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.

When summer weather turns too tropical or ominous, we retreat to the indoors for comfort and safety. Your home protects you from the elements, but how do you protect it? Here are a few tips for the general maintenance of your home’s exterior as well as some things to consider as you prepare for the elements of summer weather.

Roofing

As a homeowner, you should be aware of suggestions for regular roofing care. These include:

• Basic roof inspection. Pay attention to missing or curled shingles that could indicate damage or inefficiency. This is especially important if you notice more than one area with signs of deterioration.
• Check interior ceilings. Stains in the attic or on interior ceilings can reveal water leaking in from the roof.
• Remove loose debris. If you have trees close to your home, be sure to remove any twigs, branches, leaves, or seeds from your roofline. These items can clog gutters and eventually lead to roof or interior water damage.

If you notice significant or repeated damage after summer’s heavy rains, hail, or gusting winds, the roofing professionals at Spotless & Seamless can help. We can assess minor or major issues to determine your needs.

Siding

Depending on the type of siding, your summer projects may include minimal or excessive home maintenance.

Wood siding can warp or rot when exposed to moisture, and Minnesota summers are often wet and humid. Additionally, the hot sun causes paint to chip, peel, or fade. Wood siding should be treated every four to six years for optimal appeal and protection.

Some siding products are installed in overlapped sections, which creates visible splices. These, in addition to holes or cracks in wood siding, are entry points for moisture and pests. Extreme summer heat and sun can sometimes make vinyl susceptible to warping, chalking, or fading.

If your home needs new siding or if you’re drained by the upkeep for your home’s current siding, consider going maintenance free with United States Seamless® Steel Siding. Spotless & Seamless is an exclusive franchisee in the Twin Cities area, and our home exteriors experts can answer your questions prior to installation.

Your home’s roofing and siding are critical elements for its protection – and the protection of your family. Keep an eye on what’s happening outside to safeguard what’s inside. Stay on top of routine maintenance and small repairs to avoid costly fixes down the road. If you do run into issues with roofing or siding, contact Spotless & Seamless with questions or concerns or to schedule a free estimate.

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.

Singing birds, warmer temps, and longer days means spring is here – finally! Now is a great time to get outside and take inventory of any toll winter may have taken on your home’s exterior. If you’re unsure what to look for, we’ve put together some ideas to include on your home’s spring maintenance agenda. Keep reading to determine which projects you need to tackle.

Roofing

Your home’s roof is the main source of protection from the elements. Check for any broken or missing shingles and any damage from ice dams. Also, check the condition of the flashing around vents and chimneys. Make appropriate accommodations for repair as soon as possible. Delaying fixes could lead to water damage inside your home from forthcoming rain and storms.

Gutters

If your roofline has a gutter system, you know how valuable it is for protecting your home from water damage. Gutters catch and direct rainwater away from the foundation but not if they’re clogged. Make sure gutters and downspouts are free from leaves and other debris to ensure they’ll function properly. Also, check for loose or leaky gutters and tighten, repair, or replace them right away.

If you’re tired of cleaning your gutter system, ask us about the LEAFAWAY® gutter protection system.

Windows and Doors

Check weather seals around your home’s windows and doors. If they’re cracked or missing, replace them. Doing so will help protect your home from water damage. You will also save on air conditioning costs and keep that cooler air inside where you want it.

Opening windows at night helps keep your house cool while reducing your energy bill. Make sure your windows are summer-ready by cleaning dirty screens or patching any small holes.

Paint

Exterior paint dresses up your home’s curb appeal and gives it a protective barrier from wind and rain. Check for any areas of cracked or chipping paint and do touch-ups as needed. If your home’s exterior needs substantial fixes, consider maintenance-free Seamless® steel siding. Get the look you want and the protection you need.

Make sure your home’s exterior survived winter and is ready for summer. Create an agenda for spring maintenance and take care of any small issues before they become big problems. The Twin Cities home exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless Exteriors can handle any repairs or upgrades. Contact us for a free estimate.

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.

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.

Spotless & Seamless Exteriors is a proud contractor of United States Seamless®, a steel siding brand known for its unmatched quality, timeless beauty, and dependable warranties. We took a trip out to Klauer Manufacturing, a building product manufacturer in Dubuque, Iowa, to give you a glimpse of how our premium metal siding is made. View our highlight video and read on to learn more about seamless steel siding.

At Klauer Manufacturing, United States Seamless® siding is produced through a unique 10-step thermo bonding, coil-coating process. Beginning with a galvanized steel core, the siding is covered in the following layers:

• Pretreatment
• Nylon fibers
• Corrosion-Inhibitive Primer – applied to the solid steel core for corrosion protection.
• Water Resistant Backer – applied to the back for added corrosion protection.
• DuPont™ Teflon® Surface Protector
• Cool Paint Technology™ Infrared Reflective Pigments
• Ceramic Hybrid Coating Primary Color

Ceramic pigmentation provides long-term, high UV radiation color and gloss retention, formulated with cool roof technology that meets ENERGY STAR solar reflectance requirements. Ceramic hybrid coatings are made of a unique proprietary resin system that withstands acid rain and corrosive environments. This manufacturing process ensures a consistent color application, color retention, and long-lasting finish.

Easy to clean and nearly maintenance-free, U.S. Seamless steel is known for its resistance to harsh weather, fading, and chalking. United States Seamless® products are also beneficial to the environment. Steel is one of the most recyclable building materials in the world. With ENERGY STAR compliant finishes, United States Seamless® siding will reflect solar and thermal radiation to keep your home cool in the summer. Steel siding wraps around your home with no seams for airtight insulation and protection during the winter months.

Available in multiple colors and siding profiles, United States Seamless® siding coordinates with their accessories, including

• Soffit and fascia boards
• Rain carrying systems
• Siding, window, and door accents
• Blocks, vents, and gables

As a United States Seamless® certified installer and professional siding contractor, Spotless & Seamless Exteriors can help you decide the best fit for your home. Using heated trailers with roll-forming equipment and cutting tools, we custom-fit siding right outside your home or business. This ensures a flawless finish that will beautify your home and stand the test of time.  We are a Minneapolis siding contractor offering many seamless siding styles, including Platinum, Mountain Cedar, and the Northwoods Collection.

At Spotless & Seamless Exteriors, we are committed to quality products and detailed workmanship. We earned the Angie’s List Super Service Award (SSA) just this last year, honoring our exceptional service ratings and reviews. As your Twin Cities siding contractor, we take pride in every step of our process, from integrity-driven consultations to careful cleanup. We’ll leave your property looking better than it was when we started.

Contact us today.