When to Update Windows, Siding, and Roofing in Your Twin Cities Home

Your home’s exterior does more than set the tone for curb appeal—it’s the first line of defense against Minnesota’s snow, rain, and summer storms. Windows, siding, and roofing together form the building envelope that keeps your house safe, efficient, and beautiful. Knowing when and how to update these elements can prevent costly issues down the road and ensure your home looks and performs its best.

Windows: More Than Just Glass

Signs It’s Time to Replace

Homeowners often live with windows that look “fine” on the surface but cause bigger problems behind the scenes. Warning signs include:

• Rotted sills or frames

• Condensation between panes

• Difficulty opening or closing

• Sagging headers

• Outdated storm windows or inefficient mid-century glass

These issues don’t just affect comfort—they can lead to plaster damage, moisture intrusion, and higher energy bills.

Key Considerations for Replacement

Not every window looks good in every home. In high-end neighborhoods like Edina’s Country Club, maintaining architectural integrity is just as important as efficiency. Replacement involves decisions about:

• Glass types and wood species

• Grid patterns and finishes

• Safety requirements like tempered glass or egress windows

And the real challenge lies in installation. Improper flashing, missed structural issues, or poor tie-ins with siding can cause long-term failures. With dozens of possible points of error, professional installation is critical.

Process & Timing

Window projects range from quick to complex:

• 1–5 days for a few replacements with little or no additional work

• 3–10 weeks for full-house projects with significant additional work

• additional work that adds time and costs include insulation, drywall/plaster repair, siding repair, painting, and new casing

When ordering windows, expect lead times of 8–12 weeks for standard products - and longer for custom sizes. Prep work—like sending windows to a paint shop in advance—can streamline installation. Since window replacement is largely impacted by the weather, consider when the best time of the year for replacement is for your family.

Cost Expectations

Window replacement isn’t a “couple hundred per opening” job. Between materials, labor, and additional work, costs are usually in the thousands per opening. Big-box store prices don’t reflect the professional labor and detailing required for lasting performance.

Siding: Where Protection Meets Curb Appeal

Why Homeowners Update Siding

Most people choose to re-side for aesthetics such as outdated colors or cladding. But sometimes the push comes from necessity like hail damage, water intrusion, or rot.

Design Options & Limitations

Siding choices can transform a home’s look:

• Lap, shakes, or board-and-batten

• Brick or stucco

• Accents like porticos, stone bases, or gables

Local codes, setbacks, and neighborhood covenants often limit color palettes and materials. Historic districts may have even tighter restrictions.

Roofing: Safety Above All

Minnesota’s climate puts special demands on roofing materials. Roofs must handle snow loads, ice dams, and hail without compromising safety. Risks include:

• Ice sheets sliding off metal or composite roofs

• Hazardous icicles

• Water damage from blocked drainage

Insurance providers are increasingly steering homeowners toward hail-resistant shingles, prioritizing durability as much as appearance.

The Bigger Picture: Your Home as a System

Windows, siding, and roofing don’t operate in isolation—they work together as a protective shell. When one fails, others often follow. That’s why exterior updates are best considered as part of a whole-home strategy.

Homeowners in Minneapolis, Edina, and across the Twin Cities should focus on:

• Recognizing early symptoms of failure

• Understanding the trade-offs of materials and aesthetics

• Prioritizing professional installation to prevent costly mistakes

With thoughtful planning and expert execution, these exterior updates preserve your home’s integrity, improve efficiency, and enhance value for years to come.

MA Peterson's RefreshRepair division is specifically setup to help with your exterior projects - contact us today!