If you’re deciding between types of siding in Minnesota, you should do your research. Each type of siding has different pros and cons, and you’ll have to decide which issues are most important to you. You have many options to choose from, including vinyl, insulated vinyl, fiber cement, wood, metal, and fiberglass. Here’s some more information on each of these types of siding to help you decide.
Vinyl Siding Minneapolis
Vinyl siding has become the most common type of siding due to its many benefits. It’s low-cost, durable, and easy to clean with just a power hose. As the material comes in endless color options, you’re certain to find a shade that suits your tastes. It also comes in horizontal and vertical panels, shingles, shakes, and fish scales, and certain types come textured to look like wood. It doesn’t require painting, but color sometimes does fade after prolonged sunlight exposure. Vinyl can also crack upon hard impact.
Insulated Vinyl Minneapolis
This type of vinyl comes with insulation glued inside and bonded to the vinyl. Insulated vinyl is popular because it helps save on energy costs by counteracting the thermal bridging effect. In the thermal bridging effect, heat flows between the interior and exterior of a home. Insulation counteracts this effect by acting as a barrier that stops heat loss or gain. Insulated vinyl also reduces outside noises for a quieter interior. Its main disadvantage is that it costs more than regular vinyl.
Fiber Cement Minneapolis
Fiber cement siding consists of wood fibers mixed with cement and sand. This type of siding withstands harsh weather a bit better than vinyl because it’s thicker. It doesn’t expand and contract at the same rate as wood siding does, which means paint lasts longer on it than wood. Fiber cement offers many options in texture and color, and the material is incombustible and water-resistant. Certain types of fiber cement siding mimic the look of masonry, stucco, or wood, which are more expensive materials.
Wood Siding Minneapolis
Wood siding requires considerable maintenance, but when maintained properly, it can last for many decades. Property owners who choose wood siding are often attracted to its rich beauty and rustic appearance. Wood siding comes in shakes, shingles, and horizontal planks that overlap, called clapboard. You can paint or stain wood any color you’d like, and it does require re-painting every so often. Wood is environmentally friendly but also susceptible to rot, decay, and insect infestations. It’s also not fire-resistant unless you treat it with flame retardant.
Metal Siding Minneapolis
Two common types of metal siding are aluminum and steel. Aluminum siding is cost-effective and easy to install due to its light weight. It’s susceptible to dents and scratches, but it stands up well to harsh weather and corrosion. Steel siding is stronger than aluminum, but it can rust on exposed areas. It’s durable and fire-resistant, and it can withstand extreme temperature changes. It also comes in many different colors.
Fiberglass Siding Minneapolis
Fiberglass is a newer type of siding that’s manufactured by Apex. It is lightweight and comes in long sections, which makes it easy to install. The material resists water well, and it’s installed with an evaporation area between the siding and the home’s surface. Property owners can choose from 10 colors, and the material doesn’t require much maintenance. Fiberglass siding is expensive compared to other options, and it only comes in two styles.
First Impressions Exteriors installs vinyl, aluminum, steel, and fiber cement siding on homes throughout the Twin Cities. We use quality products and cutting-edge technology in our work to leave customers with lasting results. No job is too large or small for us to handle. Please contact us to speak with a highly experienced professional.