4 Popular Siding Styles for Minnesota Homes

Siding in your home is pivotal for a beautiful exterior and a controlled, cozy, safe atmosphere. Whatever material you use for your next project, siding helps to insulate your house while keeping the structure and the rest of the interior from water or moisture damage.

There are various kinds of siding materials to choose from, depending on your tastes, housing style, climate, and overall landscape on your property.

Let’s look at four of the most popular siding materials for Minnesota homes and see which one is right for you!

Vinyl

Let’s dive into a brief overview of Vinyl Siding.

Pro: Versatile

Vinyl siding is the jack of all trades. It’s the most affordable siding you can invest in and offers a wide array of colors to choose from without touching a paintbrush!

Pro: Good Insulator

In the sometimes volatile and harsh climate of Minnesota, vinyl siding can also play a pivotal role in your house’s insulation. Vinyl’s chemical makeup and color block the UV rays of summer and deflect the frigid winds of winter.

Pro: Easy Maintenance

Another perk to vinyl siding is the simple ease of upkeep. Just take a hose to your siding a few times during the warm season. It doesn’t always last its 25 years estimated lifespan but will readily give you a solid 10-15 years of low-maintenance siding.
 

Pro: Easy Installation

Vinyl siding is also relatively simple to install, but if installed improperly, it can cause significant problems down the road. That’s why most people hire a professional siding contractor to ensure the job is done correctly.

Con: Not Eco-Friendly

Since vinyl siding has the chemical make-up that makes it unrecyclable, it will undoubtedly end up in a landfill once it’s replaced.

Con: Not the Strongest Siding

Vinyl siding can hold its own, but not compared to the other siding styles on our list!

Steel

Steel siding was the original popular siding style before vinyl gained popularity. Let’s go over some positives and negatives of steel siding.

Pro: Tough Material

Steel siding is one of the strongest sidings you can invest in. As you may know, the Minnesota climate is subject to harsh winters. Steel siding negates the effects of inclement weather such as rain or snow. Even a hail storm can result in steel siding surviving unscathed.

Pro: Anti-Moisture Damage

Steel siding negates moisture absorption, which can lead to mold or fungus. There are also many colors and styles, so you’re not pigeonholed into just choosing a plain-steel color.

Pro: Recyclable

One of the best features of steel siding is its ability to be recycled. So if you ever decide to replace it, you will know it won’t be just sitting in some landfill.

Con: Rust

Steel siding is subject to rust, especially in moist areas near lakes or rivers. So, if you’re living near a body of water, you may want to think twice!

Con: Pricey

It’s also a bit more pricey than vinyl and laborious to install, but with proper installation, steel siding can be worth the money down the road!

Fiber Cement

This siding is heavy-weight in terms of durability. Fiber cement siding comprises three simple components: cement, water, and cellulose fiber (wood pulp). Before 1980, fiber cement siding contained cancer-causing asbestos. Fortunately, in modern times, fiber cement is asbestos-free.

Let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of cement siding.

Pro: Lasts a Lifetime

Looking for siding you may never have to replace? Fiber cement would be your best option as it has upwards of a 60-year life expectancy.

Pro: Toughest Siding

Fiber cement is resistant to rotting and warping. Much like steel siding, fiber cement can withstand harsh weather and is also the most fire-resistant siding you can find. Due to its tough material, fiber cement also negates pests such as termites.

Con: Expensive & Laborious

Fiber Cement does cost about twice as much as vinyl siding and is significantly heavier per square foot. If you’re planning to never install new siding on your home again, however, fiber cement is the way to go.

Engineered Wood

Instead of lumber, engineered wood is manufactured by taking strands of wood fibers and binding them together with an adhesive and then heat-treated to assure its strength.  Here’s a brief overview of engineered wood's pros and cons!

Pro: Classic Look

Wood siding is the classic, rustic look found on mighty cabins in the woods or homes in town that want to keep the spirit of the outdoors alive.

Pro: Abundance of Styles

You can find an abundance of different styles and colors that fit your needs and tastes with engineered wood.

If you’re a young homeowner who doesn’t mind maintaining this siding every few years, engineered wood siding may be for you!

Con: Not Weather-Resistant

The problem with traditional lumber siding is that it’s highly susceptible to weather and water damage. Alternatively, engineered wood is designed to negate these effects.

Con: Laborious & High Maintenance

While relatively cost-effective, engineered wood usually needs to be cut to specific measurements for a custom job. This type of siding requires more maintenance than any other style on this list, and the wood may take on water damage.

Pick Apple Exteriors for Expert Siding Services

Like many home projects, installing new siding is worth taking the time to contemplate over price and the style that best suits you.

Not only are these four siding styles the most popular in Minnesota, but Apple Exteriors also specializes in these styles. Call us at 651-36-APPLE or get a free quote online today!