A Guide for Minnesota Homeowners on Choosing the Right Siding Materials

The siding on your Minnesota home is more than just a decorative feature. It's the armor of your home, the first and most important line of defense against everything our climate throws at it, from freezing winters and wet spring thaws to hot summers and sudden hailstorms. It's a big deal to choose the right siding, so don't take it lightly. You're not just picking a color; you're spending money to protect your home, make it last longer, and raise its value over time.

This guide will help you learn about the most popular types of siding available today, including their pros and cons and how they work in the unique challenges of the Minnesota climate. I want to give you the information you need to make a smart choice and feel good about it.

1. Fiber Cement Siding: The Strongest Option

Minnesota homeowners who know what they're doing are choosing fiber cement siding more and more often. James Hardie products are made of a mix of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. This makes them very strong and long-lasting. It's the same material that was talked about in the blog post you just read, and it really is tough.

Pros:

Very strong: This is the best thing about it. Fiber cement is very strong and can stand up to the weather. It won't rot, warp, or crack when it gets wet, and it can handle hail and flying debris much better than softer materials like vinyl. This is a big plus for a state that is known for having bad weather. You can read a report on siding durability and weather performance to see how it holds up in bad weather.
Keeps bugs and fire away: Woodpeckers don't like it. Termites and carpenter ants can't eat it. And since it is made of cement, it won't catch fire, which adds an extra layer of protection against fire to your home.
Aesthetics that can be used in many ways: Fiber cement can be made to look and feel like natural wood siding, shingles, or even stucco. The product comes with a factory-applied primer, and high-end options like James Hardie's ColorPlus® Technology have the paint baked on for a long-lasting finish that won't fade or chip for decades.
Long-Term Value: Fiber cement costs more up front than some other options, but it lasts a long time and doesn't need much maintenance, making it a good long-term investment.

Cons:

Higher Initial Cost: The materials and installation costs are higher than those of vinyl siding.
Installation Difficulty: Fiber cement is heavy and needs special tools and knowledge to be installed correctly. If you don't install it correctly, it could cause expensive moisture problems and even void the warranty. That's why it's so important to hire a certified professional.

2. Vinyl Siding: A Cheap and Popular Choice

Vinyl siding is the most popular choice in the US, and for good reason: it's the cheapest option available. It is made of PVC, which is a type of plastic. It is light, easy to install, and comes in a wide range of colors and styles.

Pros:

Budget-friendly: Vinyl siding is a cheap way to give your home a new look if you're on a tight budget.
Low maintenance: No need to paint it; it's easy to take care of. A hose wash every so often is usually all it takes to keep it clean.
Easy to install: Installation is usually quicker and easier because it is so light and flexible. This also helps keep costs down.

Cons:

Can Get Damaged: When it's very cold, vinyl can become brittle, which makes it more likely to get damaged by hail and other things that happen during a Minnesota winter. Find out more about how long vinyl siding lasts in cold weather. It can also melt or bend when it gets really hot from a grill or a fire nearby.
Fading and Color Limitations: Modern vinyl is less likely to fade, but it can still lose some of its brightness over time, especially with darker colors. The only way to get the color back is to replace it after it fades.
Limitations on Curb Appeal: A lot of homeowners think that vinyl can look less high-end or "plastic" than other materials.

3. Wood Siding: A Classic, Natural Look

Many homeowners love the classic, timeless look of wood siding. Its natural beauty, warmth, and flexibility make it possible to use it in a wide range of styles, from traditional clapboard to rustic shakes and shingles.

Pros:

Great Looks: Nothing beats the look and feel of real wood. It has a warmth and personality that no man-made material can fully copy.
Insulation: Wood is a natural insulator, which can help your home use less energy.
Repairs: You can often fix or replace damaged parts of a wall without having to fix the whole thing.

Cons:

High Maintenance: This is the worst thing about it. You have to put a lot of work into maintaining wood siding. To keep it safe from moisture, rot, bugs, and decay, it needs to be painted or stained every 5 to 10 years. Find out what it takes to keep wood siding in good shape.
Pest Susceptibility: Wood siding is easy for pests like woodpeckers, termites, and others to damage, which can be expensive to fix.
Moisture and Rot: If wood isn't taken care of, it can swell, rot, and grow mold. This is a big problem in Minnesota during the wet spring and humid summer months.

4. Engineered Wood Siding: A Modern Choice

LP SmartSide is an example of engineered wood siding. It is made up of wood strands and fibers that are glued together with resin and other chemicals. The goal is to make something that looks like real wood but lasts longer.

Pros:

Looks like wood: It has a beautiful, real wood grain texture and look.
More durable than wood: Engineered wood is much less likely to rot, get termites, or crack than natural wood. LP SmartSide, for instance, is made to withstand the effects of the freeze/thaw cycle.
Less Weight: It's lighter than fiber cement, which makes it easier and faster to put up, which can lower labor costs.
Impact Resistance: It can be very impact-resistant, and it can handle hail and other debris well.

Disadvantages:

Combustibility: It's still flammable, unlike fiber cement.
Pest Susceptibility: Even though it has been treated to keep bugs away, it is still made of wood and can be eaten by woodpeckers and other pests.
Warranty Concerns: Many warranties are prorated, which means that the coverage gets less and less over time.

5. Steel Siding: The Choice for Heavy-Duty Work

Steel siding is a great choice for people who want their home to last a long time and not need much maintenance. It offers a rugged, modern look that is built to withstand nearly anything.

Pros:

Unmatched Durability: Steel is very strong and can handle hail, wind, and impact damage better than almost any other material. It won't bend, break, or sag. Find out more about how metal siding lasts longer.
Moisture and Fire Resistant: It won't rot or get eaten by termites, and it won't catch fire.
Low Maintenance: It doesn't need to be painted, and you can clean it with a hose.
Great Color Retention: The color is baked on, so it won't fade easily.

Cons:

High Cost: Steel siding is one of the most expensive types of siding.
Installation: This is a specialized product that needs to be installed by a professional with the right tools and knowledge.
Potential for Dents: While highly resistant, a powerful, sharp impact can cause a dent that can be difficult or expensive to repair. Read about the problems that often happen with steel siding so you know what to look out for.

The Comparison of Side-by-Side Siding

Here's a list of the main features of each material to help you see how they differ.

Deciding: Important Things to Think About

Before you commit to a siding material, take a moment to consider these questions.

What is my budget? While the initial cost is important, think about the total cost of ownership over the next 20-30 years, including maintenance, repairs, and potential replacements. A more expensive material with lower maintenance might save you money in the long run.
What level of maintenance am I willing to do? If you have a busy lifestyle and prefer to spend weekends on the lake instead of painting, a low-maintenance material like vinyl, fiber cement, or steel is your best bet. If you love the look of wood and don’t mind the upkeep, it could be a great fit.
How does this material perform in Minnesota? Our unique climate is a major factor. The siding you choose must be able to withstand our severe weather changes. Materials with excellent moisture and freeze-thaw resistance are always a safer bet.
What are my long-term goals for the home? Are you planning to sell in a few years, or is this your forever home? A premium siding material can significantly boost your home's curb appeal and resale value.

What to Look for in a Minneapolis-St. Paul Siding Contractor

Choosing the right material is only half the battle; proper installation is critical for ensuring the longevity of your siding. When you're ready to hire a siding contractor in the Twin Cities area, make sure to:

Check for proper licensing and insurance.
Ask for references and view their previous work.
Inquire about the manufacturer's certification for the specific product you're choosing. This ensures they have the training to install it correctly and honor the warranty.
Get a detailed, written estimate.

Ultimately, the best siding for your home is the one that aligns with your budget, aesthetic preferences, and lifestyle, while also providing the protection your Minnesota home needs.

If you have any questions or are ready to get a quote, we are here to help.