Choosing a couple different colors is also an option. You could line your windows and doors with a light color – or even a bolder hue. Or you could use two shades of the same color on your siding.

When you update your home exterior in Minnesota, you definitely have a lot of options. To help you decide which colors and textures you’d like, in-person research can be very helpful. Visit a showroom where you can browse through large product samples. Talk with an industry professional. Find out what ideas he or she recommends for your home.

It’s a great feeling to come home to new siding. We can help make this happen. Come browse samples in our large showroom. We carry respected brands such as LP SmartSide, James Hardie, ProVia, EDCO and Rollex. Since 1947, we’ve helped many Twin Cities families improve their homes. Our friendly, knowledgeable team can walk you through your options. Let’s give your home a fresh, updated look.

Eight priorities to weigh when choosing home siding in Minnesota

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When you’re choosing a new siding material for your home, you have several excellent options. Vinyl, fiber cement, steel and engineered wood all have strong advantages. To choose a type of siding, you need to weigh your priorities and decide which qualities are the most important for you. Whether you live in Blaine or Big Lake, here are eight priorities to think about when choosing home siding in Minnesota.

Qualities to consider
When you’re deciding which siding material is right for your home, consider these qualities:
1. Energy efficiency. Is saving money on energy costs a top priority? One smart option is insulated vinyl siding.
2. Appearance. Your siding can make a huge difference in your home’s curb appeal. There is a wide range of colors and textures available; browse samples in person to help you make your decision.
3. Durability and strength. If you’re looking for siding that will last a long time, steel may be an option to consider.
4. Ease of maintenance. If you never want to have to paint your siding, steel and vinyl are two good choices.
5. Water resistance. Fiber cement is an option to consider if you especially want your siding to hold up against moisture.
6. Resistance to impact. Engineered wood siding can be a smart choice if impact resistance is a priority for you.
7. Cost. Vinyl siding can be a budget-friendly option.
8. Fire resistance. Fiber cement siding can resist damage in a fire.

As you’re choosing new home siding, there is definitely a variety of factors to consider. Seeing samples in person and chatting with an industry professional can help make your choice much clearer.

To learn more about your siding options, come visit our Osseo showroom. You can view large samples of respected brands such as LP SmartSide, James Hardie, EDCO and ProVia. Take a look at many colors and textures, and see which you would like for your home. And speak with one of our friendly team members. We’ll give you comprehensive information about your siding options, and help you find the home siding that’s right for you. Our company has won awards from the Builders Association of the Twin Cities and the Vinyl Siding Institute. You can trust that we’re a knowledgeable source for home siding.

Which Parts of Your Home are at Risk of Storm Damage?

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Particularly at this time of year, Minnesotans are keenly aware of our state’s changing temperatures. It seems like just yesterday we were sitting by the lake, enjoying the sunshine – but soon we’ll be watching snow float down and surround our homes. So when it’s time to update your home exterior, what kind of siding is a good choice in Minnesota? The answer is, several kinds of siding can provide real benefits. Here are four kinds of siding that can help your home stay beautiful and well-protected in the Minnesota winter – and summer.

• Vinyl siding. ProVia offers CedarMAX insulated vinyl siding. CedarMAX can help your home stay warmer and cozier in December. Energy-efficient CedarMAX can help keep your energy bills more manageable, too.
• Fiber cement siding. James Hardie offers different lines for two different areas of the country, to help customers deal with their particular climate. James Hardie siding can handle moisture, and it’s also made to face harsh temperatures.
• Engineered wood siding. LP SmartSide is made to stand up against powerful winds. It’s also designed to keep out the rain. It can proudly face Minnesota’s July sunshine and January chill.
• Steel siding. If you’re looking for siding that can last a long time and not need much maintenance, steel siding is definitely an option to consider. Rollex and EDCO are two quality brands to seek.

Home siding is a long-term investment. You want your siding to stand up against Minnesota weather year after year, as well as look lovely on your home. It’s worth taking the time to research your options. Come visit our showroom in Osseo: You can view samples in person, and chat with our knowledgeable team members. We’ll talk with you about your home, and show you siding ideas that can help keep your home comfortable and beautiful. Whether you live in New Hope or Hopkins, we’ll help you find siding that’s a great fit for your home.

3 Ways Winter Can Affect Your Home Exterior

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Winter in the Twin Cities means bundling up in a warm coat and planning for the holidays. It also means keeping an eye out for how snow and ice can affect your home exterior. Here are three ways Minnesota winter can leave its mark on your roof, gutters and siding.

When you go outside this winter, see if you notice any of these developments:
1. Wind damage to shingles. Winter winds can definitely be a force. They can cause shingle damage, and that can lead to other issues.
2. Ice dams. Snow on the rooftop is beautiful. But if those white flakes melt and then freeze again on roof outskirts, this can cause ice dams. Ice dams can also be formed if gutters are blocked and water can’t make its way through. When you have ice dams, water can meander under shingles; this can result in roof problems such as leaks. In addition, ice dams can also harm your gutters. If you see an ice dam, try to get rid of it. Then try to clear away snow from your roof. Too much snow piled up on your roof is something to be avoided, anyway.
3. Damage to siding. If a tree limb breaks and strikes your home, it could leave a mark on your siding. Sometimes winter winds will even pick up objects and cause dents.

Winter can be imposing in Minnesota, but there are preventative measures you can take. It’s smart to clean your gutters in the fall, keep excessive snow from piling up on your roof, and keep tree branches trimmed and away from your home. You can also make sure your attic is properly insulated – this can help keep extra heat from travelling to your roof and melting snow.

Further, feel free to talk with our friendly professionals at Minnesota Exteriors. We’ve been helping Minnesota families with their homes for 70 years. Whether you live in St. Michael or Plymouth, we’d be happy to discuss how to take care of your home exterior during winter. We’re a third-generation, family-owned company, and we know what it’s like to prepare for snow. We want to make sure your home is ready for the winter, too.

Wondering how to clean your siding?

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Cleaning your siding can help your home look bright and appealing. There is an array of siding options available: Here is how to give three kinds of siding a good wash.

Vinyl siding

Vinyl siding has earned a reputation for being low-maintenance, and for good reason. When it’s time for a cleaning, you can spray vinyl siding with a hose. You could also clean it by hand. Depending on manufacturer instructions, you might also use a power washer. Check your care instructions – they may suggest using a mixture of common cleaning products to get your siding looking pristine.

Engineered wood siding

To clean engineered wood siding such as LP SmartSide, stay away from pressure washers. Instead, get out a pail and a brush or rag. Fill the pail with water and gentle detergent. Then wipe down your outside walls. Finally, rinse your home exterior with a hose.

Fiber cement siding

If you have James Hardie fiber cement siding, you can clean it with a light water spray or a hose. You can also use a cloth or gentle brush, but avoid using anything very scratchy. You can use gentle detergent, as well.

This is some general information, but the golden rule is: Follow manufacturer instructions. Manufacturers may have specific guidance about how to take care of a certain brand or product. Also, safety first: Keep water away from electricity. Before using a power washer on your home exterior, turn off the breakers to outside electricity. It’s smart to turn off the outside electricity even if washing your home with a hose, brush or by hand.

Many types of siding can look beautiful for years. Once you know the best way to clean your siding, you can help keep your home looking fresh.

To learn more about your siding – or which siding would be right for you  – come visit us at Minnesota Exteriors. We have a large showroom in Osseo where you can view many products in person. Chat with our friendly staff. We’ll help you find the answers – and products – you need to keep your home looking lovely.

So you need new home siding … what should it look like?

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When your home needs new siding, one of the major questions to decide is, what do you want it to look like? You have a world of options to choose from. With the siding choices available, you can update your home and give it a new, beautiful look. Here are some of the options to consider as you pick out your siding.

• Colors. Home siding is available in nearly a rainbow of colors. You can choose from reds, yellows, greens, blues and browns, as well as creams and tans. In addition to your main siding color, you could even choose trim in a different color or neutral.
• Texture. Home siding can have a woodgrain texture, whether you choose engineered wood, vinyl, fiber cement or even steel siding. Or, with some types of siding, you can choose a smooth texture.
• Vertical or horizontal. In addition to horizontal siding, you can choose siding that goes straight up and down. You could also include both vertical and horizontal siding on sections of your home, for contrast.
• Cultured stone. You can add the look of stone to your home – and perhaps more easily than you think. Cultured stone is available in beiges, browns and greys. The stone appearance is lovely, and it adds elegance and contrast to your home exterior.

Choosing new siding can be an exciting process. There are so many colors and options available. New siding can give your home exterior a fresh appearance. You can find a color and texture you’ll be happy with for years.

To help you decide what kind of new siding you’d like best, come visit our large Osseo showroom. It’s one of the biggest showrooms of this type in the Metro area. You can browse many of your options in person and chat with an experienced professional. Come see us and tell us about your home. We’ll give you a tour and show you some striking options.

The first question to consider when you need new home siding

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When you decide to purchase new home siding, you’ll have many choices to make. One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is, what siding material is right for you? Here is an overview of four of the options – and some of the brands you may see.

  • Fiber cement. James Hardie fiber cement is designed to stay strong against moisture. It also helps protect against fire. The company has created fiber cement products to suit different climates – including the frozen weather Minnesotans know so well.
  • Engineered wood. Engineered wood is easy for installers to deal with. Further, it holds up against impact from small objects, and it can handle strong winds and rains. LP SmartSide engineered wood siding is designed to take on difficult weather.
  • Vinyl siding. Vinyl is a popular – and low-maintenance – option for home siding. ProVia offers several lines of vinyl siding, to suit different needs. HeartTech by ProVia comes in a wide range of colors that stay beautiful for years. CedarMAX insulated vinyl siding gives you further energy efficiency and resistance to impact.
  • Steel siding. Steel siding is long-lasting and easy to care for. And did you know you can buy steel siding with a wood-like texture? Rollex and EDCO are two quality brands of steel siding.

As you think about your siding options, you can decide what qualities are most important to you: durability, initial cost, appearance, or need for maintenance. To make the decision easier, come and visit us at Minnesota Exteriors. We’ll welcome you to our showroom and talk with you about your interests. You can view many of your siding options in person. You’ll learn more about your choices in a friendly environment. A third-generation, family-owned company, our priority is for you to be happy with whichever type of siding you choose. Stop by and tell us about your home.

What does autumn mean for your home siding?

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Fall in Minnesota means a new school year, fresh routines and getting your yard ready for winter. Fall is also a good time to check on your home siding. The season gives you the opportunity to maintain, repair or replace your siding before cold weather strikes. Here are four guidelines to remember as you take care of your home in the fall.

1. Give your siding a good cleaning. Spring and summer weather is beautiful, but it can leave some of the fun behind on your siding. Depending on what kind of siding you have, take this chance to wash your home exterior. It will be much more pleasant to do so now than in December.
2. Check your siding for cracks or gaps. If water finds its way into cracks in your siding, your home could be affected by mold or even rot. In winter, if water gets into gaps between siding and the walls, this moisture could freeze and make gaps worse. Openings can also allow in not-so-cute critters: rodents or insects.
3. If you have siding damage, fixing it before winter can save energy. Replacing cracked, damaged siding with new, well-installed siding can mean reduced energy costs over the winter.
4. Fall weather can be a welcoming environment for siding work. Fall’s mild temperatures can be a great fit for working with materials such as vinyl.

Fall is a beautiful season of vivid colors and striking changes. It’s also a season of preparation. Taking care of your siding is a smart way to prepare for winter. As winter approaches, you’ll be glad to know your house has been well cared for.

If you think you may need siding repair or replacement, give us a call at Minnesota Exteriors. We’ve received Vinyl Siding Institute Awards, as well as Builders Association of the Twin Cities Trillium Awards. When you call us, you can feel confident you’ll receive knowledgeable advice. We’re happy to help: we’ve served Minnesota families for 70 years, and we want to make sure you’re ready for winter.