Siding Replacement in the Twin Cities & Greater Minnesota
Based in Champlin and serving the Twin Cities & Greater Minnesota, Summit Exteriors helps you compare Alside Charter Oak vinyl and LP SmartSide siding. We’ll help coordinate colors, profiles and trim, with the products, installation and options explained in a free in-home estimate.
LP siding and contrasting trim bring definition to this exterior.Steel siding — front viewSteel siding — rear view
YOUR HOME. YOUR PRIORITIES.
Vinyl vs. LP SmartSide vs. steel siding
Our first recommendations are Alside Charter Oak for vinyl siding and LP SmartSide for engineered wood. Compare them with steel below, then explore the product details to find the right fit for your home.
OUR PREFERRED VINYL
Vinyl siding
Alside Charter Oak
A classic lap-siding look with woodgrain texture and color built into the material.
Why choose it?
Charter Oak is the vinyl siding we recommend first over other vinyl options. Its reinforced panel design, woodgrain appearance and low-maintenance color make it our preferred starting point for a vinyl exterior.
Maintenance & tradeoffs
Periodic cleaning is still needed. Strong impacts can crack or puncture vinyl, particularly in cold weather. Proper fastening and room for expansion and contraction are important.
OUR PREFERRED OVER FIBER CEMENT
LP SmartSide
Engineered wood siding
Defined siding lines, wood-inspired texture and coordinated trim for a tailored exterior.
Why choose it?
We recommend LP SmartSide over James Hardie for homeowners prioritizing wood-inspired character, coordinated trim and impact resistance. LP reports favorable impact-test results compared with fiber cement; results vary by product and conditions.
Maintenance & tradeoffs
Plan for finish care, inspections and eventual repainting. Protect exposed edges and maintain clearances and sealant where required. Engineered wood still needs proper moisture management.
DURABLE METAL FINISH
Steel siding
Alside Satinwood Select
A metal siding option with woodgrain styling and a factory-applied finish.
Why choose it?
Consider steel when you want a rigid metal exterior with a durable finish. Satinwood Select is designed for resistance to hail impacts and denting, but it is not damage-proof.
Maintenance & tradeoffs
Clean as directed and inspect coating damage. Strong impacts can leave dents; damaged coatings or exposed metal need appropriate attention. Follow the manufacturer’s touch-up and care instructions.
Minnesota weather makes installation details matter.
No siding is storm-proof. Hail size, wind, exposure, product selection and installation all affect performance. We’ll discuss the water-resistive barrier, flashing, clearances and finishing details for your home—not just the siding color.
What about insulation?
Siding and insulation are separate parts of the wall system. Ask about compatible insulated siding or added exterior insulation. The benefit depends on the selected product, thickness and existing wall; standard siding alone is not a substitute for wall insulation.
Bring the whole exterior together.
Compare actual samples with your roof, windows and masonry. We can help coordinate lap siding, available board & batten or shake accents, trim, soffit, fascia and gutters. Colors and profiles vary by product.
Let’s find the right siding for your home.
We’ll explain the options, care requirements and project scope in a customized estimate. Explore individual products below or tell us what you have in mind.
You don’t need to know the right siding before you call. Start with the appearance you like and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with. Open a material below to explore the details.
Summit’s preferred vinyl sidingAlside Charter OakOur first recommendation among vinyl siding options.+Alside Charter Oak is Summit’s preferred vinyl siding over other vinyl options. We recommend starting here for its reinforced panel design, woodgrain detail and color that does not require routine repainting. Charter Oak pairs a low-gloss finish with a clean, consistent exterior.
Charter Oak panel profile
A stronger panel design
Nominal .046-inch thickness and Alside’s TriBeam reinforcement add rigidity and help keep siding courses straight.
Choose your profile
Clapboard or Dutch lap creates a different shadow line. Extended-length options can reduce the number of seams across a wall.
Color without routine painting
Color runs through the vinyl, so it doesn’t need regular staining or painting. Periodic cleaning helps keep the finish looking its best.
Coordinate the details
Compare siding samples with trim, soffit, fascia and gutters. Add board & batten accents for contrast, as on the Plymouth home above.
Charter Oak is backed by Alside’s lifetime limited warranty. Coverage, transfer provisions and exclusions are governed by the written warranty. Profiles and colors vary by availability.
Our preferred choice over James HardieLP SmartSideOur recommended engineered wood option for character, trim details and impact resistance.+
LP SmartSide is our preferred recommendation over James Hardie fiber cement. We favor it for homeowners who want wood-inspired character, coordinated trim and impact-resistant engineered wood siding. We’ll explain the finish care and installation details along with the benefits.
Compare the siding texture alongside your window trim and other exterior finishes to create a look that feels complete.
Protection within the material
LP’s SmartGuard process treats wood strands with waxes, resins and zinc borate to help resist moisture, termites and fungal decay.
Texture and finish choices
Lap siding comes in Cedar and Brushed Smooth textures, with primed and prefinished options. We’ll help you compare the look and upkeep of each.
We’ll walk through siding, trim and accent choices together, including the finish, maintenance guidance and warranty that apply to your selected products.
Additional siding optionJames HardieAvailable for homeowners who prefer fiber cement; ask how it compares with our preferred LP SmartSide.+We also install James Hardie for homeowners who specifically prefer fiber cement. Our first recommendation is LP SmartSide when wood-inspired character, coordinated trim and impact resistance are the main priorities. Hardie’s noncombustible fiber cement substrate may be a consideration for some homes; we’ll help you weigh the differences.
Hardie Plank styles
Choose a woodgrain-inspired or smooth appearance. We’ll compare profiles and trim combinations against your home’s architecture.
ColorPlus finish options
Factory-applied, baked-on ColorPlus finishes offer consistent color. We’ll review locally available colors with actual samples.
Fiber cement performance
Hardie siding resists moisture damage and is unattractive to termites. Its fiber cement substrate is noncombustible; coatings and other parts of the home have different fire performance.
Know the care requirements
We’ll discuss cleaning, joint maintenance and finish care before you choose, along with the manufacturer’s written product and finish warranties.
Steel sidingAlside Satinwood SelectExplore metal profiles, finishes and coordinated details.+Interested in a metal exterior? We’ll compare available steel profiles, colors and finishes, and explain how the selected product handles maintenance, impacts and touch-ups.
Composite claddingASCEND compositeReview current composite options and product-specific care.+Composite products vary in construction and care requirements. Ask us about current options for your home, and we’ll review the specific product, finish and warranty together.Your estimate will identify the siding and scope we recommend so you can make a clear comparison.Explore ASCEND composite ↗
Colors, profiles, pricing and availability vary by product. Your estimate will identify the selected materials and scope; the manufacturer’s written warranty governs its coverage.
Siding installation: what should your estimate include?
A siding contractor’s proposal should explain the wall system and finishing details as clearly as the siding brand. Summit Exteriors prepares a project-specific scope for homes across the Twin Cities & Greater Minnesota.
Removal, wall condition and moisture details
Review removal and disposal of existing siding, the condition of the wall beneath it, and the proposed water-resistive barrier, flashing and clearances. If concealed damage is found, additional work needs to be documented and priced through the change-order process.
Siding, trim and coordinated exterior work
Your estimate should identify the selected siding, profile and finish, plus corners, window and door trim, and any soffit, fascia or gutter work. Tell us if you are also planning replacement windows so the installation sequence can be discussed together.
The home’s size, selected material, wall details, removal work, trim and underlying conditions all affect the scope. We’ll prepare a project-specific estimate so you can compare the work and options clearly.
How do I choose between vinyl, engineered wood, fiber cement and steel?
Start with the appearance and upkeep you want, then compare product samples, finishing details and the written warranties. We’ll help you understand the differences without expecting you to arrive with a product already chosen.
Can you coordinate siding with windows and gutters?
Yes. Tell us about the full exterior project, including windows, soffit, fascia and gutters. We can discuss the installation sequence and how the finishes will work together.
What if damage is found under the old siding?
Some conditions become visible only after removal. Ask how additional findings will be documented, explained and priced, and how changes would be approved before related work proceeds.
Can you inspect siding after a storm?
We can inspect and document the exterior and discuss the work the observed conditions may need. Your insurance company determines coverage under your policy. Learn about storm-damage inspections.
What happens after I request an estimate?
Our team will follow up to discuss your project and arrange an appointment. You can use the estimate form below or call (763) 300-3245.
Let’s plan your home’s next look
You bring the vision. We’ll help with the details.
Start with a conversation about your home, the changes you want and the siding options that fit.
Charter Oak siding combines classic beauty with long-lasting performance. Its engineered design offers superior resistance to moisture, wind, and fading, ensuring your home maintains its curb appeal for years to come.
Standard vinyl siding products commonly range from about 0.040″ to 0.046″ thickness.
At 0.046″, Charter Oak is at the upper end of that typical range, so it’s considered heavier and more rigid than many basic siding options.
Wide Range of Styles and Colors – Choose from a variety of textures and shades to perfectly complement your home’s exterior.
Low Maintenance – Designed to withstand the elements without frequent painting or upkeep.
Enhanced Durability – Built to resist cracking, warping, and shrinking, providing lasting protection.
Energy Efficiency – Helps improve your home’s insulation and reduce energy costs.
Charter Oak siding is an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a combination of timeless aesthetics and reliable performance.
Durable and Impact-Resistant – Engineered wood resists dents, cracks, and everyday wear better than traditional wood siding.
Moisture-Resistant – Treated to withstand moisture, reducing the risk of rot, swelling, or warping.
Pest-Resistant – Designed to resist termites and other common wood-damaging pests.
Long-Lasting Finish – Holds paint well and maintains a vibrant appearance over time.
Versatile Styles – Available in a variety of textures, profiles, and colors to match any home design.
Environmentally Friendly – Made with sustainable wood resources and engineered for efficiency.
Low Maintenance – Requires less upkeep than traditional wood siding while delivering a similar look.
Warranty-Backed – Many LP SmartSide products come with strong manufacturer warranties for added peace of mind
James Hardie Siding:
Exceptional Durability – Designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain, wind, and hail
Fiber Cement Strength – Made from fiber cement, offering superior resistance to cracking, warping, and rot
Fire Resistant – Non‑combustible material adds an extra layer of safety for your home
Low Maintenance – Holds paint well and requires less upkeep than many traditional siding options
Pest Resistant – Not susceptible to damage from termites or other wood‑boring insects
ColorPlus® Technology Options – Factory‑applied finish that resists fading and delivers long‑lasting color
Wide Range of Styles – Available in numerous textures and profiles to suit many architectural looks
Increases Home Value – Known for quality and curb appeal, which can enhance resale appeal
Steel Siding:
Exceptional Strength and Durability – Made from heavy‑duty galvanized steel for superior resistance to impact and severe weather conditions, including hail and strong winds.
Weather‑Resistant Performance – Steel siding won’t absorb moisture, resists warping, chalking, and fading, and withstands extreme temperature fluctuations better than many alternatives.
Fire‑Resistant Material – Steel siding is non‑combustible and meets stringent fire safety standards.
Low Maintenance – Does not require painting, caulking, or frequent upkeep; a simple rinse is often all that’s needed to keep it clean.
Insect and Rot Resistant – Steel is impervious to damage from termites and wood‑eating pests and does not rot.
Sustainable and Recyclable – Steel siding is 100% recyclable, making it an eco‑friendly cladding choice.
Architectural Appeal – Available in multiple profiles and color options that mimic the look of traditional wood while offering the performance benefits of metal.
Alside Charter Oak Vinyl Siding
LP Smartside Siding
Request a Free Estimate
Tell us about your exterior project. Our team will follow up to discuss your needs and schedule your free estimate.