How Seamless Siding Performs in Minnesota’s Weather: Wind, Snow, Ice & Freeze-Thaw

Your home’s first line of defense against the relentless barrage of weather elements is your siding. In Minnesota, our winters are a mess of sub-zero temperatures, heavy snow accumulation, and destructive freeze-thaw cycles. 

Traditional siding materials, such as vinyl, often struggle under these types of conditions. Vinyl siding can become brittle and crack, while wood and fiber-cement can absorb moisture that leads to rot. So, what’s the best option for siding in Minnesota? 

Seamless steel siding has emerged as a premier choice for Minnesota home siding. It is custom-cut to the exact length of your home, which eliminates seams that can act as weak points. Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors explains how seamless steel siding outperforms other siding materials in Minnesota.

Avoiding the Minnesota Freeze-Thaw Cycle

The freeze-thaw cycle is one of the most damaging winter events in the Midwest. Moisture from melting snow seeps into small cracks or porous materials during the day, and at night, the water expands as it turns to ice. 

This poses a problem for porous siding, as it can absorb microscopic amounts of water, which will still expand when the temperatures drop. Over time, the internal expansion of ice causes the materials to delaminate, crack, or spall (when the surface flakes off). 

How does seamless steel siding survive the freeze-thaw cycle?

Steel is completely non-porous, so it cannot absorb water; therefore, the freeze-thaw cycle has no structural impact on the panels. And because the system is seamless, there are no overlapping joints where water can get trapped and freeze, which often causes standard siding panels to pry apart. 

Resistance to Snow Loads and Ice Dams

Heavy snow isn’t just a headache to shovel; it’s a physical weight against your home. Snow piled against the foundation or trapped in ice dams can put immense pressure on siding. Vinyl siding can buckle or warp under the weight of heavy snow drifts. 

Seamless steel siding, however, is rigid and high-strength (usually 26-gauge), maintaining its shape even under the pressure of several feet of snow. As for ice dams, traditional siding can allow backed-up water to infiltrate the siding. Seamless steel doesn’t have seams, and it provides a better shield against water from ice dams. It must be paired with proper flashing and a high-quality moisture barrier to ensure any water does not get behind the metal and is directed safely away. 

Windstorms and Impact: Hail Performance

Minnesota’s severe thunderstorms and blizzard-force winds are no match for seamless steel siding. High winds can catch the edges of vinyl panels, particularly at the seams, and rip them off. Seamless steel is fastened more securely and lacks the “catch points” that wind needs to peel panels away. 

In addition, steel typically carries a Class 4 Impact Rating, which is the highest available. While large hail can dent steel, it rarely punctures it. This keeps your home’s body safe even during a major storm. 

Expert Installation Tips for Minnesota’s Climate

Even the best materials will fail if the installation is flawed. For Minnesota homes, pay close attention to these areas: 

• Install a high-performance moisture barrier behind the steel

• Ensure the soffit and ridge vents are clear

• Ensure there is kick-out flashing where the roofline meets the wall to prevent water intrusion

Because seamless steel siding is custom-made to fit the dimensions of your home, it’s best to hire professional siding installers to do the work. Our team at Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors can ensure proper installation of your seamless steel siding, which will protect your home during all of Minnesota’s weather patterns. 

Is Seamless Steel Siding Worth It?

While the initial investment for seamless steel siding is higher than vinyl, it will last 50 or more years, making it a smarter financial move. You will eliminate the cost of repairing and replacing vinyl every few years or after storms, and eliminate the cost of repainting fiber-cement. 

In Minnesota, seamless steel siding is a permanent shield for your home. 

Call Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors for a Free Siding Quote

Ready to upgrade your home’s siding? Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors is the place to go for expert seamless steel siding installation. We’ve been helping homeowners in Minnesota protect their homes since 1973, while providing excellent customer service and workmanship. 

Don’t delay another winter! Call Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors today at 320-252-9086 or request a free quote online!