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.

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.

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.

New siding can give your home a facelift. It can also help prevent unwanted moisture from seeping into your home. But when is it time for new siding? Here’s how you can tell you need siding replacement – and some ideas for what to choose.

Signs you need new siding

• Holes. If you see holes in your home siding, that’s a real eye-opener. These holes may be caused by insects. And holes can help water enter your house.
• Bubbling and mold are signs that moisture may be getting through your siding. If your siding has bubbles or mildew, it’s time to take a closer look.
• Cracks. If only a small siding section is cracked, you may just need a few panels. But if the issue is widespread, you may have to consider a larger siding replacement.
• Warp. Warped siding could mean something unpleasant is going on under the surface – such as rot.

If you notice any of these issues in your siding, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional to explore your options. When you’re ready for new siding, here are some options to consider:

• Engineered wood siding. LP SmartSide siding looks like natural wood. It’s durable, beautiful and can be painted to your liking.
• Fiber cement siding. James Hardie fiber cement siding comes in many textures and styles – and it’s been carefully developed to handle tough weather.
• Steel siding. Steel siding is strong and durable. It’s available in a variety of colors and with a wood grain pattern.
• Vinyl siding. Looking for low-maintenance siding? Consider vinyl: It doesn’t need painting. ProVia makes several types of vinyl siding suitable for any budget. ProVia’s CedarMAX insulated vinyl siding is strong, lovely to look at, and energy efficient.

Replacing your siding can make your home more beautiful and well-protected. And there are so many appealing complementary options to choose from, including faux stone. To find out more, call Minnesota Exteriors. We’re a family-owned company, and we’ve been serving our neighbors since 1947. We carry quality brands like LP SmartSide, James Hardie, and ProVia. We’ll help you pick the option that’s right for you – and we’ll be here to stand behind our work.