Pros and Cons of Popular Siding Options for Minneapolis Area Homes

Do you want to enhance the performance and curb appeal of the home that you live in here in the Minneapolis area? Do you want to up the value of the home you are living in? Do you need or want a change in the home you are living in? Replacing your siding could be the answer to all these desires.

Whatever the reason or the cause, having the right siding is the best thing that you can do for you and your home. There are many options on the siding market. So how do you choose a siding material that provides the best protection, but also the best look for your particular home?

The Basics of Minnesota Siding Options

There are many types of siding to choose from, and we install a number of them. We know homeowners like to have choices, plus we are also aware that there is no single siding material that’s right for every home or homeowner.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is one of the most popular siding options for homeowners throughout the US.  Vinyl siding is an economical choice when compared to most of the other materials.

Pros:

• Many color and style options
• Easy to clean
• Affordable and economical
• Durable

Cons:

• Not waterproof – wind-driven heavy rains may get in between siding sections.
• Depending on its color, you may not be able to repaint it if you want something different
• May warp depending on weather conditions or how much direct sunlight it gets
• Highly flammable

Fiber Cement Siding

This is another popular choice to go with. Most fiber cement siding is manufactured by industry leader James Hardie. (This is our favorite siding product for homes in this area.) A mix of sand, cement, and wood, it is an eco-friendly siding option that was created to provide more protection for homes.

Pros:

• Not prone to decay or rot
• Comes in many finishes and textures
• You can order prefinished in a variety of long-lasting colors, or select primed siding to have painted when it’s installed
• Looks and feels like wood, but doesn’t have the maintenance 
• Fire-resistant

Cons:

• More expensive than vinyl
  
• Needs to be repainted periodically (however, far less frequently if you select prefinished siding)
  
• Chips and scratches in the siding may need touch-ups, but if you order James Hardie siding with ColorPlus Technology finish, the warranty will cover it for 15 years

Wood Siding

Wood siding creates a classic, traditional look. Many homeowners prefer it because it is a natural product. But it does have its drawbacks.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Easy to install
• Eco-friendly
• Can be stained or painted
• Energy efficient because wood is a natural insulator
  

Cons:

• Color has to be maintained with regular repainting or staining
• Requires frequent upkeep such as re-caulking
• It tends to warp or crack with temperature extremes and can be damaged by heavy rains
• Can become easily damaged
• Expensive

When you’re considering switching the siding on your home, we’d love to talk to you about our siding options. You can ensure that you are protecting the inside of the home with the right look and feel of the siding that is placed on the outside. We can help you with this! Why not call us to set up a free in-home consultation?

We are a licensed Minnesota siding contractor, and we work in the entire Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area.

 

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.