Minnesota homes take a beating. From icy winters to summer storms, your siding needs to do more than just look good—it has to perform. That’s where composite wood siding shines. If you’re tired of siding that cracks, warps, or fades fast, it’s time to look at a smarter, longer-lasting solution.
Not only does composite wood siding deliver strength and style, but it’s also one of the eco-friendly siding options available today. You get the look of real wood without the heavy upkeep or environmental cost. Add in its impact resistance, energy efficiency, and low maintenance needs, and you’ve got a winning combination for Minnesota living.
Composite siding isn’t just another trend. It’s a smart investment in a long-lasting home exterior built for Minnesota’s climate.
What is Composite Wood Siding?
If you want siding that looks like real wood but lasts way longer with less hassle, composite wood siding should be on your radar. It’s made using a smart combo of wood fibers, resins, wax, and other binding agents, then pressed together under intense heat and pressure. What you get is a durable, weather-resistant siding that gives your home that warm, natural look—without dealing with all the issues that come with traditional wood.
You’ll hear it called engineered wood siding too, and brands like LP® SmartSide® and Collins TruWood® are leading the way—especially here in Minnesota, where siding has to work overtime. These products don’t just look good. They’re built tough from the inside out.
Manufacturing Process
Here’s a quick breakdown of how engineered wood siding like LP® SmartSide® or Collins TruWood® is created:
- Debarking: The wood is first stripped of bark.
- Fiberizing: Wood chips are broken down into fibers.
- Blending: These fibers are mixed with moisture-resistant resins and wax.
- Pressing: The blend is compressed into siding panels.
- Embossing: Wood grain textures are stamped in for that authentic look.
- Finishing: Panels are treated with protective coatings to resist weather, pests, and decay.
This process makes composite siding highly durable, designed to withstand Minnesota’s extremes without cracking or swelling.
Applications
- Residential: Whether you’re upgrading a suburban home, building a cabin, or updating a historical house, composite wood siding fits in perfectly. You get the timeless charm of wood without worrying about termites or rot.
- Commercial: It’s also great for offices, apartment buildings, and storefronts. It delivers the clean, polished appearance you want, but with performance that stands up to wear and tear.
Benefits of Composite Siding
Eco-Friendly Siding Options
If you’re looking to go green, composite siding is a great choice. It’s:
- Made from sustainably sourced wood and often contains recycled materials.
- Lighter than traditional wood, reducing fuel use in transportation.
- Manufactured to meet green building standards like the NAHB Green Building Standard.
Impact-Resistant Siding
Minnesota storms don’t mess around. Hail, ice, falling branches—you name it. Composite siding is impact tested (ASTM D256) and designed to take hits without cracking or crumbling.
- Handles hail, windborne debris, and snow load pressure like a champ.
- A perfect fit for homes in storm-prone zones.
Energy-Efficient Siding
Don’t let energy bills sneak up on you. Composite wood siding adds an extra layer of insulation to your home.
- It helps boost your home’s thermal performance.
- Works well with foam sheathing or house wrap.
- It can help you beat the cold and meet the Minnesota Residential Energy Code.
Siding with Low Upkeep
You don’t want to be out repainting or patching your siding every other season. Composite saves you time (and headaches):
- Won’t rot, warp, or crack—even with Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles.
- Resists termites, mold, and moisture.
- Minimal repainting or staining needed.
Design Flexibility
You’re not limited to one look. Composite siding comes in:
- Various plank sizes: Lap, panel, and shake styles.
- Tons of colors and textures: From rustic wood to sleek modern finishes.
- Ideal for everything from historical homes to new builds.
Long-Term Investment for Minnesota Homes
Think long-term:
- Less maintenance = fewer repairs and lower lifetime costs.
- Boosts curb appeal and resale value.
- Many brands offer warranties up to 40 years.
Composite vs Traditional Siding: How They Compare
Trying to figure out what type of siding is right for you? Here’s how composite wood siding stacks up against the others:
Vinyl Siding
- Pros: Budget-friendly, lightweight, low maintenance
- Cons: Cracks in extreme cold, not great insulation, moderate impact resistance
Natural Wood Siding
- Pros: Beautiful, natural material, renewable
- Cons: High maintenance, vulnerable to moisture, insects, and fire
Fiber Cement Siding
- Pros: Durable, fire-resistant, commonly used
- Cons: Heavy, harder to install, may crack with time
Want to know more? Here’s everything you need to know about fiber cement siding
Engineered Wood Siding
Technically a form of composite siding, engineered wood (like LP® SmartSide®) uses wood strands and resins to create a product that’s more moisture- and pest-resistant than traditional wood.
| Features | Composite Siding | Traditional Wood | Vinyl Siding | Fiber Cement |
| Impact Resistance | High (ASTM D256 rated) | Low | Moderate | High |
| Insulation Value | High–Moderate | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
| Maintenance | Low | High | Moderate | Low |
| Lifespan | 30–40 years | 15–25 years | 20–30 years | 30–50 years |
| Eco-Friendly | High | Moderate | Low | High |
| Installation Ease | Easy | Moderate | Easy | Hard (heavy) |
Choosing the Best Siding for Your Home
Every home is different, so how do you choose the right siding?
- Climate: If you’re in Minnesota, choose something weatherproof like composite or engineered wood.
- Budget: Composite offers long-term value without constant repair costs.
- Style: Want wood without the maintenance? Composite is your friend.
- Maintenance level: Love weekends? Skip the painting—go composite.
If you want something that balances performance with curb appeal, engineered wood siding is a solid option.
Not sure what’s best for your home? Talk with siding pros who know Minnesota homes inside and out. We’ll help you make the right call, stay up to code, and make sure your siding looks great—and lasts.
Contact Experts for Long-Lasting Home Exteriors
When you want siding that lasts and looks great, you need a team that knows what they’re doing. At Crown Exteriors, we’ve been helping Minnesota homeowners and businesses for decades. We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured—and we handle everything from siding installation and repairs to full replacements and inspections.
We work with all siding types, including composite wood, engineered wood, vinyl, fiber cement, and metal. Want a fresh new look? We offer custom designs with in-house consultations and 3D mockups so you can see the finished result before we even get started.
Every job we take follows Minnesota’s building codes and energy efficiency guidelines. From the first consult to the final walkthrough, we’re hands-on, transparent, and back our work with solid warranties.
Ready to get started? Contact us today or call 651-236-9227 to schedule your free consultation.