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January 6, 2026 BlogCustom One Exteriors by anthony 0 Comments

Planning Your Siding Replacement in Minnesota

What is the Ideal Timing + 2026’s Exterior Siding Color Trends

Minnesota homes experience significant seasonal changes. They go from heavy snow and freezing temperatures to hot and humid summers. Your siding needs to do more than look good; it must protect your home through every season while maintaining its beauty year after year.

That’s why at Custom One, we trust James Hardie® fiber cement siding for the homes we build and the exterior projects we complete. Hardie® products combine long-lasting durability with design versatility, making them an ideal fit for Minnesota’s climate.

Why Weather-Resistant Siding Matters in Minnesota

Siding plays a crucial role in shielding your home from moisture, temperature swings, and everyday wear from the elements. Selecting a material designed specifically for challenging climates helps ensure your home remains comfortable, resilient, and visually appealing through extreme weather conditions.

James Hardie® fiber cement siding is engineered to deliver that level of performance. From heat and UV exposure to snow and ice, Hardie® products are built to withstand it all, helping protect your home season after season.

James Hardie Siding Replacement in Minnesota

Design Trend Spotlight: James Hardie® Iron Gray - 2026 Color of the Year

James Hardie has selected Iron Gray as its 2026 Color of the Year, and it’s a choice perfectly suited for Minnesota home design. This deep, richly toned shade from the Statement Collection® offers:

  • Elegant, timeless depth
  • A bold yet refined presence that enhances curb appeal
  • Beautiful contrast when paired with Hardie® Trim in Arctic White
  • A dramatic, contemporary look when used monochromatically with matching trim

Iron Gray adds style and flexibility to both traditional and modern buildings. It is a popular choice for homeowners who want to update or enhance their home’s outside look.

Why Now Is the Ideal Time to Plan Your Siding Project

However, timing still matters.

In northern climates, the busiest season for exterior projects typically runs May through September, when milder weather creates ideal working conditions. Many homeowners aim to complete their exterior updates before summer gatherings or ahead of winter weather, which means schedules fill quickly.

James Hardie Siding - Iron Gray 2026 Color of the Year

Planning your project early ensures you secure your preferred timeline and get ahead of peak season.

FAQ - Siding Replacement in Minnesota

Using James Hardie siding in Minnesota is a great choice. Fiber cement is engineered to handle extreme temperature changes, moisture, snow, ice, and UV rays. Unlike traditional materials, it resists warping, cracking, and rot, helping homes remain protected and visually consistent through harsh winters and humid summers. James Hardie® siding is specifically designed for climate performance, making it a reliable long-term investment.

While James Hardie® siding can be installed year-round, planning early is key in Minnesota. The busiest season typically runs from late spring through early fall, when demand is highest. Scheduling your project ahead of peak season helps ensure availability, preferred timelines, and smoother project coordination, especially if you want your exterior complete before summer events or winter weather.

Yes, siding plays a major role in protecting your home from moisture intrusion, air leaks, and temperature extremes. Quality siding along with proper installation keep indoor temperatures steady. They also reduce wear from weather and protect your home’s structure over time.

James Hardie® fiber cement siding stands out for its durability, design versatility, and climate-specific engineering. It offers a wide range of colors and styles while maintaining resistance to fire, pests, moisture, and extreme weather—making it well-suited for Minnesota’s demanding environment.

One of the standout trends for 2026 is James Hardie® Iron Gray. This deep, sophisticated shade offers timeless appeal and works beautifully with both light and dark trim options. It complements traditional and modern architecture while delivering a bold, refined exterior presence that enhances curb appeal.

Ready to Strengthen and Upgrade Your Home’s Exterior?

If you’re considering new siding or a full exterior transformation, our team at Custom One Exteriors can help you navigate design selections, color palettes, and performance options to find the perfect James Hardie® solution for your home.

Contact our exteriors team today to request your complimentary consultation and get ahead of the busy season.

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August 4, 2025 BlogCustom OneCustom One Exteriors by COHadmin 0 Comments

Top 5 Reasons Homeowners Choose James Hardie Over Vinyl Siding

When it comes to replacing your home’s siding, you’re not just picking a material — you’re investing in long-term protection, curb appeal, and value. Two of the most common siding choices today are James Hardie® fiber cement siding and vinyl siding. While both options have their place, they offer very different advantages.

As Minnesota’s award-winning siding replacement specialists, we at Custom One Exteriors want to help you make the best decision for your home. We’re proud to be a certified James Hardie installer, which gives us deep insight into how this premium siding stacks up against vinyl.

Let’s dive into the key categories where these two materials go head-to-head.

Durability

James Hardie® Siding:

Minnesota homes — especially those near lakes or wooded areas — deserve siding that looks great and lasts through all four seasons. James Hardie siding offers a deep wood-grain texture and rich color that enhances curb appeal, whether you’re in the city or at the cabin.

Thanks to its baked-on ColorPlus® finish, it resists fading from sunlight reflecting off the water and holds up against seasonal wear. It’s a great fit for lake homes, vacation properties, or year-round residences that need lasting beauty with minimal maintenance.

Vinyl Siding:

Vinyl siding is lightweight and affordable, but its performance in Minnesota’s climate is limited. It can crack during freezing temperatures and warp during summer heatwaves. Over time, exposure to hail, wind, and impact can cause panels to break or buckle. While some vinyl options are more durable than others, it generally doesn’t offer the same level of long-term strength as fiber cement.

Fire Resistance

James Hardie® Siding:

Fire safety is an often-overlooked benefit of siding, but it’s especially important for Minnesota homes with fire pits, grills, wooded lots, or close neighbors. James Hardie siding is non-combustible and Class A fire rated (ASTM E84), meaning it won’t ignite when exposed to direct flame or high heat.

It’s also been tested in 1-hour and 2-hour fire-rated wall assemblies, offering an added layer of protection in high-risk situations. Whether you’re living lakeside, in a wooded setting, or in a suburban neighborhood, Hardie siding brings peace of mind that vinyl simply can’t match.

Vinyl Siding:

Vinyl siding is made from PVC, which begins to melt at relatively low temperatures and can ignite under direct flame. In the event of a fire, it may contribute to flame spread and release toxic fumes. Even indirect heat from a grill, outdoor fire pit, or nearby structure can cause vinyl to warp or deform — making it a less fire-safe option for many Minnesota homes.

Weather Resistance

James Hardie® Siding:

Minnesota homes face everything from subzero winters and heavy snow to spring rains and summer heatwaves. James Hardie siding is engineered for this kind of climate. It performs exceptionally well in freeze-thaw cycles, resists moisture absorption, and won’t warp, swell, or crack when temperatures swing dramatically.

It’s also tested and proven to handle high winds, hail, and storm impacts, making it an ideal choice for homes in the Midwest — where unpredictable weather is the norm, not the exception.

Vinyl Siding:

Vinyl is water-resistant, but it’s more vulnerable to extreme weather than other materials. In cold weather, panels can become brittle and crack. In the summer, expansion can lead to warping or waving along the walls. Strong winds can loosen panels or tear them away entirely. For homeowners dealing with frequent storms, vinyl may require ongoing maintenance or repairs.

Pest Resistance

James Hardie® Siding:

Minnesota’s wooded lots, lake areas, and rural settings are no strangers to pests — from woodpeckers to squirrels to insects. James Hardie siding is made from fiber cement, which pests can’t chew through or burrow into. Unlike wood or improperly installed vinyl, it doesn’t leave gaps or soft spots that invite infestations. It’s an excellent choice for homeowners who want durable siding that keeps pests — and problems — outside where they belong.

Vinyl Siding:

Vinyl siding doesn’t attract termites, but if not sealed properly, it can leave gaps where insects, birds, or rodents can nest. This is especially common around trim, soffits, or behind loose panels. Over time, even small entry points can lead to pest-related issues that damage insulation or allow moisture into the walls.

Warranty & Longevity

James Hardie® Siding:

James Hardie offers one of the strongest warranties in the industry — a 30-year, non-prorated warranty on siding and 15 years on the ColorPlus® finish. That’s full coverage you can rely on, especially in Minnesota’s tough climate. Because the siding is designed to resist moisture, UV exposure, and physical damage, homeowners typically enjoy decades of protection without frequent repairs or replacements. It’s a smart, long-term solution for protecting your biggest investment: your home.

Vinyl Siding:

Vinyl siding typically comes with a manufacturer’s warranty, but many are prorated and offer limited protection over time — especially for color fading or labor. While vinyl may last 20 to 30 years in ideal conditions, Minnesota’s climate often shortens its lifespan due to repeated freeze-thaw cycles, storms, and UV exposure.

Why Choose Custom One Exteriors?

At Custom One Exteriors, we don’t just install siding — we transform homes. We are a certified James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, which means we’re held to the highest installation and customer service standards. Whether you’re dealing with storm damage, looking to boost your curb appeal, or ready for a complete siding replacement, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.

2025 Summer Promotion

As part of our commitment to helping homeowners invest in lasting improvements, we’re excited to offer our 2025 Summer Promotion:

Get a $2,500 credit toward Southern Lights outdoor lighting when you choose a full siding replacement with James Hardie siding.

There’s never been a better time to upgrade your home’s exterior — with superior siding and elegant new lighting.

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Minnesota lake home with wood-look James Hardie siding and bold ColorPlus finish

READY TO UPGRADE YOUR SIDING?

Contact Custom One Exteriors today to schedule your consultation and learn how James Hardie siding can add beauty, performance, and peace of mind to your home.

Your home deserves the best — and we’re here to deliver it.

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