Siding Options for Minnesota Homes: Engineered Wood vs. Steel

When you need new siding in St. Cloud, MN, it’s important to know your available options for durable siding. Minnesota has a host of bad weather, from storms to freezing temperatures and snow, which can negatively affect your home’s siding. At Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors, we love working with engineered wood and steel siding, as we believe they’re excellent choices for Minnesota homes. Let’s dive into what each siding type is like and their pros and cons. 

If you ever need help making the right siding decision for your home, you can reach out to us!

Engineered Wood Siding

Engineered wood siding is a great alternative to real wood siding, and it comes with many benefits. It is made of wood strands, adhesive resins, wax, and zinc borate and presents the look of beautiful, painted wood. The adhesive resin is combined with wood strands to create a composite material. The wax is added to help the siding resist decay and humidity, while the zinc borate enhances the siding’s resistance to pests and rot. Engineered wood siding is stronger and more durable than natural wood siding.

Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of engineered wood siding. 

Pros of Engineered Wood Siding

• Great aesthetic appeal and can improve curb appeal
• Traditional warm appearance
• Cost-effective
• Durable
• Lightweight and easy to install
• Eco-friendly – made of recycled wood fibers and sustainable wood sources

Cons of Engineered Wood Siding

• Vulnerable to moisture if not properly installed
• Requires regular maintenance to preserve appearance
• Not fire-resistant
• Limited lifespan of about 20-30 years

Steel Siding

Steel siding is a great option for siding in Minnesota. It is useful, cost-effective, and has many individual benefits. Steel siding is made from galvanized or stainless steel. While steel siding used to be limited, modern technology has advanced to where steel siding can now imitate other textures, like wood. 

Here are some pros and cons of steel siding. 

Pros of Steel Siding

• Extremely durable and resistant to impacts
• Low maintenance
• Fire-resistant
• Can last 40-50 years if maintained properly
• Recyclable

Cons of Steel Siding

• Typically higher in cost but is a long-term investment
• Rust potential if the coating is compromised
• Can dent if struck hard enough
• Limited color choices

Seamless Steel Siding

While steel siding has seams, seamless steel siding is manufactured to fit your home perfectly, only requiring joints and connecting parts along the corners. This allows for a smooth exterior of your home and protection against intrusions between seams. It is made from steel ingots or solid tube blanks and is manufactured via hot rolling and cold rolling. 

Here are the pros and cons of seamless steel siding.

Pros of Seamless Steel Siding

• No seams, as the name indicates, which enhances durability and appearance
• Superior durability against extreme weather, fire, and pests
• Low maintenance 
• Aesthetically pleasing with a clean, uninterrupted look
• Long lifespan that can exceed 50 years with proper maintenance

Cons of Seamless Steel Siding

• High initial cost due to custom fabrication
• Professional installation is required
• Limited repair options
• Heavier than other materials and may require additional support

Upgrade Your Home’s Siding with Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors

Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors has provided siding services in St. Cloud, MN, since 1973. With fair and upfront pricing, Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors ensures your next siding project goes according to plan. Our professional team of in-house, licensed professionals can complete your new siding installation with excellent craftsmanship and efficiency. We aim to provide exceptional customer service, and we treat every customer like our neighbors. 

Give us a call today at 320-252-9086 or request a quote online!