Spotless & Seamless Exteriors Blog

Misconceptions About Steel Siding

Misconceptions-About-Steel-Siding

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.


Consider Steel Siding When Updating Your Home’s Look

Consider-Steel-Siding-When-Updating-Your-Homes-Look

When it comes to protecting your home, you want to avoid cutting corners to save headaches down the road. This is especially true when upgrading windows, doors, or siding. With the best safeguards in place outside, you and your family can rest easy inside. If you’re thinking of updating your home’s overall look, we can provide many reasons why you should consider steel siding.

Reliable

One of the biggest benefits to steel siding is its all-around reliability.

Steel siding is designed to withstand all of Mother Nature’s elements, from the harshest winter’s cold and snow to the most intense summer heat and sun. And Minnesota’s weather forecast often runs the gamut, so take comfort in knowing this maintenance-free product won’t blister, crack, or warp.

Your home is also safeguarded against moisture damage. United States Seamless® Steel Siding is resistant to water penetration and contains no joints or entry points for rain or melting snow.

Durable and Safe

Tired of painting every few years? When you consider steel siding maintains its sturdy condition no matter the elements, you realize another advantage. This durable material is resistant to fading and chipping, so there’s no need to touch up or repaint anything.

Additionally, steel siding can last up to 50 years when properly installed. That’s a long time to not have to worry about your home’s exterior.

Steel siding also has a high rating with regard to fire safety. This can help give you peace of mind when it comes to protecting your family.

Endless Possibilities

Steel siding offers a host of aesthetic possibilities. Whether you want a modern finish or a classic look, you have endless options for texture, style, color, and design. Choose an authentic woodgrain pattern or something with a shiny finish. Select a sophisticated earth tone or a bright color with dynamic energy.

Increase your home’s curb appeal by adding artistic flair with accent siding or decorative shutters.

Enhancing your home’s exterior can provide a fresh look and long-lasting, valuable conveniences. Ask one of the experienced professionals at Spotless & Seamless about why you should consider steel siding for your home. We can answer any questions and help further explain the proven performance of steel siding. Contact us today.


New Home? Protect it This Fall with Traditional Tips

New-Home-Protect-it-This-Fall-with-Traditional-Tips

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.


Siding: 3 reasons to choose seamless

Siding-3-reasons-to-choose-seamless

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.


The Effects of Frigid Temperatures on Vinyl Siding

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Minnesota homeowners know that northern climates are tough on the home. In optimal weather conditions, most siding products perform well, but some just can’t withstand the frozen tundra. Read on to learn the effects of frigid temperatures on vinyl siding.

Temperature

Vinyl is a type of plastic, and as such, is sensitive to temperature changes. Vinyl siding can become brittle and is prone to cracking in low temperatures. The material contracts in cold environments and expands when the weather warms up. If your house siding is compromised during the winter months, you may have costly water damage come spring.

Seams

Vinyl siding panels overlap and interlock, resulting in more than 130 seams on the average home. Visible seams may present a gateway for moisture, which will eventually rot the walls of your home. When put to the test with wind, hail, and snow, vinyl won’t perform as well as other cladding materials.

Wind

Strong winds are tough on any home, but particularly on vinyl siding. Vinyl cladding is lightweight and could lift off and be ripped from the home. In addition, missing sections are hard to replace, particularly if the siding color has faded with age and from exposure to the elements.

A Better Alternative

Properly installed steel siding can put your mind at ease with its many benefits:

  • Affordability
  • Ease of installation
  • Water resistance
  • Energy efficiency
  • Aesthetics
  • Versatility
  • Minimum maintenance

Trust the top choice in American-made seamless steel siding, United States Seamless®. With its limited lifetime warranty against fading or chalking, U.S. Seamless Siding will boost your home’s curb appeal and maintain its beautiful look for years to come. Steel siding is custom-fit to your home on-site, which means no ugly seams, splices, or joints.

Available in a range of beautiful styles to complement modern homes or cozy log cabins, United States Seamless® is second to none. Whether you choose Platinum Series™, Mountain Cedar®, or the NorthWoods Collection™, you can be sure of a strikingly attractive finish that will save you money on energy bills. Most U.S. Seamless styles and colors are available with coordinating accessories such as soffit, fascia, and seamless gutters.

Don’t let the effects of frigid temperatures on vinyl siding cause problems this winter. Spotless & Seamless Exteriors (SSE) is a Maple Grove siding contractor, offering United States Seamless® to homeowners throughout the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area and suburbs. As your Twin Cities siding professionals, we take great pride in providing quality materials our installers would trust on their own homes. We have a heated trailer from which we cut custom-fit sections that will fit your home perfectly, allowing us to apply seamless steel throughout the winter months.

Contact us to learn more.


End of Summer Home Exterior Maintenance Checklist

end of summer home exterior maintenance

We still have a while before the temperatures drop enough for you to turn on the furnace and bundle up, but why not get ahead of the winter prepping game? Start with our end of summer home exterior maintenance checklist, and you’ll be good to go before the leaves even begin to fall.

Review

First, survey your home for damage and general wear and tear:

  • Inspect siding, roofs, gutters, windows, and doors for cracks, peeling, and missing materials.
  • Check for broken flashing seals around vents and chimneys on the roof.
  • Look for sagging or disconnected gutter sections along the roof edges.
  • Examine the ground along your home’s foundation for broken fasteners or roof granules.

Instead of climbing a ladder for a DIY remedy, trust a professional home exterior remodeling contractor to patch up your roof, fix broken gutters, and repair siding if you notice any problems when you inspect your home this fall.  

Reclaim

Don’t let your roof and gutters become victims of foliage, dead or alive. Overhanging branches can scrape up and wear out your shingles or break off in a storm and puncture the roof. Needles from shedding pine trees can build up on the roof and retain moisture, hindering your home’s drainage system. Remove accumulating dead foliage and trim back low-hanging branches to prevent roof damage.

Your gutters and downspouts can become clogged with leaves, roofing grit, feathers, trash, pinecones, needles, acorns, and more. Debris will weigh the gutters down and cause water to pool and overflow, settling near your home’s foundation. Consider LEAFAWAY® gutter protection from your Minnesota clog-free gutter professionals, so you never have to worry about cleaning your gutters again.

Reapply

Caulk is a waterproof filler used to seal joints in and around shutters, rail systems, window panels and frames, and doors. Every homeowner should repair dry and cracked or loose caulk to eliminate air leaks and prevent water damage. If you can fit a nickel in between the gaps of the siding and window or door frames, you should reapply caulk.

Other openings, such as gaps between movable building components, may require weatherstripping. Check your door thresholds and window sides and sashes to see if the rubber or metal is damaged. Replace missing or worn weatherstripping around windows and doors to keep the elements out and the conditioned air in.

Replace

Home improvements are a big—yet worthwhile—investment. According to the United States Department of Energy, the average American spends $200 to $400 every year on wasted energy that is lost through drafts, air leaks, and outdated HVAC systems. Properly installed energy efficient windows and doors can reduce heat and cooling loss. Contact your Minneapolis/St. Paul window replacement contractor to install new ones and lower your energy bills.

A roof, siding, and gutter replacement could increase resell value, boost your home’s curb appeal, and maximize energy efficiency. Seamless steel siding is one of the most weather-resistant, low maintenance, and environmentally friendly materials in the home siding industry. Check with Spotless & Seamless Exteriors, your local steel siding contractor, to see what styles and colors are available. Review our blog about when to consider a new roof or replace gutters if you are having trouble making a decision.

Spotless & Seamless Exteriors can handle any of your home exterior remodeling needs. Contact us for a free estimate.


How to Choose The Right Siding

right siding

We all know that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. But most of us judge a home by its curb appeal—the attractiveness of a home’s exterior, as viewed from the street. Even though the outside of a home doesn’t sum up what’s on the inside, the material you choose to cover your home can affect the HVAC system and the safety of your interior walls from the elements. The right siding for your home can enhance its curb appeal, save you money, and shorten your ever-growing list of home maintenance chores. Learn why we recommend seamless steel siding.

The purpose of siding

At the very least, the exterior of a home—the siding—should protect its occupants, foundational structure, and ventilation systems from the elements. There are numerous factors you should consider when choosing exterior materials:

  • Water resistance
  • Ease of installation
  • Energy efficiency
  • Aesthetics
  • Versatility
  • Durability

Different types of siding

Homeowners can choose from a variety of siding materials, the most common being vinyl, brick, stone, stucco, fiber cement, wood, and stainless steel. Each varies in cost, durability, style, energy efficiency, and required maintenance.

Vinyl – By far the most widely-used exterior of modern homes, vinyl siding is made in panels or shingles, resulting in visible seams. The siding can melt in fires, be pulled off by the wind, or crack in cold temperatures.

Brick – Environmentally friendly and noncombustible, brick siding is the most expensive of the home cladding materials. Mortar may need to be replaced to seal out moisture, and because brick is porous, it can crumble without proper water drainage.

Stone – Unlike brick, stone is non-porous, making it moisture resistant. Stone is a completely natural, virtually indestructible material, but stone cladding is expensive to install. If improperly applied, the mortar can crack.

Stucco – Made of Portland cement, sand, lime, and water, stucco can be shaped and textured to cover curves in architecture and completely seal corners. Stucco application requires multiple layers and can crack if the foundation shifts.

Fiber cement – Made with cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, fiber cement looks like wood but lasts longer and requires less maintenance. Fiber cement can be difficult and expensive to install.

Wood – Wood presents a variety of style options, including logs, panels, or bevel siding made from pine, spruce, fir, cedar, or redwood. Wood can crack, split, warp, rot in excessive moisture, and burn quickly in the event of a fire. If painted, the color will fade or peel over time.

Seamless Steel Siding

Steel siding is an ultra-durable option, ideal for protection against snow, sleet, frost, rain, and wind. Spotless & Seamless steel siding is applied to the home without ugly seams, maintains its look indefinitely, and can be painted or recycled. It doesn’t absorb moisture or feed insects. Steel siding can be expensive, but unlike aluminum, steel retains its color and does not dent easily. Some textures resemble wood.

The best siding will protect your home from the extreme cold of winter, summer humidity, and unpredictable storms. At Spotless & Seamless Exteriors, your local steel siding contractor, we believe you can guard your home against the elements, save money on maintenance in the long run, and add to its curb appeal. That’s why we specialize in installing seamless steel siding for Minnesota homeowners to enjoy for years to come. View some of our metal siding projects.

Contact your Maple Grove siding contractor today to learn more.


Seamless Steel Siding

Maintenance-free seamless steel siding

Spotless & Seamless Exteriors, a Maple Grove siding contractor, is the exclusive Twin Cities provider of United States Seamless® Steel Siding products.

What is Seamless Steel Siding?

Maintenance-free seamless steel siding is the most durable exterior siding product available today. Made from multiple layers of finish adhered to a galvanized steel core, the weather-resistant siding delivers a consistent color application and the texture and grain of wood.

The siding is manufactured on-site, custom-fit to the exact length of your home. This eliminates unsightly seams and splices for a smooth, beautiful look. Unlike vinyl siding, steel is non-toxic, fire-resistant, and can be recycled.

Spotless & Seamless Exteriors offers a wide variety of color and profile choices for an exterior that best suits your personal style, including these exclusive U.S. Seamless collections:

Why Choose Seamless Steel Siding?

There are many benefits to choosing seamless steel siding, whether you are remodeling or building a new home, including:

  • Various color and style choices for siding, accent siding, soffit, fascia, and trim accessories.
  • Stain-resistant, maintenance-free finish.
  • Exclusive finish technology that protects against excessive fading and chalking and improves your home’s energy efficiency.
  • Limited lifetime warranty against fading and chalking.
  • The beautiful look of wood with the strength of steel, year after year.
  • Added home value.

Why Choose Spotless & Seamless Exteriors?

Spotless & Seamless Exteriors is your local siding contractor. We live and work in the Twin Cities, and we understand the needs of homeowners in the area. Whether you are building a new home, have recently experienced storm or hail damage and need repair, or it’s time to refresh the look and feel of your home’s exterior, count on the steel siding experts of Spotless & Seamless Exteriors. We have the knowledge and experience to help with any of your home exterior remodeling needs, from seamless steel siding and gutters to roofing, windows, and doors.

Combine the beauty of genuine wood with the durability and convenience of maintenance-free seamless steel siding. Contact Minnesota siding contractor Spotless & Seamless Exteriors to learn more.