Minnesota Siding Truths: Tops Causes for Decreased Performance

If you’re planning on replacing the siding on your home here in the Minneapolis area, this is an important post for you.

When purchasing new siding, one of the main considerations a homeowner has to take into account is long-term performance. To establish the lasting ability of a product, you must recognize factors that compromise the integrity of a product.  Of course, weather is an important element, but you have to look beyond nature.  Modern siding technology produces products that hold up well to various climates, but there other things that can affect how a siding performs and how long it will last.

In this first post, we will share with you what things decrease a siding product’s lifespan. While deciding on new siding, keep these factors in mind. You may also want to remember these tips when choosing the best siding for your home. 

These Factors Can Reduce Siding Longevity

• Substandard Product: Siding systems are not all created equal. This being said, some are more durable than others. While there are some with superior durability, others may not fare as well. There are many siding options on the market; an experienced siding contractor in the Twin Cities can provide a professional recommendation for your home.
• Inexperienced (or Poor) Workmanship:  Material for your siding system is not the only factor to take into consideration. Having sub-par installation would be a cause for any siding material to perform ineffectively. The task of re-siding a home is not something which should be completed by someone inexperienced. It is highly technical, a task that only an experienced siding company should complete avoiding installation faults and untimely failure.  Each siding manufacturer has its own installation procedures and specifications, so make sure the siding contractor you hire has experience with that particular siding.
• Inadequate or Improper Maintenance: Some maintenance tasks are required for many siding types. Along with warranty loss potential, your siding could suffer hastened wear and tear.  Make sure you are aware of what’s required in terms of maintenance with your siding.  And you should also be familiar with things you SHOULD NOT do with your siding.  A good example is how to clean it.  For many siding products, a professional pressure washing will clean it well.  But did you know that certain siding materials, such as LP SmartSide®, should not be power washed?  And even with siding that can handle it, a pressure washer in the hands of a novice can spell damage quickly.

Professional, experienced siding companies can recommend a low-maintenance siding for your siding project. The upkeep required varies from siding to siding. Some may only need regular basic cleaning while others are more extreme. Experienced Minnesota siding contractors have knowledge about what’s required for each siding material.  In our next post we’ll cover the importance of professional siding installation and how we can help.  

Our professional Minneapolis siding consultants here at Window Outfitters has the knowledge to advise and help you with any siding project. Call us today.

Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.