
Twin Cities Siding Contractor for LP SmartSide, Vinyl & Exterior Remodeling
Family-owned in Minnesota since 2001 — LP Remodelers Edge contractors, honest material guidance, and free siding inspections.
Your Siding Options, in One Minute
- LP SmartSide — engineered wood with a real wood-grain look, strong hail resistance and a wide color range; costs more than vinyl and must be installed to LP specs. We are an LP Remodelers Edge contractor. Start with popular LP SmartSide colors for Minnesota homes.
- Vinyl — the most common siding in the metro and still a sound choice when it is a quality panel hung correctly with proper J-channel, flashing and sealant.
- Repair — the right call for isolated wind or hail damage when the product is still available and can be matched.
- Replacement — the right call when damage spans several walls, panels are brittle or chalking, the product is discontinued, or there is moisture damage behind the siding.
We are based in Cottage Grove and work across the Twin Cities — see the Cottage Grove siding contractor page for a local project photographed four winters after installation, or our service areas for your community. Call 651-230-5103 for a free siding inspection or estimate.
⭐ 4.9 Google Rating | 70+ Reviews | A+ BBB | MN License #BC297099 | Free Inspections
Northern Exteriors is the siding contractor Twin Cities MN homeowners have trusted since 2001. As a family-owned business, we specialize in LP SmartSide installation and vinyl siding replacement across Washington, Ramsey, Dakota, and Wright County. Northern Exteriors MN installs LP SmartSide siding and is an LP Remodelers Edge contractor. Zero shortcuts. Zero excuses. Just beautiful, lasting results. Homeowners searching for siding companies near me or a trusted siding contractor in the Twin Cities often want clear options, honest pricing guidance, and a contractor who understands Minnesota weather.
Siding Contractor in the Twin Cities MN — What to Expect
As your siding contractor Twin Cities MN homeowners count on, we walk every project from a free inspection through honest material guidance to a clean final walkthrough — vinyl, LP SmartSide, or steel.
Twin Cities & Minnesota Siding Company You Can Trust
Northern Exteriors has been a trusted siding contractor in the Twin Cities MN since 2001 — owner-led from day one, fully licensed in Minnesota (MN License #BC297099), and proud of the reputation we’ve built one home at a time. Over the years we’ve earned a 4.9 Google rating across 70+ reviews and an A+ rating with the BBB, and we offer free siding estimates with no pressure attached.
What sets a good Minnesota siding contractor apart isn’t just installation — it’s honest guidance. There are a lot of siding companies out there, and plenty of them lead with whatever product they prefer to sell. We’d rather earn your trust by helping you choose what’s genuinely right for your home. That means walking you through your real options: affordable, low-maintenance vinyl siding; premium LP SmartSide engineered wood; durable steel; and other choices, weighed honestly against your budget, the look you want, and how long you plan to stay.
Whether you need a full siding replacement, storm or hail repair, or you’re just starting to compare local siding contractors, we’ll give you a straight answer about what your home actually needs — not an upsell. As a local Twin Cities siding company, our crews know how siding has to be installed to hold up through Minnesota winters, and we stand behind every project from the first inspection to the final walkthrough.
Most homeowners who call us are trying to balance four things: price, appearance, maintenance, and durability. There’s no single siding that wins on all four, which is exactly why having an experienced contractor in your corner matters. Below, we’ll break down the main siding options side by side so you can see how vinyl, LP SmartSide, and steel really compare — and figure out which one fits your home best.
Comparing LP SmartSide, Vinyl, Steel & Other Siding Options
When a homeowner calls us about new siding, the first thing I tell them is this: there’s no single “best” siding. There’s the siding that’s right for your home, your budget, and how long you plan to live there. As a siding contractor in the Twin Cities MN for more than two decades, I’ve installed just about every product on the market — and I’d rather help you weigh your options honestly than push you toward whatever costs the most. Here’s how the main choices actually stack up.
Vinyl Siding — Practical, Affordable & Low-Maintenance
Let’s start with the option a lot of homeowners ultimately choose, and for good reason. Vinyl siding is the most affordable siding replacement option for most homes, and quality vinyl is virtually maintenance-free — no painting, no staining, just an occasional rinse with the hose. For a lot of families, that’s exactly the balance of price and practicality they’re after, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Vinyl gets a bad reputation it doesn’t fully deserve, and most of that comes down to thickness. Builder-grade vinyl runs about .038 to .040 mils, and that’s the thin stuff that warps and fades after a few years. The quality panels we install run .044 to .048 mils — thicker, more rigid, and far more resistant to fading because the color is baked through the surface layer during manufacturing rather than painted on. For homeowners comparing vinyl siding replacement MN options, quality panel thickness and proper installation matter more than chasing the cheapest bid. Today’s vinyl also comes in a wide range of colors and styles, including profiles that mimic cedar shake and Dutch lap. It looks far better than the vinyl people remember from twenty years ago.
When does vinyl make the most sense? When you want a clean, attractive result without the premium price tag, when very low upkeep is a priority, or when you’re balancing a remodel budget across more than one project. Here in Minnesota, proper installation matters as much as the panel itself — vinyl needs room to expand and contract through our winters, and a crew that nails it too tight will cause problems before the first hard freeze. That’s where hiring an experienced vinyl siding contractor in the Twin Cities pays off. Vinyl isn’t the fanciest option on the wall, but for many households it’s the smartest budget-and-practicality choice — and we’re glad to install it well.
LP SmartSide — Premium Engineered Wood
When a homeowner wants the richest curb appeal and a more substantial look, LP SmartSide is where I point them. It’s engineered wood, so it has the depth and dimension of real wood siding, but it’s treated to resist moisture, impact, and the temperature swings that beat up Minnesota exteriors. It holds paint beautifully, comes in a deep range of colors, and simply looks more high-end on the wall than vinyl does.
As LP Remodelers Edge contractors, we can offer the full manufacturer warranty, which matters — that warranty depends on the product being installed correctly, and a lot of it isn’t. LP SmartSide costs more than vinyl up front, and it’s worth being honest about that. But if premium appearance and long-term durability are what you’re after, it’s an excellent investment in your home.
Steel Siding — Strong & Durable Where It Fits
Steel siding is the toughest of the three when it comes to impact and weather resistance, and it won’t fade, crack, or buckle the way lesser products can. It’s a strong choice for homeowners who want maximum durability and a modern look, and it stands up exceptionally well to hail. It’s a more specialized option and sits at the higher end on cost, so it isn’t the right fit for every home — but where it makes sense, it makes a lot of sense, and we’re happy to walk you through whether it’s worth it for your project.
So, Which One Is Right for You?
Honestly? It depends on what you value most. If price and low upkeep lead your list, quality vinyl is hard to beat. If you want premium curb appeal and engineered-wood durability, LP SmartSide earns its cost. If you want the toughest product on the wall, steel is worth a look. There’s no wrong answer here — there’s just the right answer for your home. When you’re ready, we’ll come out, look at your exterior, talk through your siding options here in Minnesota, and give you a straight recommendation with no pressure. That’s the whole job.
| Vinyl Siding | LP SmartSide | Steel Siding | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $ — most affordable | $$$ — premium engineered wood | $$ — durable, practical |
| Maintenance | Low; occasional rinse | Low; repaint over many years | Very low |
| Durability / impact | Good with quality panels (.044–.048 mils) | Strong; impact & moisture resistant | Strongest; excellent hail resistance |
| Appearance | Clean, improved modern profiles | Rich, dimensional, wood-like | Modern, sleek |
| Color & style options | Wide range; color baked through | Deep range; holds paint well | Solid range; modern tones |
| Fade resistance | Strong on quality panels | Excellent | Excellent |
| MN winter performance | Good with proper expansion gaps | Excellent | Excellent |
| Best for | Budget, low maintenance, practicality | Premium curb appeal, engineered-wood look | Maximum durability & hail resistance |
Northern Exteriors installs and advises on all of these options. As your siding contractor in the Twin Cities MN, we’ll help you compare honestly and choose what fits your home and budget — not ours.
LP SmartSide Siding — Certified Installation in the Twin Cities & Minneapolis
When a homeowner wants premium curb appeal, LP SmartSide is usually where the conversation goes — and as LP Remodelers Edge contractors serving the Twin Cities and Minneapolis, it’s a product we know inside and out.
Looking for siding color inspiration? See siding color and curb appeal ideas for Minnesota homes.
LP SmartSide is engineered wood, which means it gives you the depth, dimension, and substantial look of real wood siding without some of the headaches that come with it. On the wall, it simply reads as more high-end than vinyl. But it’s not just about looks. LP SmartSide is treated to resist moisture, impact, and the temperature swings that test Minnesota exteriors every year. For a Minnesota siding replacement that has to stand up to hail in July and deep cold in January, that durability matters.
The certification piece is worth understanding. LP SmartSide carries a strong manufacturer warranty, but like most siding warranties, it depends on the product being installed correctly. That’s a big reason homeowners look specifically for LP SmartSide installers near me rather than a general crew — proper fastening, sealing, and detail work are what keep that warranty intact and your home protected. It’s the part you don’t see that determines how the siding performs ten years down the road.
LP SmartSide also comes in a deep range of colors and holds paint beautifully, so it’s a great fit if you’ve got a specific look in mind. If you’re exploring shades, our LP SmartSide colors guide walks through popular options and combinations to help you picture it on your own home.
So when does LP SmartSide make more sense than vinyl? When premium appearance and that engineered-wood feel are at the top of your list, and your budget has room for a higher-end product. And when does vinyl still win? When affordability and very low upkeep matter most — for plenty of homeowners, quality vinyl remains the smarter practical choice, and we’re glad to install that just as carefully. Neither one is the “right” answer for everybody.
As your siding contractor in the Twin Cities MN, our job is to give you an honest read on whether LP SmartSide, vinyl, or another option fits your home best — then install it the right way. Call 651-230-5103 or request a free estimate to talk it through.


Want the honest rundown on why we install so much LP SmartSide — including the trade-offs? Read our guide: The Advantages of LP SmartSide Siding for Minnesota Homes.
Exterior Siding & Stone Projects — Northern Exteriors MN


Siding and stone exterior projects completed by Northern Exteriors MN — Twin Cities area.
Vinyl Siding Replacement & Installation in the Twin Cities
If you’ve decided vinyl is the right fit for your home, the next question is who installs it — and that matters more than people expect. We’ve replaced and repaired a lot of vinyl over the years, and a fair amount of that work was fixing jobs another crew rushed. A good panel installed poorly will still fail. So whether you found us searching for a vinyl siding contractor in the Twin Cities or just “siding companies near me,” here’s how we approach a vinyl project.
We start with a free inspection of your existing siding and the wall beneath it. Old siding can hide moisture damage, soft sheathing, or missing house wrap, and there’s no point installing beautiful new panels over a problem. Once we know what we’re working with, we’ll talk through panel options — thickness, color, profile, and warranty — and give you a clear, honest estimate. No upselling you into a premium product you didn’t ask about, and no cutting corners on the parts that actually protect your home.
For Minnesota homes, the install details are everything. Vinyl expands and contracts as temperatures swing from summer heat to deep winter cold, so panels have to be hung with the right amount of play — fastened securely but never pinned tight. We pay attention to proper overlap, J-channel and trim work around windows and doors, and a clean finish at corners and rooflines. Done right, quality vinyl is a low-maintenance exterior that looks sharp for years with little more than the occasional rinse.
Vinyl is also one of the more affordable siding replacement options available, which is a big part of why so many Twin Cities homeowners choose it. That said, “affordable” and “cheap” aren’t the same thing. We’ll help you land on a quality panel and a proper installation at a fair price, rather than the lowest bid that costs you more down the road. If you found us while searching “vinyl siding installation near me” and you’re comparing quotes, we’re glad to be one of them — and we’ll give you a straight answer about whether vinyl, LP SmartSide, or another option is genuinely the best move for your home.
Ready for a free vinyl siding estimate? Call 651-230-5103 or fill out the form below, and we’ll come take a look.

Siding Replacement & New Siding Installation
Most homeowners come to us in one of two situations. The first is siding replacement — your existing siding is damaged, faded, cracked, loose, or just looks dated and tired, and patching it no longer makes sense. The second is new siding installation — you’re remodeling, putting on an addition, or giving your home a major exterior update and want it done right from the start. We handle both, and the approach is the same: figure out what your home actually needs before we talk product.
From there, the material matters. Whether quality vinyl, LP SmartSide, or steel siding is the right call depends on your budget, the look you want, and how long you plan to stay — and we’ll help you weigh your options honestly. But here’s the part that’s easy to overlook: the product is only half the job. Proper installation matters just as much. Even the best siding fails early when it’s nailed too tight, flashed poorly, or installed by a crew that doesn’t account for how panels move through a Minnesota winter.
That’s where working with an experienced Minnesota siding contractor pays off. As your siding contractor in the Twin Cities MN, we install every project with the detail and care it takes to hold up for the long haul — and we back the work.
Ready to find out what your home needs? Call 651-230-5103 or request a free siding estimate and inspection.
Choosing a Siding Contractor in the Twin Cities MN
If you are comparing siding companies near me or looking for a siding contractor near me in the Twin Cities, the smartest choice is usually a local contractor who understands Minnesota weather, the real differences between products, and the long-term installation details that decide how siding holds up. Homeowners across the metro weigh the same things: price, appearance, maintenance, and how long the siding will last through hard winters and summer storms.
Northern Exteriors has been a family-owned Twin Cities siding contractor since 2001, with a 4.9-star Google rating, A+ BBB rating, and Minnesota License #BC297099. We install LP SmartSide engineered wood, quality vinyl, steel siding, and storm-resistant exterior options, and we walk every project from an honest, no-pressure inspection through a clear written estimate so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Ready to compare your options? Request your free siding estimate and we will help you choose the right fit for your home.
Looking for “Siding Companies Near Me”? Here’s What Local Means to Us
If you searched for siding companies near me and landed here, you’ve probably already noticed something: a lot of the names that come up aren’t really local at all. Some are national lead-generation sites that collect your information and pass it along to one of several contractors in their network. You think you’re calling a local siding company, and you end up with a crew you’ve never heard of, from a company you can’t drive to. That’s not us.
Northern Exteriors has been right here in the Twin Cities since 2001. We’re owner-led, fully licensed in Minnesota (MN License #BC297099), and we live and work in the same communities we serve. When you call, you’re talking to people who know Minnesota homes and Minnesota weather — not a call center. Our crews understand how siding has to be installed to survive our winters, because they’ve been doing it here for years.
We think that’s what “local” should actually mean: a real contractor with a real track record. We’ve earned a 4.9 rating across 70+ Google reviews and an A+ rating with the BBB, and we’re glad to stand behind that reputation. More than the badges, though, it’s the way we work — we’ll come out, look at your home, and give you honest, practical help choosing between vinyl, LP SmartSide, steel, or another option based on your budget and what your house actually needs. No pressure, no pushing you toward the most expensive product, and no disappearing after the job’s done.
There’s a real difference between hiring a local siding contractor you can stand in front of and filling out a form on some anonymous siding website. When something needs attention down the road, we’re still here — same phone number, same owner, same crews.
So if you’ve been searching for a local siding company you can trust, we’d be glad to be one of the contractors you talk to. Call 651-230-5103 or request your free siding estimate, and we’ll come take a look at your home.
What Most Siding Contractors Won’t Tell You
Here’s what I tell every homeowner who calls me about siding: beware of any contractor who pushes you toward one option without explaining why. Too often, contractors steer homeowners toward whatever siding product gets them the best kickback from their supplier — not what’s best for your home. At Northern Exteriors, we’ll show you all available options based on your criteria: thickness, warranty, color selection, and long-term performance.
A few things worth knowing about vinyl siding: color is baked into the surface layer during manufacturing, which is why cheaper vinyl fades after a few years. Quality panels range from .044 to .048 mils thick — builder’s grade is typically .038 or .040. Always ask your contractor what thickness they’re installing. If they can’t answer, that tells you something.
And installation matters as much as the product. I’ve repaired siding jobs where the panels weren’t properly nailed, weren’t given room to expand and contract through Minnesota winters, and where the warranty was voided by poor workmanship before the first winter was over. The crews we use have installed LP SmartSide, vinyl, and steel siding for years. They know the product and they know the code.
— Jason Berrey, Owner | Northern Exteriors MN | MN License #BC297099
Our Siding Process — From Inspection to Final Walkthrough
A siding project goes a lot smoother when you know what to expect. Here’s how we handle one from the first phone call through the day we shake hands and you’ve got a new exterior you’re proud of.
1. Free siding inspection and estimate. It starts with a free siding estimate. We come out, walk your home, and take a real look at the condition of your existing siding — not a five-minute glance from the driveway. There’s never any pressure to sign anything.
2. We check what’s underneath. Old siding can hide problems: moisture damage, soft sheathing, missing house wrap. We look past the surface, because installing beautiful new panels over a hidden problem just buries it. If we find something, we’ll show you and explain it in plain language.
3. Honest help comparing your options. Next we talk through your choices — vinyl, LP SmartSide, steel, and other siding options — and weigh them against what matters to you: budget, appearance, durability, and maintenance. As a local siding contractor, our job is to give you a straight recommendation for your home, not to steer you toward the priciest product on the shelf.
4. A clear, written estimate. You get an itemized, written estimate so you know exactly what you’re paying for. No vague numbers, no surprises halfway through the job.
5. Scheduling and material planning. Once you’re ready, we order materials and set a schedule that works for you, factoring in Minnesota weather so your siding replacement happens under the right conditions.
6. Professional installation. This is where experience shows. Our crews install panels with proper fastening and the room siding needs to expand and contract through our winters, careful trim and flashing around windows and doors, and clean lines at corners and rooflines. The goal is to do it right the first time.
7. Cleanup and final walkthrough. When the siding installation is finished, we clean up the site thoroughly — nails included — and then walk the whole project with you to make sure every detail meets your expectations and ours.
8. We stand behind the work. After the walkthrough, we don’t disappear. We’re a Twin Cities company with the same owner, same phone number, and the same crews. If you ever have a question down the road, you know where to find us.
Ready to get started? Call 651-230-5103 or request your free siding estimate.
Storm & Hail Damage Siding — Insurance Claim Help
Looking for a Siding Repair Company? Start With the Diagnosis
Northern Exteriors approaches siding repair the same way we approach full replacement: diagnosis first. If your home has cracked, holed, storm-damaged, or aging siding, we inspect the wall up close, photograph the damage, and determine whether a matching panel can still be sourced — including an ITEL siding match report when matching is in question, since a lot of older siding has been discontinued. Then you get a straight answer: sometimes that’s a targeted siding repair that disappears into the wall; sometimes matching genuinely isn’t possible and the repair conversation becomes a replacement conversation. Either way, you’ll know before any work starts. This is a licensed siding contractor’s approach to repair — matched, documented, and installed to hold up through Minnesota winters, not a caulk-and-go patch job.
Hail and high wind don’t just damage roofs. They crack and puncture siding, dent trim and fascia, and beat up the soft metals on your home — gutters, downspouts, and flashing. The tricky part is that siding damage often isn’t obvious from the ground. You can stand in your driveway and see nothing, while up close there are cracks, holes, and impact marks that will only get worse once water finds its way behind the panels.
That’s where a free siding inspection is worth your time. We come out, look closely at the siding, trim, and soft metals, and document what we find with photos. If there’s storm damage siding worth pursuing through your insurance, you’ll have a clear, photographed record of it rather than a vague hunch.
If you decide to file a siding insurance claim, we can help you through the process. When it makes sense, we’ll meet your adjuster on-site so everyone’s looking at the same damage, and we can provide documentation to support the claim. In cases where matching is in question, an ITEL or siding match report can help establish whether your existing siding can still be sourced — which matters more than people realize.
Here’s a real-world wrinkle with hail damaged siding: a lot of older siding has been discontinued, and you can’t always buy a panel that matches what’s on your house. When a matching product genuinely isn’t available, a partial repair can sometimes expand into a larger replacement scope, depending on how matching is handled, what your policy says, and how well the situation is documented. I won’t promise that’s how every claim goes — insurance outcomes depend on your carrier, your policy, and the specifics of the damage, and no contractor can guarantee what an adjuster will approve. What we can do is help you document the damage honestly and understand your options so you can make an informed decision.
We’ve been helping Twin Cities and Minnesota homeowners navigate storm and hail claims for over two decades. Whether it turns into a small repair or a full siding replacement, our goal is the same: give you a straight assessment and do the work right. See our hail damage roofing and siding page or our storm damage page for more on how we handle insurance documentation and repairs.
Think a recent storm may have hit your siding? Call 651-230-5103 or request a free siding inspection.

Hail impact documented on siding during a Roseville MN inspection — damage like this is often invisible from the driveway.
Siding Repair Starts With the Right Diagnosis
Siding repair is not always as simple as swapping out one damaged panel. Hail, wind, age, water intrusion, discontinued profiles, faded colors, and poor installation can all change what repair options make sense.
Northern Exteriors MN starts with an inspection before recommending repair or replacement. We look at the damaged area, the surrounding elevations, product profile, color match, moisture concerns, and whether the existing siding can realistically be repaired cleanly. In some cases, a targeted repair is the right answer. In others, discontinued siding, widespread storm damage, or hidden installation issues can make replacement the more practical long-term fix.
If storm damage is involved, we photograph and document what we find so you have clear information for your own records and, when applicable, for your adjuster or insurance company to review. Coverage decisions depend on your policy, the damage, and the insurance company’s inspection.
Need help figuring out whether your siding can be repaired or should be replaced? Call Northern Exteriors MN at 651-230-5103 or request a free siding inspection.
Our Siding Projects — Before & After




Twin Cities Siding & Stone Projects
From Woodbury to Cottage Grove, Eagan to Stillwater, Northern Exteriors has transformed hundreds of Twin Cities homes with beautiful new siding. Our portfolio includes LP SmartSide installations, vinyl siding replacements, and full exterior remodels. Every project is supervised from start to finish to ensure the highest quality results.
Real Siding and Stone Exterior Projects
Northern Exteriors MN helps homeowners improve curb appeal, durability, and long-term exterior performance with siding and stone upgrades. These real project photos show examples of completed exterior work from our team.




Northern Exteriors also provides roofing services to Woodbury homeowners — visit our Woodbury MN roofing page for local roof replacement, storm inspections, and hail damage repair.
We also serve Woodbury homeowners as a dedicated siding contractor in Woodbury MN — visit our Woodbury siding page for local LP SmartSide and vinyl siding services.
Service Area — Twin Cities Metro Communities We Serve
Northern Exteriors serves homeowners across the Twin Cities metro and the surrounding Minnesota communities. We do a lot of work on the east and south sides of the metro — places like Woodbury, Cottage Grove, Inver Grove Heights, Hastings, Oakdale, Eagan, Stillwater, Roseville, Lake Elmo, and St. Paul — and we regularly help homeowners in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville, Farmington, Mendota Heights, West St. Paul, St. Paul Park, Afton, and select north-metro and Chisago County communities as well. If you’re nearby and not on that list, it’s worth a call — there’s a good chance we cover your area. See our full Twin Cities service area page.
Here’s why local experience genuinely matters for siding. Minnesota homes don’t all face the same conditions. A house that takes the full brunt of west-facing afternoon sun and wind ages differently than one tucked behind mature trees, and a lakeside property near Stillwater or Afton deals with moisture exposure that a home farther inland may not. How siding performs over the years comes down to local weather, your home’s exposure, the installation details, and the product you choose — not just the panel on the box.
That’s the part a lot of homeowners don’t hear from a contractor until it’s too late. We factor all of it in when we make a recommendation. Whether quality vinyl, LP SmartSide, or steel is the better fit for your home depends on your budget, the look you’re after, and the realities of your specific site — and a siding replacement or new siding installation only holds up long-term when it’s matched and installed with those conditions in mind.
Wherever you are in the metro, the process is the same: an honest look at your home, a straight recommendation, and careful work backed by a company that’s been here since 2001. Call 651-230-5103 or request your free siding estimate, and we’ll come take a look.
Why Homeowners Choose Northern Exteriors Over Other Siding Companies
When homeowners search for siding companies near me, they typically get a mix of national lead aggregators, out-of-state crews, and local contractors. What separates Northern Exteriors is straightforward: we have been right here in the Twin Cities since 2001, we are family-owned and owner-led, and we do not send salespeople to your door — you work directly with the people managing your project.
We help you compare products honestly. Whether that is LP SmartSide engineered wood, quality vinyl, or steel siding — we’ll explain the real differences in cost, maintenance, longevity, and Minnesota performance, then let you decide. We participate in LP Remodelers Edge and install to LP’s published requirements. Manufacturer warranty coverage is determined by LP’s written warranty and correct installation.
We also inspect for storm and hail damage. Minnesota weather is hard on exteriors, and if your siding may have taken hail or wind damage, documenting that properly before a full replacement matters. We photograph and document damage, work with insurance adjusters, and give you an honest assessment — not a sales pitch.
That track record shows: 70+ Google reviews averaging 4.9 stars, an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and a Minnesota Contractor License (#BC297099) we’ve held since the start. If you’re comparing local siding contractors across the Twin Cities, we’d be glad to be on your list. Call 651-230-5103 or request a free siding estimate.
Before & After: Wood Shake Siding Project in Edina
A #1 Blue Label wood shake siding project in Edina, MN — before and after installation by Northern Exteriors.


Siding FAQs
Is vinyl siding a good option in Minnesota?
Yes — for a lot of homes, it’s a smart choice. Quality vinyl handles our temperature swings well when it’s installed correctly, with enough room to expand and contract through the winter. The key word is quality: the thin builder-grade panels are the ones that give vinyl a bad name, while the thicker panels we install hold up far better and resist fading. If price and low upkeep are high on your list, vinyl is hard to beat here in the Twin Cities.
Is LP SmartSide better than vinyl siding?
It depends on what “better” means for you. LP SmartSide is engineered wood, so it has a richer, more dimensional look and a premium feel that vinyl can’t quite match, and it’s very durable. But it also costs more. Vinyl is more affordable and lower-maintenance, and for many homeowners that’s exactly the right trade-off. Neither one is the “correct” answer — it comes down to your budget, the look you want, and how long you plan to stay in the home. We’ll walk you through both honestly.
What is the most affordable siding replacement option?
Vinyl is typically the most affordable siding replacement option for most homes, which is a big reason it’s so popular. Just keep in mind that the lowest bid and the best value aren’t always the same thing — a quality panel installed properly will save you money over a cheap panel that warps or fades in a few years. We’ll help you find a solid product at a fair price rather than steering you toward the cheapest possible job.
What siding is lowest maintenance?
Vinyl and steel are the lowest-maintenance options. Quality vinyl needs little more than an occasional rinse — no painting, no staining. Steel is also very low upkeep and extremely durable. LP SmartSide is low-maintenance too, though as engineered wood it will want repainting over a long span of years. If very low upkeep is your top priority, vinyl is usually where we point homeowners first.
How much does siding replacement cost in MN?
Honestly, this one is project-dependent, so I’d be doing you a disservice quoting a number sight unseen. Cost depends on the size of your home, the material you choose, the condition of what’s underneath the old siding, and the amount of trim and detail work involved. Vinyl sits at the affordable end, with LP SmartSide and steel costing more. The best way to get a real answer is a free on-site estimate — we’ll look at your home and give you a straight, itemized number with no pressure.
Are you a certified LP SmartSide installer?
Yes. Being certified means we can offer the full LP SmartSide manufacturer warranty, which depends on the product being installed correctly — and some siding warranties can be affected by poor workmanship before the first winter is over. If you go the LP SmartSide route, that certification and our experience are part of what protects your investment.
How do I choose between siding companies near me?
Look beyond the lowest bid. Ask whether the contractor is local to the Twin Cities and experienced with Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles and storms, whether they are licensed and insured (ours is MN License #BC297099), and whether they offer a clear written estimate after an in-person inspection. A trustworthy siding contractor will walk you through LP SmartSide, vinyl, and steel options honestly instead of pushing a single product on every home.
Can you inspect siding for storm or hail damage?
Yes. We offer free siding inspections and can document wind or hail damage with photos to support an insurance claim. After a storm, siding may have cracks, dents, or loosened panels that are hard to see from the ground, so a professional inspection helps you understand what is really going on before deciding on repair or replacement.
What is the best siding for Minnesota winters?
All three of our main options — quality vinyl, LP SmartSide, and steel — perform well through Minnesota winters when they’re installed right, and that last part is what really matters. Steel is the toughest against impact and hail, LP SmartSide handles moisture and temperature swings beautifully, and quality vinyl does well as long as it’s hung with proper room to move in the cold. There’s no single “best” for everyone, which is why we help homeowners compare siding options across budget, appearance, maintenance, and durability. Whenever you’re ready, give us a call for a free estimate and we’ll help you choose what fits your home.
Do you install steel siding in the Twin Cities?
Yes. We install steel siding in the Twin Cities metro. Steel is the most impact-resistant siding option we offer — it won’t dent, crack, or fade the way other products can — and it holds up exceptionally well to Minnesota hail and extreme weather. It’s a more specialized option and sits at the higher end in cost, but if maximum durability is your priority, we’ll walk you through whether steel is the right fit for your home.
Do I need a full siding replacement or can damaged sections be repaired?
It depends on the extent and pattern of the damage. Localized damage from impact or weathering can sometimes be repaired by matching panels, but if the damage is widespread, if the siding is aging out, or if there is underlying moisture damage, a full replacement is usually the better long-term investment. We’ll give you an honest assessment — including what we find behind the siding — so you are not guessing.
Explore Siding Color & Finish Options
Color and finish make a big difference in curb appeal and long-term satisfaction. Browse options from the manufacturers Northern Exteriors installs most. Color availability may vary by product and project — our team can help you review what works best for your home.
LP SmartSide
Engineered wood siding in a deep range of colors and profiles. Holds paint exceptionally well and resists fading over Minnesota winters.
Diamond Kote
Pre-finished LP SmartSide with Diamond Kote factory finish — designed for lasting color protection without repainting for decades.
Mastic Vinyl Siding
A solid vinyl siding option with wide color variety, improved modern profiles, and color baked through for long-term fade resistance.
Questions about color selection? Call 651-230-5103 or use the form below — we can review options as part of your free siding estimate.
Ready for a Free Siding Estimate?
Northern Exteriors has been giving free, no-pressure estimates to Twin Cities homeowners since 2001. We’ll assess your siding, walk you through LP SmartSide and other options, and give you a straight answer on what your home needs. Call 651-230-5103 or fill out the form below.
Need help with roofing, siding, or storm damage?
Northern Exteriors can inspect your roof, siding, gutters, flashing, and exterior storm damage and help you understand the next step.
Beyond the metro? Northern Exteriors is also a full-service Minnesota siding company, traveling statewide for qualified siding replacement and storm-restoration projects.
