With temperatures on the rise and summer on its way, you’re probably outside tending to chores around the yard. Another way to keep your property looking spiffy – and increase curb appeal – is to give your home an outer spruce-up. From a simple doorway upgrade to a full siding replacement, we have some tips on scoring style points with home exterior trends.

Front Door

Your home’s front door is an invitation that greets and welcomes your guests. Adding a new coat of paint or even a pop of color can make a visual statement or offer a warmhearted reception.

If you’re ready for a whole new look in the entryway, consider replacing the door with one that looks stunning and is more energy efficient. Let the sun in by choosing a door with multi-pane windows. Moreover, accenting the doorway with sidelights and transom windows will really make your exterior – and especially your interior – shine.

Go Dark

Go with dark colors and bring a new sophisticated look to your home.

Dark colors – like charcoal gray, navy blue, deep burgundy, hunter green, or even black – complement any style of home and have an ageless feel that adds to their popularity. Darker exterior colors can bring simplicity to a modern-era home. Likewise, they can make the conventional feel somewhat unconventional.

Stay Fresh… Forever

Give your home’s exterior the look of timeless beauty and the assurance of performance against the elements with new siding. United States Seamless® Steel Siding products come in a variety of designs and colors – including dark hues.

• Platinum Series™: More than beautiful, this energy efficient exterior outperforms vinyl, wood, or fiber cement products. For added value and durability, this unique siding alternative is enhanced with DuPont™ Teflon® surface protector.
• Mountain Cedar®: Offering the look of natural stained cedar, this product goes one step further and resists the elements better than its namesake. Engineered specifically to resist hail and extreme temperature changes, this option won’t deteriorate like real wood.
• Northwoods Collection™: Get that cozy, rustic look with this log cabin steel siding. Available in four natural wood colors, it won’t rot, splinter, corrode, or fade.

What’s more, seamless steel siding is maintenance free, which will save you time and energy over the decades.

No matter your style, color, or home exterior trend preference, the Twin Cities exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless can make the transition a simple one. Contact us to find out more about front door or siding options or to schedule a free consultation.

The roof of your home has protected you through another winter, but its job is continuous and always requires its best effort. Maybe you have noticed some aging, leaking, or other damage and are considering a replacement. Shingles and metal are two of the most common materials used to cover homes today. Learn more as we examine these suitable roofing options for a cold climate like Minnesota.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are made up of a combination of fiberglass for reinforcement, asphalt to provide water resistance, and stone granules to add color and help reflect heat from the sun. They are one of the most widely used roofing materials in the country. Designed for substantial protection with little upkeep, asphalt shingles are popular for many reasons.

• Durability. Asphalt shingles shield your home from seasonal temperature shifts and all types of weather, including snow and heavy rain.
• Environmentally friendly. They can be recycled and converted into roadway pavement.
• Long lasting. A well-maintained shingled roof can last 20 to 30 years.
• Visually appealing. Shingles are available in a vast assortment of colors and styles, which allows you to enhance the aesthetic look of your home.
• Affordability. In comparison to other materials, shingles are universally less expensive. They are also easier to install, cutting down on time and labor costs.

Metal roofing

While initially more expensive than traditional options, metal roofing proves its worth over time with many advantages.

• Longer lifespan. A metal roof can last from 50 to 100 years with little-to-no maintenance
• Sturdy. This type of roofing is highly resistant to hail, wind damage, and even fire.
• Watertight. Metal roofing protects your home from snow and rain penetration thanks to the way it’s manufactured and assembled. Furthermore, metal roofs are not susceptible to snow or ice buildup, as any frozen precipitation slides right off.
• Year-round installation. Because they don’t require sealing or curing, metal roofs can be installed any time of year, even in cold climates.
• Stylish. With many styles, colors, and types from which to choose, metal roofing is fully customizable to any look.

Whether you choose traditional shingle or opt for metal, either of these roofing options for a cold climate will add value to and protect your home. The Twin Cities home exteriors professionals from Spotless & Seamless are ready to assist with all your roofing and siding needs. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

When considering home improvement projects that increase energy efficiency and lower utility bills, most homeowners think replacement windows or insulation. But upgrading your exterior doors is an easy, cost-effective way to save energy and money while creating a comfortable, healthier indoor environment. Read on to learn how:

Air Leakage

Old, ill-fitting, or uninsulated entry or patio doors can contribute to air leakage during the winter and summer months. Unwanted outside air enters your home and inside air escapes through cracks, gaps, and openings you may not even know exist. Air leakage can also cause moisture issues. This can result in dangerous mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Weatherstripping or caulking the gaps can help reduce air leaks and energy loss, but new energy-efficient exterior doors are designed for a better fit and increased insulation, and can eliminate drafts.

Types of Energy-Efficient Doors

An energy-efficient door acts as a seal between the outside and inside temperatures of your home. This prevents an unwanted heat exchange, which could save you money. There are many options available when looking to upgrade your doors:

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is one of the most energy-efficient materials available today. It’s highly durable, weather-resistant, and relatively low maintenance. In addition, fiberglass doors won’t crack, shrink, or warp, giving them a longer lifespan than other materials such as wood. In general, fiberglass doors are moderately priced, so replacing your existing door with a fiberglass one is a good investment that will pay for itself in energy savings down the road.

Vinyl

Vinyl is another material that’s durable, weather-resistant, and energy efficient. A vinyl door provides good thermal insulation, which prevents air from entering or escaping your house during the hot and cold months. Premium vinyl resists deterioration, corrosion, and insect infestation.

Steel

Like a refrigerator door, most steel doors use magnetic weatherstripping that forms an airtight seal to prevent air from escaping or entering your home. Steel doors often have tighter-fitting frames and a higher R-value than other materials. This results in better insulation for your home. Moreover, steel doors are generally less expensive compared to fiberglass or vinyl.

Wood

A widely popular option, doors made from wood are the least energy efficient of all the materials. Wood tends to be a poor insulator of heat and can even absorb heat in the warmer months. Most wood doors have a polyurethane foam core that increases its energy efficiency, but only nominally. While wood is an attractive option relative to curb appeal, there are better alternatives for energy savings available.

Glass

Glass doors are poor insulators and tend to lose more heat than other types of doors. However, most manufacturers install low-emissivity coatings on glass, which control the heat transfer better but tend to cost more. There are do-it-yourself low-e coating kits available to apply at home. These films are relatively low-cost and may last up to 15 years without peeling, a good alternative for the budget-conscious homeowner.

Upgrading your exterior doors could lead to significant energy savings. Selecting the right door for your home’s exterior is a big decision. Before you buy, it’s advisable to check NFRC performance ratings to find the right door for your lifestyle and budget.

Let the experts at Spotless & Seamless Exteriors help make choosing a door a little easier. We are a Twin Cities home exteriors contractor offering a wide selection of doors from Waudena Millwork. Materials include high-quality steel, fiberglass aluminum, vinyl, wood, and others designed for high-functionality and performance all year round. Contact us today.

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.

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.

Most homeowners consider replacing their windows to repair damage from a fallen tree or a stray baseball. But new glass could reduce energy consumption and enhance the beauty of your home. We’ve outlined four reasons why you should look into purchasing new windows and who you should trust to install them.

Money

Windows let in sunlight and can be a source of heat, but drafts will cause your heating system or air conditioning to work harder and your energy bills to spike. Many older homes were built with single-paned windows. Today’s standard windows are made of double- or even triple-paned glass, which will insulate your home.

According to the US Department of Energy, windows are responsible for 20 to 30 percent of lost heating and cooling energy. You could save money with energy-efficient windows installed with airtight quality.

Beauty

Windows are a focal point; if they are deteriorating, your house will look worn, too. Curb appeal sells houses. If you plan to put your home on the market, new windows may raise the resale value. If nothing else, it’ll be an attractive upgrade you can enjoy inside and out.

Design is a driving factor when choosing new windows. There are many styles to consider, such as bay and bow, double-hung, sliding, garden, awning, and casement windows. Each offer their own unique look that will pair with your home’s personality.

Well-Being

The right amount of quality windows can brighten up a space and improve your moods, productivity, and overall wellness. Windows are an important element of home security. Energy-efficient windows can reduce ambient noise if you live on a busy street, making it easier to focus and enjoy peace and quiet.

According to an article by Healthline, natural light boosts vitamin D, improves sleep, and helps with seasonal depression, a real struggle in Minnesota. So how do you increase the natural light in your home? Upgrade your windows or add more. With energy-efficient, attractive windows, you’ll be less tempted to draw the curtains to cover deteriorating frames, retain heat in the winter, or block out the sun in the summer.

Functionality

Leaking or inefficient windows are a detriment to your home and your health. Are your windows damaged? If you notice any of these signs in, on, or around the windows, it may be an indication you need to replace them:

• Warped frames
• Fogging glass
• Condensation build-up
• Rotting wood
• Water stains
• Sticking sashes

You could try applying weatherstripping or storm windows for moisture control, but those are temporary solutions that won’t fix the root of the issue. If your windows don’t work properly, a replacement could improve ventilation and make your life easier.

Options

So what’s the solution? Your Twin Cities window contractor Spotless & Seamless Exteriors (SSE) offers top-quality products like Ply Gem Windows. These maintenance-free vinyl windows offer improved beauty, function, security, weather resistance, and noise control and are backed by a limited lifetime transferable warranty.

Who Should You Hire?

You’ll want to make sure to hire an established contractor with good rapport with other industry professionals and their customers. You can always check their Better Business Bureau or Angie’s List ratings to see what others have to say about their services.

At Spotless & Seamless Exteriors, we are committed to our trade, offering quality products, free estimates, and efficient installation. The SSE installation team has worked on countless existing and new construction homes. As a Maple Grove siding contractor, we are able to handle all of your exterior renovations. Whether you’re looking for a complete makeover or a simple door replacement, we’ve got you—and your home—covered.

Contact us for more information.

Leaves are falling. Are your gutters threatening to do the same? Throughout the year, they collect runoff water full of foliage, dirt, twigs, needles, acorns, and other debris that can accumulate and put stress on your gutters. Excess weight could cause them to fall off. At the very least, dirty gutters can block your home’s drainage system.

Sure, you could throw on a pair of gloves and climb a ladder to scoop out the muck. But you could also avoid gutter cleaning entirely and rest assured your home—interior and out—is protected from water damage. How? Install gutter protection.

What is the best gutter protection?

LEAFAWAY® keeps debris out of gutter troughs so you don’t have to climb a ladder to scoop soggy leaf build-up and remove blockages. LEAFAWAY® is custom manufactured on-site to provide seamless gutter protection and installed securely to your home’s fascia board with no need for roof attachments.

This one-piece rain-carrying system is covered by a debris-shedding shield that works to deflect wind-blown and runoff leaves, pinecones, needles, acorns, and twigs.

Why Should I Install LEAFAWAY®?

With LEAFAWAY®, your home will be protected from rotted soffit and facia boards, ceiling leaks, attic mold, and ice dams. Gutters with seams are prone to leaks. Seamless gutters are made of one continuous section and are less likely to fail. This gutter system maintains maximum water capacity, preventing overflow that could lead to foundation and landscaping damage. With LEAFAWAY®, you can:

• Save time, energy, and money you’d otherwise spend cleaning your gutters or performing other maintenance.
• Avoid risks such as falling off a ladder or electric shock from exposed wiring.
• Prevent ice dams and damage to the roof, walls, siding, foundation, and landscaping.

What does Spotless & Seamless Exteriors offer?

Spotless & Seamless Exteriors can install LEAFAWAY® and the revolutionary Superspout™, a three-inch square downspout and elbow that improves water flow, reduces clogging, and provides 50 percent more drainage than conventional downspouts. The Superspout™ is available in a wide array of colors to match your existing gutters and enhance your home’s rain-carrying system.

Contact your Minnesota clog-free gutter professionals to learn more about LEAFAWAY®. The next time you’re looking for a Twin Cities siding contractor, ask about which gutters they install. Spotless & Seamless is your go-to for exterior renovations and seamless gutters that work and complement your home beautifully.

Call 763.428.111 for a free estimate.

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.

Most homeowners dread replacing their roof, but when the time comes for new shingles, there’s no avoiding the investment. We’ve put together some tips for when to consider a new roof and the key season for roof installation.

When

A typical asphalt roof lasts between 20 and 25 years. Metal roofs can last for 50 years or more. Once you make the decision to replace your roof or upgrade, you’ll need to schedule installation. Which season is best?

In the winter, roof sealant won’t adhere as easily, and some shingles can’t be installed in cold weather. Fall is often the busiest time for roofers, so consider scheduling a new roof installation between July and September to get ahead of the game. A roof protects a home from wind and rain, so the best time to rip off the shingles and lay new ones is in dry weather.

Why

When the need is immediate, the decision is easy. Most homeowners opt for a new roof after a storm that results in wind, hail, or structural damage. Other signs of aging may surface over time and warrant a replacement. You can replace a shingle here and there, but it may be wiser to install a whole new roof depending on its age and the extent of wear. Look out for the following red flags:

• Cupped or clawed shingles (when the edges and tabs are curled upward or downward).
• Cracks, tears, and bald spots where granules have fallen off the shingles.
• Beams of light coming through the boards in the attic.
• Moisture in the insulation.
• Stains and streaks on the ceiling.
• Drooping or sagging, which could be signs of rotten boards and trapped moisture.
• Roofing granules on the ground or accumulating near the downspout.

How

Look to Spotless & Seamless, your Twin Cities roofing contractor, the next time you need a replacement. Whether you prefer asphalt shingles or durable metal roofing, we’ve got you covered. We also provide seamless siding, windows and doors, and clog-free gutters.

If you’re not sure when to replace your roof, count on our professional team for an evaluation and an estimate. We’re a Maple Grove roofing contractor offering special financing, a referral program, and roofing repair in addition to installation. For metal roofing that Minneapolis and St. Paul homeowners trust to protect their homes, contact Spotless & Seamless Exteriors.

With winter over, it’s time to talk about spring weather preparedness. Storms bring high winds, heavy rains, hail, and other hazardous conditions that could damage your property. We’ve put together a rundown on how to prevent, detect, and repair storm damage to your home.

How protected is your home?

Before the storms roll in, it’s important to assess how protected your home is from the elements. A worn or damaged roof, poor siding, or improperly installed rain carrying system could cause leaks, flooding, mold growth, and structural damage even in mild weather. Severe winds, rain, and hail will put more stress on your home’s exterior.  

How do you detect storm damage?

Some of the most obvious signs of storm damage are fallen trees, sagging gutters, broken windows, shingle debris, and flooded basements. But there are many other subtle signs you should look out for when surveying your basement, ceilings, walls, windows, doors, roof, and siding after a storm:

• Expanding wood, dripping water, or discoloration on the ceiling and walls.
• A musty odor throughout your home.
• Cracked, dented, or missing shingles, vents, or flashing on the roof.
• Dark spots from where roofing granules have been knocked away from asphalt shingles.
• Roofing granules collecting in gutters or discharged from downspouts.
• Dented, cracked, missing, or discolored siding.
• Cracked wood finishes or stripped paint.
• Broken window or door frames, holes and tears in screens, or dents on windowsills and windowpanes.

Following a storm, safety is top priority. Avoid climbing on your roof and be careful around broken windows. If your home has been flooded, contact a water removal company immediately. A professional can examine the extent of damage to your property so you know how much repairs will cost and if you should file an insurance claim.

Who should I contact for storm damage repair?

When a large storm strikes your area, you may have contractors coming to your door offering repair or replacement services. Always check that they are reputable. Ask for their license, proof of insurance, certifications, business address, and Better Business Bureau listing or Angie’s list ratings. Let Spotless & Seamless be your first call for storm damage repair.

Spotless & Seamless Exteriors provides asphalt and metal roofing installation and repair to homeowners throughout Minnesota. As your local steel siding contractor, we also offer United States Seamless® installation. Seamless steel siding is custom-fit to your home on-site, ensuring a flawless, seamless finish. One of the most durable and energy efficient siding materials in the industry, seamless steel will protect your home from the harshest elements.

SSE offers clog-free gutters that keep leaves and twigs out of your rain carrying system so your home can withstand torrential downpours. Rely on our revolutionary Superspout™ to carry rainwater away from your home and protect your foundation from flooding. As a Minneapolis/St. Paul window replacement contractor, we provide a variety of quality windows and doors for homeowners throughout the Twin Cities who have sustained storm damage or are just looking to upgrade.

We’ll take care of the mess and make sure your home is properly repaired with quality materials. Contact Spotless & Seamless Exteriors to learn more and request an estimate.