Winter Drafts? Here Are Energy-Efficient Siding Options for Minnesota Homes

Winter Drafts? Here Are Energy-Efficient Siding Options for Minnesota Homes

Did you know that 9 out of 10 homes in the U.S. are under-insulated? Energy Star says that most U.S. homes lack sufficient insulation and have significant air leaks. If you live in a historic home, you probably have an amazing sweater collection. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that older Midwest homes are less likely to have adequate insulation. Of the Midwestern homes built before 1970, 27% reported poor or no insulation, compared with 11% of homes built since 1970. When the temperature drops below zero, you feel every one of those gaps.

Ready to Stay Cozy and Warm?

Let’s look at a smart fix. New siding can help lower your heating bills and improve your home’s appearance. If you don’t love painting, you have options. Some siding requires little maintenance. Choose the siding that works for your home and stay cozy year-round. Siding protects your home from the elements, but the biggest savings come from what happens while your walls are open. That’s when you seal air leaks and add insulation where it’s missing. According to Xcel Energy, insulated exterior siding can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

 Find the Right Siding for Your Home

For newer and historic homes, match the siding to your home’s architecture. We are not here to push you toward the most expensive option. Here are the benefits for each siding option so you can compare them and choose what works best for your home and budget.

Vinyl Siding Saves Money and Looks Good Doing It

Vinyl siding is affordable, but that doesn’t mean it looks cheap. Recent improvements have made it a win for both aesthetics and performance. So, what are the benefits? Let’s take a look.

Benefits of Vinyl Siding:

• Affordable: Save money on materials and heating bills.
• Low Maintenance: Wash away dirt and grime with a little hot water.
• Water Repellent: Vinyl siding doesn’t absorb moisture. Say goodbye to mildew, mold, and pests.
• Energy Efficient: Insulated vinyl keeps your home cozy in winter and cool in summer. What more could you ask for?
• Plenty of Options: Vinyl siding comes in nearly any color, or you can choose a wood- or stucco-like look without the added maintenance. It’s easy to customize to match any home.

LP SmartSide Siding Looks Like Real Wood

This engineered wood siding looks like real wood and offers added weather resistance. Treated with SmartGuard® to resist moisture, termites, and fungal decay, it’s a durable, attractive option for any Minnesota home. Let’s take a peek at the perks of LP SmartSide Siding:

• Durable: Real wood is great but can be susceptible to pests. This siding keeps bugs where they belong, outside.
• Aesthetically Pleasing: Choose from a wide variety of styles and textures. The sky is the limit here.
• Affordable: Cheaper than real wood and quicker to install.

Fiber Cement Siding Can Look Like Brick or Stone

Many homeowners choose fiber cement siding for its durability, but it also offers a wide range of aesthetic options. It can look like wood, cement, or stone. Want your home to look like a historic cottage or more like classic Tudor architecture? Look no further. Here are a few other benefits:

• Design Options: Siding can mimic wood, stone, or brick, offering a classic look many historic homeowners prefer.
• Strong and Durable: Made with cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, this siding is made to withstand Minnesota weather.
• Longevity: Low-maintenance and long-lasting.

Things to Consider:

• Upfront Cost: The material costs more to install than other options, so factor this into your budget.

Hardie® Board Siding: A Premium Fiber Cement Siding

Hardie Board siding delivers durability and curb appeal. Engineered to withstand any climate, it resists warping, cracking, and fading. This option costs more upfront than many others, so consider that. Here are the benefits of choosing Hardie Board siding:

• Aesthetic: Fully customizable to resemble wood or stone, with minimal maintenance.
• Weather Resistance: Extreme resistance to weather and fire.
• Durable: Hardie Board Siding is built to last, making it a great investment for any home.

Nothing Beats a Classic: Wood Siding

Natural wood adds warmth and character to any home. It requires more upkeep than other options, but many homeowners argue it’s worth it. Choose durable woods such as cedar, redwood, or cypress.

Wood siding can be installed in several ways. One option is clapboard siding, where overlapping boards, like shingles, create a wedged effect. Alternatively, you may prefer horizontal panels, traditional shingles, shakes, or more artistic options in various wood shades. Consider having your wood siding treated to deter pests, and keep it protected with a fresh coat of paint every few years. This also lets you change your siding’s color.

The Durability of Metal Siding

Often made from steel or aluminum, metal siding lasts a long time and requires little maintenance. Want a bold look and long-term protection? Consider metal siding. It costs more than vinyl siding, so keep that in mind. Here are some other benefits:

• Durability: Metal siding offers superior weather protection and resists wind, fire, and hail.
• Easy Maintenance: If you want siding with minimal upkeep, this is a great choice.
• Environmentally Friendly: Materials are easy to recycle at the end of their service life and can be reused.

Stay Cozy This Winter with New Siding

You likely have a lot to consider, and that’s okay. Every option has many benefits, and the right one for your home depends on your architecture, budget, and style preferences. If you have questions, we’re happy to chat.

Contact Legacy Construction for a free consultation.