Spotless & Seamless Exteriors Blog

When choosing a type of siding, many homeowners choose aesthetics over durability, leaving their home vulnerable to future repairs. Many are unaware of the residential siding that is durable, long-lasting, eco-friendly, and high-quality. Residential steel siding checks each of these marks, while still being aesthetically pleasing. Continue reading the blog to learn about the durability and longevity of steel siding.

Steel Siding Durability

When it comes to durability, steel comes in first place. Our high-quality, thick steel siding comes from heavy gauge steel. This type of material stands against hail and extreme storms far better than its competitors. Steel siding is less likely to dent, bend, and scratch.

When selecting steel siding, it’s important to remember that all steel siding brands do not produce the same quality of material. As you discuss the options and different brands, question the finish on the product. Steel siding isn’t as durable as it could be if it is lacking a quality finish and paint combination, such as Klauer’s proprietary texture finish and CoolPaint Technology™. A combination of this finish and paint will reflect the pigments in the paint to increase the energy efficiency of your home and protect it from years of wear.

Steel Siding Longevity

Steel siding has the ability to last up to 50 years or more with proper maintenance and care. Although this material requires less maintenance than its competitors, it’s still important to occasionally check for potential damage.

If you recently had severe weather in your area, now is the time to examine the exterior of your home. Any panels that become damaged to the point of bare steel exposure, should be immediately replaced to prevent further damage. If the panel itself can be salvaged, you may just need a new coat of paint and primer.

The professionals at Spotless & Seamless care about the investment you have made in our steel siding. As added protection, your steel siding comes with a lifetime warranty by Klauer that covers normal weather wear and tear such as cracks, blisters, and flaking, as well as hail protection.

If you’re looking to upgrade your siding, contact Spotless & Seamless, today. As the top Twin Cities contractor, we promise to provide professional and efficient services no matter the project. Contact us today for a free estimate!

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!

Updating your home is an exciting decision, as well as an expensive one. When the details of your updates have been finalized, it’s important to know the work is being done by a trusted professional. Many don’t know where to start when looking for a contractor, especially one you know will be qualified and efficient. Read our blog to learn how to find the right home exterior contractor for you.

Do Your Homework

Residing your home is no small feat. To narrow down the contractor search, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure quality work by trusted professionals.

• Where are you located? Ideally, you want to find a contractor that has an office nearby. Should any issues arise, your trusted professional is a quick phone call away.
• How long has your company been in business? Choosing an already established company will ensure quality work. This is a great time to ask to see photos of past siding jobs and assess online reviews.
• What is your workmanship warranty? Roofing contractors will typically offer their own warranty on workmanship. Most workmanship warranties offered by roofing contractors last at least one year. Protect your assets with a workmanship warranty.

GAF (General Aniline & Film) Certified

At Spotless & Seamless we are proud to be GAF-certified contractors. When you choose a GAF factory-certified roofing contractor, you’ll be working with the best in the business. Only 2% of roofing contractors in North America are GAF Master Elite^®, a certification we renew each year. In addition, every GAF-certified contractor offers exceptional protection with the GAF Lifetime Roofing System. When you choose to work with Spotless & Seamless, the value added to your home will be done by only the most knowledgeable and professional contractors in the area.

If you’re looking for qualified help to reside your home, call on Spotless & Seamless. We are your top Twin Cities contractor for home exteriors needs. Contact us today for a free estimate!

A first impression is telling, even for your home! Make sure you nail your home’s first impression with Spotless & Seamless steel siding. Despite popular belief, steel siding is not only for industrial buildings. With a variety of textures and colors available, you can customize the seamless siding to your taste while protecting your home from the severe elements.

DOES STEEL SIDING INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME?

Yes! When it comes time to reside your home, look at it as an investment. Steel siding may cost more upfront, but with seamless siding, your home will be protected against moisture and chances of rot, saving you money down the road! Vinyl siding is also susceptible to damage from high winds and hail, while seamless steel siding can withstand severe weather while still maintaining its color and integrity. When you invest in our siding, less maintenance will follow along with a very high return on investment (ROI) once your home is sold. Steel siding has one of the highest ROI averaging 86% across the US. Northern parts of the country have even a higher average of around 95%. 

IMMEDIATE BENEFITS OF STEEL SIDING

Steel siding guarantees value to your home when it is time to sell but installing steel siding also has a list of direct benefits!

• Minimal Maintenance: Steel siding does not require extensive upkeep or expensive cleaning services to stay in great shape. You can simply rely on your garden hose to spray it down when it is looking dirty.
• High Durability: Severe elements will not alter steel like it will with other siding materials. Steel can withstand sharp temperature changes, high winds, and hail. Steel siding’s durability outshines all competitors and will keep your home looking great for years to come.
• Eco-Friendly: Steel is the most recycled material on the planet. When steel siding is paired with insulation, it can be a great way to lower a homeowner’s energy costs over time.

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!

Hail doesn’t just have a big impact on your home. It can make a big hit on your wallet, too. According to Home Advisor, hail damage repairs cost anywhere from $2,400 to $15,000. Using the right products now can help avoid costly hail damage repairs down the road, saving you money in the long run. Read on as we discuss tips to avoid costly hail damage repairs.

Is Hail Damage Really an Issue?

First, let’s talk about what hail damage means for your home. Hail comes in at an angle, meaning it doesn’t just hit the roof; it assaults the side of the house as well. Cracks from hail damage leave the frame and interior of your home vulnerable to moisture, which can result in mold and dry rot, so hail damage should be repaired as quickly as possible.

Of course, it would be better if you could prevent that damage in the first place.

Choosing the Right Roof

The roof is one of the first parts of the home to take the brunt of impact from hail. A metal roof is much stronger than traditional roofing materials and comes with a longer lifespan, with many manufacturers offering a 50-year limited lifetime warranty on products.

The Best Siding for Protection from Hail Damage

When it comes to your home’s exterior, you have a lot of choices for siding. But testing has found vinyl and engineered wood just don’t offer the same level of durability, from repairing holes and dents to repainting products after severe weather.

United States Seamless® Steel Siding offers greater impact resistance. Made of multiple layers adhered to a galvanized steel core, even the paint is resistant to harsh weather, with a limited lifetime warranty against fading and chalking. Plus, you don’t just get the strength of steel, you also get a product that’s custom fit to protect your home without seams, splices, or joints, meaning even more moisture protection.

If you’re looking to upgrade your roof and siding, Spotless & Seamless is your top Twin Cities contractor for your home exteriors needs. We can help you determine what’s best for your home to avoid costly hail damage repairs from summer storms. Contact us today for a free estimate!

Those dark and stormy nights may seem fun in a story book or on the big screen. But for the unprepared homeowner, they can mean costly repairs. With storm season upon us, we’ve put together a few quick tips to help you get your home ready for the unexpected. Read on as we discuss how to prepare your home to stand up to the elements.

Clean Out Your Gutters

Your gutters carry rainwater away from the foundation. As such, they play a critical role in protecting your home from water damage. Clogged gutters can lead to water seeping into your basement and crawlspace. What’s more, if they get too heavy, those gutters can collapse. Consider installing a gutter protection system like LEAFAWAY®. You can then check this task off your list forever by keeping your gutters debris free all year long.

Trim Those Trees

If you have a lot of beautiful trees on your property, be sure to take care of them. Now is a good time to call in an arborist to see if any branches need to be removed. That way when the wind picks up, those branches won’t come through your windows or roof.

Get Your Roof in Top Shop

Speaking of roofs, no one wants to find out their roof needs a repair by discovering a leak in the middle of a heavy storm. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends having your roof inspected twice a year. You’ll know if repairs are in order before your roof becomes a problem.

Upgrade Your Siding

Not all siding is created equal. This is especially true when it comes to withstanding high winds, hail damage, and the impact of falling branches. Our United States Seamless® Steel Siding provides superior strength and a finish that’s resistant to harsh weather.

If you’re looking for professional help to prepare your home to stand up to the elements this storm season, call on Spotless & Seamless. 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.

Skylights are a beautiful feature of many homes, offering exterior curb appeal, expanded indoor lighting, and a chance to see the night sky indoors. But for many homeowners they can be out of sight and out of mind, especially when it comes to maintenance. Read our blog for valuable information on when to replace your skylights.

Most Skylights Should Be Replaced Every 10 Years

The easiest way to keep up with your skylights is to consider their age. For optimal performance and minimal wear and tear, skylights should be replaced every 10 years or so. Of course, some issues can occur that may mean a replacement is in order a little sooner.

Signs You Need a New Skylight

If you’re seeing cracked glass, that’s a pretty clear indicator you need a new skylight. But other seemingly less detrimental signs of aging like yellowed or murky glass or bubbling around the drywall can mean it’s time to call in a professional.

Replacing a Leaky Skylight?

Leaks in your skylights obviously need to be repaired, but do they need to be replaced? Reflashing a skylight can range anywhere from $200 to $600 while a replacement can range from $800 to $1500. Depending on the age of your current skylights, it may be worth paying the extra cost now rather than having to replace it or repair it again in a few years.

Replace Your Skylight When Putting on a New Roof

Like skylights, roofs also have a limited lifetime. Depending on the material, you’ll need to replace your roof every 12 to 30 years. If it’s time to update your roof, you can save time on labor by replacing your skylights simultaneously.

Ready to replace your skylight? Spotless & Seamless is your top Twin Cities contractor for all your home exteriors needs, with solutions for windows and doors, roofing, and seamless siding. Contact us today for a free estimate.

In a previous blog, we discussed spring weather and its effects on your home and property. Warmer temps often mean the potential for intense storms. We wanted to reiterate the importance of being prepared and offer a few tips to get your home ready for the elements.

In the Yard

Look around on any given day, and you probably notice things around the yard that need work or tidying up. Before stormy weather rolls in, be sure to take care of those tasks that could otherwise cause damage to your home during severe weather.

• Trees. Trim any branches that have contact with your home’s roof or siding. Also, clear dead tree limbs so they don’t come loose during heavy winds and damage your siding or break a window.
• Lawn furniture. Take inventory of your lawn or patio furniture and anchor it down or secure it in a garage or shed. Close and fasten any deck umbrellas as well. Your home’s exterior may become damaged if strong winds throw these items around during a storm.
• Fence. Check fence doors and/or boards to ensure they’re secure. Again, these things can come loose during a storm and get blown into siding, doors, or windows.

Inside

Keep yourself and your family safe from the effects of inclement weather with a storm kit. This may come in handy if you lose power or need to shelter in place for any length of time. Include items such as flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit and necessary medications, a phone charger, and enough food and water for each family member. Once the storm is over, remember to restock your kit.

Hopefully, you’ll never need to use a storm pack, but you’re better off being prepared in case of emergency.

Outside

Check the gutters. Tighten any loose connections and replace sections that may be cracked or broken. Clear out any debris to avoid clogs or water overflow during a downpour. Also, make sure downspouts are pointed away from your home. This will keep rainwater flowing out from the foundation and help keep things dry.

Additionally, make sure your doors and windows are set to withstand a spring or summer storm. Exterior doors should be supported by at least three hinges and have a solid locking mechanism, preferably a deadbolt.

Close windows to keep water from damaging your home’s interior and to help protect the roof. A strong wind coming in through open windows can create upward pressure on the roof from the inside. So, it’s best to keep windows sealed up.

You’ve probably already checked your roof for any damage after the winter season, but give it another look as the weather dictates. After all, this is your home’s canopy and one of the most important means of protection. Secure or replace and loose or cracked shingles to help shield the roof from rain and wind.

Be Ready for the Elements

Taking care of your home is a full-time job, and we hope these tips will help get your home ready for the elements. At Spotless & Seamless, we understand the responsibility that goes along with home ownership and want to help make things easier for you. Ask our Twin Cities home exteriors professionals about ways to protect your home this storm season and all year long. We offer seamless siding, roofing, window and door, and gutter solutions to keep your home safe no matter the weather. Contact us today to learn more.

As your home’s point of entry, the doorway is often the centerpiece and makes that important first impression. Why not give your entrance a little extra attention to help it really make a statement this season? These impressive ideas for entryway embellishments can get you started.

Welcome

A doormat is the most common decorative element a homeowner adds to an entryway. Consider sprucing up your stoop by going one step further.

• Personalize. Help identify your home and space with a personalized doormat. This can include the family name or even just an initial. Do something to make it your own.
• Layers. Get crafty with your doormat and go for the layered look. Place a decorative outdoor rug underneath your mat for an even more eye-catching look.
• Make them laugh. Show off your sense of humor with a whimsical or playful mat. Get a smile from family and friends before welcoming them into your home.

If a doormat isn’t your style, perhaps a hand-painted or specially designed welcome sign can greet your guests. Tall and commanding or wide and impressive, the concept is really up to you.

By the Numbers

For a fresh style, add an ornamental address plate to the empty space above or alongside the doorway. This can help visitors more easily identify your home and provide visual balance to your entryway.

You can also hang large, separate numbers on or alongside the door. Go for a classic look or something bold and artistic. Just be sure the size of the numbers works well for your home.

Floral Accents

Liven up your entryway with greenery or flowers. If you have the space, try adding a potted plant on either side of the door. These can act as little green columns and make for a lively, grand entrance.

Or add a pop of color and beauty with a hanging flower basket. Change out the flowers as often as you like or consider using fake flowers and avoid the worry of watering.

Décor

With some dramatic and artsy décor, your front door can welcome your guests in style without saying a word.

• Seasonal splashes. Door decorations aren’t only for late-year holidays. Get fun and creative all year round and celebrate summer holidays, birthdays, special occasions, or even “just because.” Dress up your doorway however you like and whenever the mood strikes.
• Accessorize with a door knocker. This can be as ornate or as simple as you like. Maybe try something bold and striking, simple and modern, or designed with an animal face. A unique door knocker can add elegance, sophistication, and practicality.
• Handle with flair. Upgrade door handles or the doorknob to transform the door and add some character or a bit of style.

Lights

You probably have some sort of lighting around the front door. Whether that’s a fixture on either side or one hanging directly above, we have fun ideas to enhance the lighted look.

Decorative sconces come in varying shapes and styles. Find a trend that suits your home and your taste, whether it’s a farmhouse lantern, contemporary cylinder, steampunk design, or romantic Victorian.

Or change the entire look of your entryway with a pendant light. This is a single-bulb fixture suspended from a chain, cord, or metal rod.

Add a Door

A storm or screen door can add style and functionality to your entryway. Accents and vibrant colors can help draw attention. And you can open the front door on nice days to let in some natural light and fresh air.

If you notice the front door is tattered, damaged, or letting in too much outdoor air, maybe it’s time for an upgrade altogether. A new door can increase curb appeal while adding beauty and function to your home. Ask your Twin Cities home exteriors experts about the benefits of a front door upgrade.

Get your home ready to welcome visitors this spring with these impressive ideas for entryway embellishments. 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.