Siding isn’t just about curb appeal—it’s your home’s armor against everything Minnesota weather throws at it. Between freezing winters, blazing summers, and surprise hailstorms, your siding has to do more than look good. It needs to perform. You need protection that holds up year after year, keeps your energy bills down, and doesn’t turn into a maintenance headache.
That’s why finding the best type of siding for your home means focusing on durability, insulation, moisture resistance, and a low-maintenance exterior that won’t quit when the weather does.
If you live in Minnesota, you already know that the weather doesn’t play nice. From icy winter lows that dip to -30°F in the north, to sticky summers that climb into the 90s, Minnesota homes go through a wild temperature rollercoaster.
Add in freeze-thaw cycles, 45–70 inches of snow annually, and the ever-present threats of hail, tornadoes, and high winds, and you’ve got the kind of climate that chews through low-quality siding.
Here’s what that weather does to siding:
On top of that, according to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), your home’s “building envelope”—which includes the siding—is a major factor in overall energy use. A good envelope can cut energy costs by up to 28%. That means the right siding doesn’t just protect—it pays off.
So, your siding needs to be two things:
You can’t throw just any siding on your home and expect it to last in Minnesota. Between harsh winters and hot, humid summers, your siding has to be tough, smart, and reliable.
Here’s what really matters when you’re picking out the best type of siding:
Of course, every home is different. Your ideal siding depends on your location, budget, and what kind of look you’re going for. But here’s a comparison of the most common materials to help you weigh your options.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is everywhere, and for good reason. It’s affordable, easy to install, and needs almost no maintenance. It’s available in both insulated and non-insulated styles, so you can boost energy performance if needed.
Fiber Cement Siding (James Hardie)
Made from sand, cement, and cellulose, it resists just about everything—rot, fire, pests, and brutal weather. It doesn’t crack in freeze-thaw cycles and holds up in high heat.
Everything you need to know about Hardie Board siding
Metal Siding (Steel or Aluminum)
Metal siding is solid when it comes to water and snow. It doesn’t burn, and pests hate it. Steel is stronger than aluminum but heavier. Both need insulation backing to really perform in winter.
Wood Siding
Wood looks beautiful and classic, but it comes with high maintenance. You’ll need to stain or paint regularly and keep an eye out for insects or rot, especially in humid months.
Composite Siding (e.g., LP SmartSide)
Made from engineered wood or resin blends, composite siding is built to take a beating. It resists water, insects, and warping. Many options come prefinished, so they’re ready to go with minimal work.
If you’re like most homeowners in Minnesota, you want siding that works as hard as you do—something that can handle the cold, stay strong through storms, and keep your energy bills in check. Here’s what you need to keep an eye on when picking the best siding for your home.
Insulated Siding Options
Insulated siding adds a layer of foam or other material behind the exterior panels. For Minnesota’s cold-dominated climate, it’s a game changer.
You’ll notice the difference on your utility bills and in your home comfort.
Low-Maintenance Exterior
You’ve got better things to do than repaint your siding every few years. That’s why low maintenance matters. You’re looking for materials that don’t need constant attention—no flaking paint, no rot, and no weekend power washing marathons.
Here’s how different materials stack up on the upkeep scale:
| Siding Type | Maintenance Level | What That Means for You |
| Vinyl, Metal, Composite | Low | Rinse occasionally, no repainting |
| Fiber Cement | Moderate | Needs repainting every 10–15 years |
| Wood | High | Frequent sealing, staining, or painting |
Siding with High R-Value
R-value measures how well a material resists heat flow—higher numbers mean better insulation. In a heating-heavy state like Minnesota, this number matters.
| Siding Type | Approx. R-Value |
| Non-Insulated Vinyl | ~0.6 |
| Insulated Vinyl | 2.0–4.0 |
| Fiber Cement | ~0.37 |
| LP SmartSide + Foam | ~2.0 |
| Wood | 0.8–1.5 |
| Metal (w/ backing) | ~0.6 |
Want even better performance? Add exterior foam insulation under your siding. It’s an easy way to bump up the R-value and save 10–20% on heating costs each year.
Moisture-Resistant Siding
You know how Minnesota winters go—freezing one day, thawing the next. That cycle can wreck siding if it holds onto moisture. Water gets in, freezes, expands, and—boom—cracks, rots, and molds.
That’s why moisture resistance is a must. Some materials naturally shed water better. Others need great sealing and professional installation to hold up.
Think of siding as more than just the skin of your home. It’s your first shield against the elements and a huge player in your home’s comfort and efficiency. If it’s not installed right—or maintained—it won’t matter how “durable” it claims to be.
When it comes to siding built for Minnesota’s weather, Crown Exteriors is the team you want on your side. With years of hands-on experience in the Twin Cities area, we know how to handle the local codes, permits, and unpredictable climate like pros.
We’re certified installers for the most trusted siding brands and offer in-house design consultations with realistic 3D mockups so you can see exactly how your siding will look before we even start.
Whether you’re renovating or building from scratch, we tailor every project to your goals, combining style, energy efficiency, and durability.
Here’s what you can count on:
We’re not just slapping up panels—we’re helping you protect your biggest investment from the inside out. Call us today at 651-236-9227 or book your expert consultation.