The Twin Cities area of St. Paul and Minneapolis is hardly known for moderate weather. However, the past year turned out to be stranger than usual, as Megan Stewart of KSTP.com reports.
May’s hectic weather patterns led into the massive windstorm that wreaked havoc across the Metro on June 21. Wind gusts of up to 70 mph knocked down thousands of trees and caused millions of dollars of damage.
Making a complete change from the spring, the Fourth of July yielded balmy, 90 degree temperatures with pleasant humidity. Then a storm struck in August with hail the size of two inches in diameter.
It was the third warmest Minnesota State Fair on record. After that, few unexpected weather incidents happened from September through November.
December was marked with temperatures well below the average for this time of year, leading up to a temperature drop that went from a high of 47 degrees at 3 p.m. on Saturday to a low of 1 below at 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Unfortunately, such odd weather patterns don’t only make for an interesting year-end report as they can also take a toll on a home’s exterior components, especially its siding. Fortunately, top manufacturers like James Hardie offer homeowners the type of siding in St. Paul that can hold up well against extreme weather.
While one of the selling points of James Hardie siding in St Paul is its low maintenance requirements, this cladding material nonetheless deserves proper care and attention. BrightNest.com (powered by Angie’s List) offers a few tips to ensure fiber cement siding remains in good shape in any type of weather.
First, homeowners have to arm themselves with the right tools, namely a power washer and a caulking gun. When performed on a yearly basis, cleaning with a pressure washer gets rid of stubborn dirt and grime buildup that reduces curb appeal. Meanwhile, a caulking gun should be handy for those times when caulking around doors, windows, and trim pieces has become loose or missing. In any case, it would be wise to call on a trusted local contractor like Twin Cities Siding and Roofing in the event that damaged siding needs to be replaced.
Low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. Thus, a durable and long-lasting siding product like fiber cement siding still deserves some TLC. With proper maintenance, homeowners can expect their siding to continuously perform well against brutal weather conditions.
(Article Information and Image from Reflecting on the Weather in 2013, Kstp.com, Published 30 December 2013)
