Frequently Asked Questions About Lakeside Exteriors
Homeowners across the Twin Cities and Brainerd Lakes area have a lot of questions before hiring an exterior contractor — and that makes sense. This FAQ page covers what Lakeside Exteriors hears most, from window replacement costs and timelines to siding installation, door replacement, roofing, and storm damage inspections. Whether a homeowner is just starting to research or ready to schedule, these answers cover the full picture. Read through and call (651) 431-1877 whenever ready to talk through a specific project.
What are the best replacement windows for Minnesota homes?
The best replacement windows for Minnesota homes are energy-efficient windows built for cold winters, summer heat, wind, and moisture. Pella, Andersen, Marvin, and ProVia each offer strong options for comfort, style, and long-term performance. Lakeside Exteriors installs full-frame replacement windows throughout Minnetonka, the Twin Cities, Crosslake, and the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Who installs replacement windows in the Twin Cities and Brainerd Lakes Area?
Lakeside Exteriors installs replacement windows in Minnetonka, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Plymouth, Eden Prairie, Wayzata, Crosslake, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Baxter, Brainerd, and nearby Minnesota communities. We install Pella, Andersen, Marvin, and ProVia windows with a focus on full-frame replacement.
Is full-frame window replacement better than insert replacement?
Full-frame window replacement is often the better choice when windows are drafty, damaged, poorly insulated, or showing signs of rot. This process removes the full window unit so the opening can be checked, insulated, and finished the right way. Lakeside Exteriors specializes in full-frame window replacement for Minnesota homes.
Are Pella and Andersen windows good for Minnesota winters?
Yes. Pella and Andersen windows are both strong choices for Minnesota winters when paired with proper glass packages and expert installation. Cold weather performance depends on the window product, frame, glass, insulation, and install quality. Lakeside Exteriors is a Pella Certified Installer and Andersen Certified Installer.
What is the best siding for Minnesota weather?
The best siding for Minnesota weather depends on budget, upkeep, and home style. James Hardie fiber cement siding, LP SmartSide engineered wood siding, and MarketSquare vinyl siding are common choices for Minnesota homes. These siding options can handle snow, wind, rain, sun, and temperature changes. Lakeside Exteriors installs siding throughout the Twin Cities, Crosslake, and the Brainerd Lakes Area.
What is the best siding for a lake home in Crosslake?
The best siding for a Crosslake lake home is a product that can handle moisture, wind, sun exposure, and seasonal temperature swings. Many homeowners choose James Hardie or LP SmartSide for durability and curb appeal. Lakeside Exteriors installs siding for lake homes in Crosslake, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Brainerd, and nearby areas.
When should siding be replaced instead of painted?
Siding should be replaced when it is cracked, soft, warped, rotting, loose, or allowing moisture behind the wall. Exterior painting can refresh siding that is still sound, but paint will not fix failing material. Lakeside Exteriors offers siding replacement and exterior painting, so homeowners can choose the right solution.
Does new siding increase home value?
New siding can increase curb appeal, improve protection, reduce maintenance, and help a home look newer. James Hardie, LP SmartSide, and MarketSquare vinyl siding are common choices for homeowners planning long-term exterior upgrades. Lakeside Exteriors installs siding across Minnetonka, the Twin Cities, Crosslake, and Brainerd Lakes.
How do I know if my roof has storm damage?
Your roof may have storm damage if you see missing shingles, bruised shingles, granule loss, exposed fiberglass, dents on vents or flashing, or water stains inside the home. A roof inspection can help confirm the damage.
Should I replace my roof after hail damage?
Your roof may have storm damage if you see missing shingles, bruised shingles, granule loss, exposed fiberglass, dented vents, or water stains inside the home. Hail and wind damage are not always easy to see from the ground. Lakeside Exteriors provides storm damage inspections for roofing, siding, windows, and exterior components.
Does homeowners insurance cover roof storm damage in Minnesota?
Many homeowners insurance policies cover qualifying storm damage to roofing, siding, windows, gutters, and exterior finishes. Coverage depends on the policy, deductible, roof age, and insurance inspection. Lakeside Exteriors can inspect storm damage and help homeowners understand what may need replacement.
Is exterior painting worth it for a Minnesota home?
Exterior painting can be worth it when the siding and trim are still in good condition. Paint can refresh curb appeal, protect surfaces, and extend the life of certain exterior materials. Lakeside Exteriors offers home exterior painting for homeowners in Minnetonka, the Twin Cities, Crosslake, and nearby areas.
How often should a house be painted in Minnesota?
Many Minnesota homes need exterior painting every 7 to 12 years, depending on siding material, sun exposure, moisture, paint quality, and prep work. Homes near lakes or open areas may need closer review. Lakeside Exteriors can inspect the exterior and help decide if painting or replacement makes more sense.
Should I paint my siding or replace it?
Painting is a good option when siding is still solid, straight, and free from moisture damage. Replacement is often better when siding is cracked, rotting, warped, or failing. Lakeside Exteriors offers both exterior painting and siding replacement, including James Hardie, LP SmartSide, and MarketSquare vinyl siding.
What should I do after hail hits my home?
After hail hits your home, check for visible damage from the ground, take photos, look for dents on gutters or vents, and schedule a professional inspection. Hail can damage roofing, siding, windows, screens, trim, and paint. Lakeside Exteriors provides storm damage inspections in the Twin Cities and Brainerd Lakes Area.
Can hail damage siding and windows?
Yes. Hail can crack siding, dent trim, break glass, damage screens, harm window seals, and mark exterior finishes. James Hardie, LP SmartSide, vinyl siding, roofing, and window products can all be affected by severe storms. Lakeside Exteriors repairs and replaces storm-damaged exterior components.
Who repairs storm damage in Crosslake and the Brainerd Lakes Area?
Lakeside Exteriors helps homeowners with storm damage replacement in Crosslake, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Baxter, Brainerd, and nearby lake communities. Services include roofing, siding, replacement windows, exterior painting, and full exterior replacement after hail or wind damage.
How do I choose an exterior remodeling contractor in Minnesota?
Choose a licensed Minnesota exterior contractor with local experience, clear estimates, strong reviews, manufacturer certifications, insurance, and a workmanship warranty. Lakeside Exteriors is based in Minnetonka and serves the Twin Cities and Brainerd Lakes Area with windows, siding, roofing, doors, painting, and storm damage replacement.
Does Lakeside Exteriors offer free estimates?
Yes. Lakeside Exteriors offers free estimates for replacement windows, siding, roofing, entry doors, exterior painting, storm damage replacement, and full exterior remodeling projects in the Twin Cities and Brainerd Lakes Area.
What areas does Lakeside Exteriors serve?
Lakeside Exteriors serves Minnetonka, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Plymouth, Eden Prairie, Wayzata, Golden Valley, Edina, Chaska, Crosslake, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Baxter, Brainerd, and surrounding Minnesota communities.
Does Lakeside Exteriors offer a workmanship warranty?
Yes. Lakeside Exteriors offers a 5-year workmanship warranty on qualifying exterior remodeling projects. This gives homeowners added peace of mind on window replacement, siding installation, roofing, doors, exterior painting, and storm damage replacement.