Many homeowners look for a siding material that’s durable, accessible, and requires no maintenance. When we dive into the history of residential siding, we see how far our options have come. From handmade bricks to flimsy aluminum, siding has certainly transformed from a simpler time. Continue reading our blog and check out the history of residential siding and which options are best.

The Beginning of Stone and Wood Exteriors

Modern stone siding began to make its appearance in the late 1800s. As this trend caught on, it paved a path towards technological advances and the utilization of thin stone veneer. This trend took hold of the period because of its durability and accessibility.

About 100 years later, wood exteriors became popular in the early 1900s. Although wood has been used for hundreds of years with early settlers, builders turned towards wood exteriors again because of the availability of trees near the building location.

Stone and Wood Exteriors Today

Stone and wood exteriors are not as popular today because of the maintenance and regulations surrounding these materials. Homeowners tend to run into issues with building codes because of the stone weight and thickness. Wood also comes with issues such as pests, cracks in the material, and being targeted by woodpeckers.

The Beginning of Vinyl and Aluminum Exteriors

By the end of World War II, aluminum had become a popular residential exterior option because of the affordable pricing. Although this wasn’t a durable choice, many flocked towards this option because of the cost.

Following aluminum siding, came the vinyl craze. As the price of wood went up, homeowners grew tired of the high cost, continuous maintenance, and pest control requirements. Quickly, vinyl siding replaced both wood and aluminum exteriors.

Vinyl and Aluminum Exteriors Today

Vinyl and aluminum siding are still common choices today, but come with a few cons. Aluminum siding tends to dent and scratch easily, fade over time, and create annoying sounds. As the hot sun beats down on aluminum siding, you may hear a “pinging” sound as the metal expands.

Vinyl siding may be a popular and cost-effective siding choice, but it also may bring issues down the road. Vinyl siding is known to dent easily, fade in the sun, and cause issues when repairing. Many times, whole planks need to be replaced. Vinyl siding is also not recommended if you plan to sell your home, as it lowers the home’s value.

The Beginning of Seamless Steel Exteriors

Steel siding became commercially available in the 1940s. At first, homeowners were unimpressed by the metallic roof-like appearance, but as design and aesthetic became important to clients, manufacturers got to work on improvements. Soon, manufacturers began incorporating an embossed coating on the metal to vary the colors and designs available.

Seamless Steel Exteriors Today

Steel siding is a great low-maintenance siding choice. Our steel panels are cut to the exact length of the building, eliminating any seams. Removing seams from the outside of your building lowers energy bills, protects against moisture, and requires little to no maintenance. Steel siding is the most durable material option out on the market today and comes in many styles and sizes. While the upfront cost is higher, it’s a great investment. Steel siding can last for more than 50 years if it is taken care of.

If you are ready to upgrade your home to seamless siding, rest easy knowing we are your top Twin Cities contractor for home exteriors needs. Contact us today for a free estimate!

Whether you’re building a new house or looking to make updates as a part of a renovation, one of the big choices you’ll face: Your home’s exterior. Steel siding has been a building staple for more than a hundred years. That type of history brings with it innovations and improvements, but it can also mean common misconceptions. We’ve put together some of the major steel siding misconceptions so you can make an informed decision for your home’s exterior.

Myth: Steel siding is high-maintenance, low durability.

Steel siding is not only resistant to rust, fading, and chalking, it’s also termite and fire resistant and can withstand high impact and hail damage. Because of its construction, steel provides protection from the elements by standing up against warping, rot, and moisture. Seamless steel siding also seals the home off from the elements to better protect your home’s framework.

Bonus? Steel is easy to clean. A quick rinse with a garden hose is all it takes.

Myth: Other materials are better for the environment.

For homeowners looking to make an eco-conscious choice, steel fits right in. As the most recycled material in the U.S., it’s an environmentally friendly exterior option. Our Platinum Seamless Siding takes that a step further, using an exclusive hybrid paint finish technology complete with infrared reflective pigments to help improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Myth: Steel siding is flat and boring.

Steel siding comes in a variety of profiles and colors, with endless design options. In fact, with today’s manufacturing, steel can look just like wood, without the upkeep and deterioration. There are even steel siding options that provide a log cabin feel. You can also get a range of decorative options for window cladding, door headers, gable accents, shutters, and more.

Choosing Seamless Steel Siding

If you’re ready to make the move to seamless steal siding, Spotless & Seamless is your top Twin Cities contractor for your home exteriors needs.

The experienced professionals at Spotless & Seamless are always here to offer solutions to liven up your home’s exterior, from seamless siding to roofing to windows & doors and more. Contact us today with questions or for a free estimate.

If you have recently purchased a home, congratulations! Homeownership offers a host of opportunities, with some required maintenance and upkeep. Now that you’re situated in your new place, you’ll want to be sure it’s ready for the changing season. Use these traditional tips to protect your new investment this fall.

Windows and Doors

As the weather turns cooler, keep your home’s warm air from escaping. Check around doors and windows for gaps in caulking and weather stripping. These materials depreciate over time, so perform regular checks to ensure a proper seal.

Repair or replace any gaps with the appropriate materials. Additionally, check the seals around cable, gas, and electrical entry points to be sure they are properly secured.

If you feel your home may need new, high-performance windows or doors, schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced professionals.

Gutters

Safeguard your home’s exterior – and interior! – by keeping the gutters clean. Clogged gutters can lead to water buildup that can damage roofing and siding. Be sure to clear out leaves, branches, nests, and other debris. Also, consider covering your gutters with a LEAFAWAY® gutter protection system and never clean gutters again.

Prevent potential foundation issues by checking downspouts. Keep them free from obstructions and make sure they’re directing water several feet away from your home, sidewalks, and driveways.

Roofing

If you notice sand-like particles in your gutters, this may signal a shingle issue. That grit protects the roof’s shingles from sun damage. Inspect the condition of your shingles to make sure they’re still protecting your home from the elements.

Also, look for cracked, missing, loose, or warped shingles and replace them as needed. Check areas around ventilation pipes or chimneys to be sure the flashing is intact and secure. If it’s not, water can seep in and lead to expensive repairs.

Siding

Clean any dirt, mildew, or other debris from siding to protect its durability and keep insects away. Check for any damage, especially in corners and areas where trim boards connect. Any cracks or holes in siding should be addressed and fixed as soon as possible.

Trim tree branches and shrubs, especially if they’re close to the house. This will prevent scratches or other damage during high winds and help keep moisture from potentially seeping in through constant contact with exterior siding.

For better peace of mind, consider installing United States Seamless® Steel Siding. This maintenance-free option provides proven performance and offers a wide range of design and color choices.

Your new home is a big investment. These traditional tips should help you protect that investment this fall. If you have questions or concerns about your home’s windows and doors, roofing, gutters, or siding, the home exteriors experts at Spotless & Seamless are here to help. Contact us today for recommendations or to schedule an estimate or installation.

Your home is an investment. When building or making upgrades, you want to consider the best quality materials to assure the best possible result inside and out. Keep reading to learn about protecting your home’s exterior and three reasons to choose seamless when weighing your siding options.

What is seamless?

Seamless siding is specifically cut to the precise measurements of your home, so each panel is one continuous, seamless piece. This attractive option is one of the best siding choices – especially if it’s steel – for many reasons, including its performance and simplicity.

Durable and efficient

Minnesota climates can be extreme, but seamless steel siding is durable enough to hold up against the drastic fluctuations between hot and cold. In addition, this exterior covering is impervious to fading or chalking and resistant to pests, such as ants and termites.

Because it’s seamless, this multi-layered system helps prevents moisture from getting into your home and wreaking havoc on your indoor air quality or causing rot or structural damage. What’s more, the siding keeps drafts out, so your inside air stays comfortably cool in the summer and toasty warm in the winter. This will help save on energy costs as well.

Easy to maintain

Caring for your seamless steel siding is about as uncomplicated as it gets, because this product is virtually maintenance free. If the siding gets dirty, simply rinse it with a garden hose. Yes, it’s that easy.

And forget about putting on a new coat of paint. You won’t have to prime, stain, or seal anything – ever – because its fresh look will last for decades to come.

So many colors and styles

United States Seamless® Steel Siding comes in a variety of colors and finishes to match your personality, preference, or taste. Color options range from subtle earth tones to rich, dynamic hues. Also, select a basic finish or one that’s textured or woodgrain.

Small touches like vertical accents or a peak herringbone design can add dramatic flair to your home’s exterior and increase curb appeal.

The Twin Cities home exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless Siding have the answers to your questions when it comes to seamless siding. Still wondering whether to choose seamless? Contact our experts to learn more or to schedule a free estimate.

Winter is here. Any Minnesota homeowner knows that when the snowfall increases, so does the risk of ice dams forming along the roofline. Left untreated, ice dams can lead to extensive and costly damage to your home’s roof and gutters, and in some cases, the interior of your house. Read on for information and tips on what you can do to prevent ice dams from ruining the exterior of your home.

What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is a thick ridge of ice that forms along the lower edge of rooflines in climates with cold temperatures and regular snowfall. As heat rises from the home, it melts the snow that has accumulated on the roof, sending water down to settle on the eaves and gutters. When the outside temperature drops, the water essentially refreezes, causing the ice ridge to continually expand and become heavier. This prevents subsequent melting snow from draining off the roof.

Effects

When the snow melts on the warmer part of the roof, the melted snow pools behind the ice and seeps back under roof shingles and, eventually, into the home. This can cause significant damage to walls, ceilings, and floors. In severe cases, ice dams can weigh several hundred pounds, which can tear off gutters, crack shingles, or compromise the overall structure of the roof. In addition, moisture that has entered the home can lead to the growth of dangerous mold and mildew, which adds excessive repairs and health risks.

Prevention

The best way to prevent ice dams from forming is to take action before the snow falls. Since heat loss through the attic is a major contributor to ice dam formation, proper insulation and ventilation are crucial. This creates an airtight seal, keeping the roof’s temperature near or at the outdoor temperature. However, once the snow does fall, be sure to remove it from the roof using a roof rake but take care not to damage the shingles in the process.

In emergency situations where water is flowing into the home, make a path or channel through the ice dam. This will redirect the water and allow it to flow off the roof. You can make a channel by pouring warm tap water where the ice has built up, then chiseling it to create the pathway. It’s most effective to work upward from the lower edge of the ice dam. However, the pathway is only temporary, so it’s best to implement a long-term solution to the problem.

Snow and ice are a way of life in Minnesota. By following these preventative measures, you can keep the damage and cost of ice dams at bay.

The Twin Cities home exteriors professionals from Spotless & Seamless are ready to assist with all your siding and roofing needs. Contact us today.