It’s safe to say that building a home is not for the faint of heart.
If you’ve ever built a home—or are in the process of building your first—you know just how many decisions need to be made. From choosing the right lighting fixtures to determining outlet placements, selecting flooring colors, deciding on ceiling textures, and, of course, envisioning the perfect exterior, the list can feel endless.
One way to make the process smoother (and a lot more enjoyable). We’re talking about people who won’t just show up to do the work, but who will guide you through every decision with honest insight and expert input.
When it comes to new construction in St. Cloud, Minnesota, the exterior, especially your siding and roofing, sets the tone for everything else. These elements create the first impression of your home. If you’re looking to impress visitors or take pride in your home’s appearance, this is one area you don’t want to overlook. Your roofing and siding choices define the home’s overall style and can influence how the interior design flows.
At CoMitted 365 Roofing & Exteriors, we’re here to help you get it right. From the first phone call to the final walkthrough, our experienced team is committed to making the process feel less overwhelming and much more exciting. Whether you have a clear vision or don’t know where to start, we’re ready to lighten the load and bring your home’s exterior to life.
Why the Roof Matters More Than You Think
When embarking on the home-building journey, it’s easy to overlook the roof and exterior elements, assuming they’re solely functional necessities to protect your investment. While true (more on that later), as seasoned roofing professionals serving areas across Minnesota, including St. Cloud, Maple Grove, and Cross Lake, we can attest that the roof plays a pivotal role in your home’s overall aesthetic and value.
Time and again, our clients share stories of friends and family being captivated by their home’s exterior choices. A thoughtfully designed exterior, harmonizing the right siding, roofing, and accents, can cohesively tie your home’s design together. In 2025, popular architectural styles include Modern Farmhouse, Craftsman, Contemporary, and Colonial/Traditional. Each style offers unique characteristics, and selecting the appropriate exterior elements is crucial to achieving the desired look.
Modern Farmhouse homes blend rustic charm with contemporary flair. They often feature natural materials like wood and stone, exposed beams, and symmetrical designs with gabled roofs.
- Roofing: Metal roofs or asphalt shingles in black or dark gray are popular choices.
- Siding: Board and batten, shiplap, or horizontal lap siding in shades of white, gray, or black.
Craftsman homes emphasize simplicity and harmony with nature. They typically showcase earth-toned color palettes, low-pitched roofs, and expansive front porches.
- Roofing: Cedar shingles or neutral-toned asphalt shingles.
- Siding: Clapboard or vinyl siding in earthy hues, often combining multiple colors for depth.
Contemporary homes are characterized by clean lines, open spaces, and a mix of materials. They often incorporate neutral colors and blend elements like wood, metal, stone, and cement.
- Roofing: Flat or low-slope roofs using metal, wood, or architectural shingles.
- Siding: Straight-edge shingle siding or vertical panel siding.
Colonial and Traditional homes exude classic elegance with balanced proportions and understated details. These styles often feature symmetrical facades and subtle decorative elements.
- Roofing: Asphalt shingles in traditional colors like black, gray, or brown.
- Siding: Clapboard or vinyl siding, sometimes accented with brick.
While often overlooked during the initial stages of home construction, the roof and exterior play a pivotal role in defining a home’s character and curb appeal. Serving as the first impression, these elements not only protect but also set the aesthetic tone for the entire structure. Aligning roofing and siding choices with architectural styles—be it Modern Farmhouse, Craftsman, Contemporary, or Colonial—ensures a cohesive and polished appearance.
Color: The Unsung Hero of Roof Design
When considering your home’s exterior, color often plays a subtle yet pivotal role in defining its character and curb appeal. The right combination of siding and roofing can breathe life into your home, enhancing its aesthetic and potentially increasing its value. While personal preference is paramount—after all, it’s your home—it’s also wise to consider how your choices might resonate with future buyers.
A practical approach is to start with selecting your siding color, as it typically offers a broader palette. Once you’ve chosen a siding hue that resonates with your style, you can then select a complementary roof color to complete the look.
Here are some tips to guide your color selection:
- Contrast vs. Monochrome: Traditionally, a contrast between siding and roof colors, such as light siding with a dark roof, creates a balanced appearance. However, contemporary trends also embrace monochromatic schemes, like all-black exteriors or light siding paired with a lighter neutral roof. Consider how you want your siding and roof to interact: should they blend seamlessly or stand in contrast?
- Perception of Space: Darker colors tend to recede, making a home appear more grounded, while lighter colors can make a structure seem taller and more expansive. Consider how you want your home to feel. Spoiler alert: there is no wrong answer.
- Environmental Context: Take cues from your surroundings. In neighborhoods, observe the color schemes of nearby homes to ensure harmony without uniformity. In more secluded settings, decide whether you want your home to blend with the natural landscape or stand out as a focal point.
Remember, roofing and siding are long-term investments. While it’s essential to choose colors you love, considering broader aesthetic principles can help ensure your home remains appealing for years to come.
If you’re uncertain about your choices, consulting with professionals can provide valuable insights. Experienced roofing and siding experts, like CoMitted 365, can offer guidance tailored to your home’s style and location, helping you achieve a cohesive and attractive exterior.
Balancing Curb Appeal with Protection: Key Considerations for St. Cloud, Minnesota Homes
While the point of this blog is to showcase how important selecting the right siding is for your new builds curb appeal, we can’t forget to mention that proper exterior selection and installation is meant to protect investment. While aesthetics are important, if you’re in a state like Minnesota, it’s equally important to choose materials that can withstand the region’s harsh weather conditions. The right siding not only enhances your home’s appearance but also serves as a protective barrier against the elements.
Weather Resistance: Minnesota’s climate presents challenges such as freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. Selecting siding and roofing materials that can endure these conditions is essential. For instance, asphalt shingles are a popular roofing choice due to their affordability and reliable performance in cold climates, resisting cracking in freezing temperatures. Vinyl siding is also favored for its durability and resistance to moisture, making it suitable for Minnesota’s weather.
Insulation & Energy Efficiency: Effective insulation is vital for maintaining indoor comfort and reducing heating costs during Minnesota’s long winters. Insulated siding options, like insulated vinyl siding, provide added thermal resistance, helping to keep your home warm and energy bills in check. Similarly, proper roof insulation, especially in the attic, plays a crucial role in energy efficiency. Homeowners are encouraged to increase attic insulation to at least R-60 to provide a robust defense against heat loss
Moisture Resistance: The freeze-thaw cycles common in Minnesota can lead to moisture-related damage. Choosing water-resistant materials, such as vinyl siding, helps prevent issues like rot and mold growth. For roofing, ensuring proper installation and maintenance can prevent ice dams and leaks, which are common concerns in cold climates.
Maintenance Needs: Consider the upkeep required for each siding and roofing type. Low-maintenance options like vinyl siding are advantageous in harsh weather conditions, reducing the time and effort needed for maintenance. Asphalt shingles are also relatively easy to maintain, but regular inspections are recommended to ensure longevity.
At CoMitted 365, we understand that selecting the right siding involves balancing aesthetic preferences with practical considerations. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through the decision-making process, ensuring you choose a durable, high-quality product tailored to Minnesota’s unique climate. By partnering with experts who prioritize both curb appeal and home protection, you can achieve a beautiful exterior that stands the test of time.
Ready to plan your new build? Let’s talk about exterior solutions that are made to last, and look good while doing it!