How to Protect Your Minnesota Home from Harsh Weather (And Stop Worrying About Your Siding, Roof, and Windows)
- Freddie Macalus
- Jan 28
- 7 min read
A simple guide for Twin Cities and Brainerd Lakes homeowners who want their home to stay safe, warm, and beautiful—no matter what Minnesota throws at it.
Minnesota weather is no joke.
One week it's 20 below zero. A few months later, it's 90 degrees with storms rolling through. That's a 110-degree swing that most homes across the country never have to handle.
And here's the thing—your home feels every bit of it.
The siding cracks. The roof takes a beating. Cold air sneaks in through old windows. Energy bills climb higher and higher.
It's stressful. And for many homeowners, it's hard to know where to start or who to trust.
That's exactly why Lakeside Exteriors put together this guide. No confusing contractor talk. No pushy sales pitch. Just helpful information so homeowners can make smart choices about protecting what matters most—their home and their family.
Why Minnesota Is So Hard on Homes
Before picking new siding or calling a roofing company, it helps to understand what's actually happening to a home during a Minnesota winter (and summer, and spring, and fall).
The freeze-thaw cycle is the big one.
Here's how it works: Water gets into tiny cracks in siding, roofing, or around windows. Then it freezes. When water freezes, it expands. That makes the cracks bigger. Then it melts and refreezes again. Over and over, all winter long.
This cycle breaks down materials faster than almost anything else.
Ice dams cause major damage too.
When heat escapes from a home's attic, it melts snow on the roof. That water runs down and refreezes at the edge where it's colder. Ice builds up. Water backs up behind it. And suddenly, there's water leaking into the house.
Wind and rain come from every direction.
Minnesota storms don't just rain down—they blow sideways. That means water can get into places it shouldn't, especially if siding or windows weren't installed right.
Understanding these problems helps homeowners ask the right questions and avoid costly mistakes.
What Types of Siding Work Best in Harsh Minnesota Weather?
This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask. And it's a smart one.
Not all siding handles Minnesota weather the same way. Here's a simple breakdown of the best options.
Insulated Vinyl Siding
Good for: Homeowners who want something affordable that still performs well.
Today's vinyl siding is much better than the old stuff from 20 or 30 years ago. The insulated kind has foam backing that helps keep homes warmer and cuts down on energy bills.
It doesn't need painting. It won't rot. And it holds up well in the cold—as long as it's a quality product installed the right way.
One thing to watch for: Cheap vinyl gets brittle in extreme cold and can crack. Lakeside Exteriors only uses premium vinyl rated for Minnesota's climate.
James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding
Good for: Homeowners who want something that lasts 30 to 50 years and looks beautiful.
James Hardie makes a special version of their siding just for cold climates like Minnesota. It's called HZ5, and it's built to handle freeze-thaw cycles without cracking or warping.
It won't burn. Woodpeckers can't damage it. And it holds paint far longer than wood.
One thing to watch for: Installation has to be done exactly right, or the warranty won't cover problems. That's why choosing an experienced installer matters so much.
LP SmartSide Engineered Wood
Good for: Homeowners who love the look of real wood but don't want the hassle.
LP SmartSide looks like wood, feels like wood, but it's engineered to resist moisture and rot. It comes with a strong warranty and works great for Minnesota homes.
One thing to watch for: Like all siding, it needs proper flashing and sealing around windows and doors. Lakeside Exteriors pays close attention to these details because they matter.
Steel and Aluminum Siding
Good for: Lake homes and properties that face extreme wind and moisture.
Metal siding is tough. It won't rot, crack, or need painting. It's especially popular for cabins and lake homes in the Brainerd area where weather exposure is intense.
One thing to watch for: Poor installation can cause dents and a wavy look. Quality installation makes all the difference.
Finding the Best Roofing Contractors in the Twin Cities Area
A roof is one of the biggest investments a homeowner will make. It protects everything underneath it. So finding the right contractor isn't something to rush.
Here's what to look for.
Make Sure They're Licensed
Every roofing contractor in Minnesota needs a license from the state. If someone can't show proof of their license, that's a red flag. Walk away.
Lakeside Exteriors is fully licensed and insured. Homeowners can verify this anytime.
Ask About Ice Dams
A good Minnesota roofer won't just talk about shingles. They'll talk about ventilation, insulation, and ice and water shield—the things that actually prevent ice dams.
If a contractor doesn't bring these up, they might not understand Minnesota roofing.
Look for Manufacturer Certifications
Some contractors have earned special certifications from shingle manufacturers. This means they've been trained to install products the right way and can offer better warranties.
Lakeside Exteriors holds certifications that less than 2% of contractors qualify for. That matters when it comes to protecting a homeowner's investment.
Read Reviews from Real Homeowners
Online reviews tell a lot about how a company treats people. Look for contractors with strong Google reviews from homeowners in the local area.
Siding Installation Near Brainerd Lakes: What Lake Homeowners Need to Know
Homes near Minnesota's lakes face some extra challenges. The team at Lakeside Exteriors works with lake homeowners all the time from their Crosslake office, so they know these issues well.
More Moisture in the Air
Living near water means more humidity, more fog, and more moisture hitting the house. Siding needs to breathe, and there needs to be a good barrier behind it to keep moisture out of the walls.
Wildlife Can Be a Problem
Woodpeckers love lake properties. So do squirrels. Fiber cement and metal siding hold up much better against animal damage than wood or vinyl.
Seasonal Timing Matters
Many lake homes sit empty during parts of the year. Lakeside Exteriors works with homeowners to schedule projects at the right time—so the home is protected before winter arrives.
That "Up North" Look
Lake homeowners often want their home to look like it belongs up north—natural wood tones, board and batten style, cedar shake appearance. Modern siding can create that look without the constant upkeep real wood requires.
Why Old Windows Make Minnesota Winters So Much Harder
Siding and roofing get a lot of attention. But old windows might be the biggest energy wasters in a Minnesota home.
Signs it might be time for new windows:
Feeling cold drafts near windows, even when they're closed
Frost or condensation building up between the glass panes
Energy bills that keep going up for no clear reason
Windows that are hard to open, close, or lock
What Makes a Window "Minnesota Ready"?
Triple-pane glass – Three layers of glass instead of two. This makes a huge difference in keeping cold out and warmth in.
Low U-Factor – This measures how much heat escapes. Lower numbers are better. For Minnesota, look for 0.25 or less.
Quality spacers – The piece between the glass panes matters. Cheap metal spacers conduct cold right into the home.
Lakeside Exteriors installs windows from trusted brands like Pella, Andersen, and Marvin. These aren't the cheapest windows out there—but they're built to handle Minnesota and come with warranties that actually mean something.
What Makes Lakeside Exteriors Different?
There are a lot of contractors out there. So why do homeowners across the Twin Cities and Brainerd Lakes choose Lakeside Exteriors?
They Only Work on Exteriors
Some companies do a little bit of everything. Lakeside Exteriors focuses 100% on siding, roofing, and windows. That focus means deeper knowledge and better results.
Local Teams Who Know Minnesota
The crews at Lakeside Exteriors live and work here. They understand what Minnesota weather does to homes because they see it every day. They're not a national franchise sending in workers from out of state.
Certified Installers for Top Brands
Lakeside Exteriors is a certified installer for Pella, Andersen, Marvin, and ProVia. That means homeowners get access to premium products installed by people trained to do it right.
Strong Reputation with Real Reviews
The best proof is what past customers say. Lakeside Exteriors has earned a 5-star reputation with homeowners across the region.
Financing That Makes Projects Possible
Big projects can feel out of reach. Lakeside Exteriors offers 0% financing options so homeowners can protect their home now and pay over time.
Common Questions Minnesota Homeowners Ask
What's the best siding for really cold weather?
Insulated vinyl and James Hardie fiber cement both work great in Minnesota. The "best" choice depends on budget and what look a homeowner wants. Lakeside Exteriors can walk through the options and help find the right fit.
How long does siding last in Minnesota?
Good siding, installed correctly, can last 20 to 50 years or more. But if it's cracking, warping, or fading badly, it might be time to replace it even if it's not that old.
Will new siding help my home sell?
Yes. New siding makes a strong first impression and removes a big concern for buyers. Studies show homeowners get back 70-80% of the cost when they sell.
How do I know if a contractor is trustworthy?
Check for a valid Minnesota license. Read Google reviews. Ask for references. And pay attention to how they communicate—a good contractor answers questions clearly and doesn't pressure anyone.
Does Lakeside Exteriors work in my area?
Lakeside Exteriors serves the entire Twin Cities Metro Area from their Minnetonka office, plus the Brainerd Lakes region from their Crosslake location. Cities include Minneapolis, St. Paul, Eden Prairie, Wayzata, Hopkins, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Woodbury, Brainerd, Pequot Lakes, and many more.
Ready to Protect Your Home?
Minnesota homeowners deserve a home that stays warm in winter, cool in summer, and looks great all year long. They deserve a contractor who listens, explains things clearly, and does the job right.
That's what Lakeside Exteriors delivers—every project, every time.
Get a free estimate: Homeowners can reach out to Lakeside Exteriors for a no-pressure conversation about their home's needs. The team will answer questions, explain options, and provide a clear written estimate.
No surprises. No pushy sales tactics. Just honest help from local experts who care about doing great work.
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