Exterior Remodeling Contractor in St Paul, MN
St. Paul is a city of neighborhoods — each one with its own housing stock, its own character, and its own set of exterior challenges. From the Victorian-era homes along Summit Avenue to the post-war bungalows in Highland Park to the duplexes scattered throughout the East Side, no two blocks look exactly the same. What they do share is exposure to the same punishing Minnesota climate: heavy snow loads, ice dams, hail, freeze-thaw cycles that crack and warp exterior surfaces, and humidity that traps moisture where it doesn’t belong.
Presidential Construction is an exterior remodeling contractor serving homeowners across St. Paul and Ramsey County. We handle roofing, siding, windows, and gutters — from single-service repairs to complete exterior overhauls. We understand the city’s older housing stock, its heritage preservation requirements, its building codes, and the materials that actually perform here long-term. If your home’s exterior is showing its age or took a hit from a recent storm, we’ll assess the full picture and give you an honest plan with transparent pricing.
Our Exterior Services
Roofing
Reliable installations and repairs designed to handle snow loads and prevent leaks. View roofing services in Woodbury.
Siding
Durable options that protect against moisture, wind, and temperature extremes. Explore siding solutions for Woodbury.
Windows
Energy-efficient replacements that reduce drafts and improve comfort year-round. Learn about window services in Woodbury.
Gutters & Downspouts
Effective water management systems to prevent ice dams and foundation issues. See gutter services in Woodbury.
City of St. Paul
Roofing
St. Paul roofs deal with everything Minnesota has to offer — snow accumulation, ice dams, hail, wind, and the UV exposure that degrades shingles over the course of a few decades. We do complete tear-off replacements, targeted repairs, inspections, and storm damage restoration. We install asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and EPDM flat roofing from GAF, CertainTeed, IKO, and Owens Corning — all manufacturer-certified with extended warranties. When storm damage is involved, we manage the insurance claim from documentation through adjuster approval so you get the coverage you’re owed.
Siding
Your siding covers more exterior surface area than any other material on your home. When it starts cracking, warping, or letting moisture behind the panels, the damage underneath can be far more expensive than the siding itself. We install LP SmartSide engineered wood, James Hardie fiber cement, vinyl, steel, and Boral Versetta Stone. LP SmartSide is our most recommended product for its impact resistance, natural wood appearance, and 50-year warranty — but we carry the full range so you can choose what fits your home and budget.
Windows
Old windows are one of the biggest sources of energy loss in St. Paul homes, especially in older neighborhoods where single-pane and early double-pane glass is still common. We replace and install windows from Andersen, Pella, Marvin, Simonton, and Windsor in every major style — double-hung, casement, slider, vinyl, wood, composite, and aluminum-clad. Most homeowners see a 15-30% drop in heating costs after upgrading, and the comfort improvement is immediate.
Gutters
When gutters overflow, clog, or pull away from the fascia, water ends up against your foundation, behind your siding, and in your basement. We fabricate seamless aluminum gutters on-site in 5-inch and 6-inch sizes, install 3×4 downspouts with proper drainage routing, and carry LeafBlaster Pro, Bulldog, and Leaf Sentry micro-mesh gutter guards that hold up through Minnesota’s freeze-thaw seasons. Most installations are completed in a single day.
Hear From Previous Clients Why They Trusted the Presidential Experience
What Makes St. Paul Exteriors Different
St. Paul’s housing stock is significantly older than what you find in suburban cities like Woodbury or Eagan. A large percentage of homes here were built between 1890 and 1960, which means the exteriors have been through decades of Minnesota weather and multiple generations of repairs, patches, and partial upgrades that may or may not have been done correctly.
Working on these homes requires more than just slapping new materials over what’s there. We start by understanding what’s underneath — pulling back siding to check sheathing, inspecting window framing for hidden rot, and evaluating whether previous work was done to code. In neighborhoods like Macalester-Groveland, Merriam Park, and Summit Hill, we regularly find layered roofing that should have been torn off years ago, siding that was installed over deteriorated housewrap, and windows that were replaced without addressing the rotting frames they sit in.
St. Paul also has a significant number of homes in locally designated historic districts and heritage preservation zones. If your property has historic designation, exterior work may require approval from the Heritage Preservation Commission before a permit can be issued. We’re familiar with these requirements and factor them into the planning process from the start so there are no surprises.
The city’s lot sizes and setbacks also create logistical considerations. Homes are close together, alleys are narrow, and access for equipment and materials can be tight. Our crews are experienced at working efficiently in St. Paul’s urban residential settings without damaging neighboring properties, fences, or landscaping.
Common Exterior Problems on Older Homes
Ice dams and roof leaks. Older homes with inadequate attic insulation and ventilation are especially vulnerable. We see ice dam damage throughout the city, but it’s particularly common in Macalester-Groveland, Highland Park, and the West Side where original insulation was never designed for today’s energy standards.
Deteriorating siding on pre-war homes. Many homes in St. Paul still have original wood siding that has been painted over countless times, or early vinyl that’s cracked and faded beyond repair. In neighborhoods like North End, Payne-Phalen, and the East Side, we frequently find moisture damage behind siding that went undetected for years because the surface looked acceptable from the street.
Failed window seals and single-pane glass. St. Paul has thousands of homes still running windows from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s that are well past their useful life. Fogging between panes, interior frost, and constant drafts are the most common complaints. Summit Hill, Crocus Hill, and Cathedral Hill homes with original wood windows face additional challenges with frame rot and hardware failure.
Overflowing gutters and foundation water intrusion. St. Paul’s mature tree canopy — while beautiful — drops an enormous amount of leaves, seeds, and debris into gutters every fall. Without proper gutter protection, systems clog going into winter and create ice dams in the gutterline. In neighborhoods with clay-heavy soil, inadequate drainage leads to hydrostatic pressure against basement walls and water intrusion.
Storm Damage and Insurance Claims
Ramsey County gets hit with hail and wind events regularly during summer storm season. After a major storm, homeowners often aren’t sure whether the damage is significant enough to file a claim or whether it’s cosmetic. That’s where we come in.
We recommend getting a professional inspection before calling your insurance company. Not every storm creates enough damage to justify a claim, and filing one that doesn’t result in coverage can count against you. We’ll inspect your roof, siding, windows, and gutters, document everything we find, and give you an honest answer on whether you have a viable claim.
If the damage warrants a claim, we take over the process. We photograph and measure every point of damage, meet your adjuster on-site, and file supplements when the initial estimate falls short. We’ve handled hundreds of storm damage claims across the Twin Cities and know exactly what insurance companies need to approve fair coverage. And unlike storm chasers who disappear after the check clears, we’re local — we answer the phone a year later if something needs attention.
Combining Services for a Better Result
If your home needs more than one exterior system addressed, doing them together almost always delivers a better outcome than spreading the work across multiple years and multiple contractors. The waterproofing details at every transition point — where roof meets siding, where windows sit in the wall system, where gutters attach to fascia — all get integrated properly when the same crew handles everything in one project.
You also save on labor costs since mobilization happens once, and the finished product looks cohesive rather than piecemeal. In St. Paul’s real estate market, where curb appeal in neighborhoods like Highland Park, Mac-Groveland, and Summit Hill directly affects sale prices, a unified exterior refresh makes a measurable difference.
We coordinate multi-service projects regularly and sequence the work so each trade follows the previous one in the right order. If you’re considering more than one improvement, bring it up during the initial assessment and we’ll plan it efficiently.
Typical Project Costs (2026)
Costs depend on home size, material choices, and project complexity. Here are general ranges:
Roofing replacement typically runs $15,000 to $25,000 for asphalt shingles, with metal roofing projects ranging from $18,000 to $30,000+. Siding replacement falls between $15,000 and $50,000 depending on material — vinyl on the lower end, James Hardie and steel on the higher end. Window replacement for 8-12 windows generally costs $8,000 to $25,000. Gutter installation for 200-300 linear feet runs $2,000 to $4,500, with leaf guards adding $15-$20 per foot.
Bundling multiple services on the same project often saves money and produces better integration between systems. We provide free, detailed estimates with no hidden fees. (Pricing updated for 2026.)
Why Homeowners Choose Presidential Construction
We understand the city. Our crews have worked across St. Paul’s neighborhoods — from the grand homes on Summit Avenue to the bungalows in Highland Park to the duplexes on the East Side. We know Ramsey County building codes, St. Paul’s permit process, heritage preservation requirements, and the specific challenges that older housing stock presents.
We’re honest about what you need. If something can be repaired instead of replaced, we’ll say so. If a full replacement is the better investment, we’ll explain why. We don’t manufacture urgency or push materials that aren’t warranted for your situation.
We handle the paperwork. Insurance claims, building permits, heritage preservation approvals, adjuster meetings, supplemental filings — we manage everything so you can focus on your home, not bureaucracy.
We back our work. Every project includes manufacturer warranties on materials and our own workmanship guarantee. Our A+ BBB rating reflects the standard we hold ourselves to.
Neighborhoods We Serve
We provide exterior remodeling services across all of St. Paul, including Highland Park, Macalester-Groveland, Summit Hill, Crocus Hill, Cathedral Hill, Merriam Park, Summit-University, Como Park, Hamline-Midway, North End, Payne-Phalen, the East Side, the West Side, West Seventh, and Downtown. St. Paul has 17 planning districts containing dozens of distinct neighborhoods — we’ve worked throughout the city and understand the housing styles, common issues, and specific needs each area presents.
Older neighborhoods like Mac-Groveland and Highland tend to need comprehensive exterior updates where multiple systems are reaching end-of-life simultaneously. Historic districts like Summit Hill and Crocus Hill require additional care around heritage preservation compliance. Neighborhoods on the East Side and North End often deal with deferred maintenance that has allowed moisture problems to compound over time. Whatever the situation, we tailor our approach to the home.
We also serve nearby communities including Maplewood, Roseville, North St. Paul, South St. Paul, West St. Paul, and Mendota Heights.
Get a Free Exterior Assessment
Whether you need a single repair or a complete exterior overhaul, call Presidential Construction at 651-766-3464 or reach out through our contact page. We’ll come out, inspect your home, and give you an honest assessment with a clear price. No pressure, no obligation estimate.
St. Paul Frequently Asked Questions
What exterior problems are most common on older St. Paul homes?
Ice dams from poor attic insulation, layered roofing that should have been torn off years ago, wood siding that’s been painted over so many times the substrate underneath is failing, single-pane or early double-pane windows that are well past their lifespan, and undersized gutters that can’t handle the debris load from mature trees. In neighborhoods like Mac-Groveland, Highland Park, and Summit Hill, we frequently find multiple systems needing attention at the same time.
Does St. Paul require building permits for exterior work?
Yes. The City of St. Paul requires permits for roofing, siding, and window replacement through the Department of Safety and Inspections. You can find permit information and applications on the City of St. Paul Construction Permits page. If your property is in a historic district, you may also need Heritage Preservation Commission approval before a permit can be issued. We handle the entire process.
My home is in a historic district — does that affect exterior work?
It can. Properties with local, state, or national historic designation in St. Paul may need approval from the Heritage Preservation Commission before exterior alterations are permitted. This affects material choices, colors, and how the work is done. We’re familiar with these requirements and build them into our planning from the start so there are no delays or compliance issues.
Q: Should I do all my exterior work at once or in phases? A: If budget allows, doing everything together produces a better result. The flashing, sealing, and waterproofing at every transition point between roof, siding, windows, and gutters gets integrated properly when the same crew handles it in one project. Phasing is fine when needed, but the connections between systems may not integrate as seamlessly when done years apart by different contractors.
How do I know if my St. Paul roof has hail damage?
Hail damage is often invisible from the ground. Cracked shingles, displaced granules, and dented flashing typically require a close-up inspection to identify. After any significant storm, we recommend a professional inspection before calling your insurance company. We document everything and tell you honestly whether the damage justifies a claim.
What roofing material is best for St. Paul homes?
Architectural asphalt shingles from Owens Corning or TAMKO are the best balance of performance and value for most St. Paul homes. Metal roofing is ideal for homeowners who want maximum longevity and natural snow shedding. For flat roof sections common on duplexes and additions throughout the city, EPDM rubber membrane provides decades of leak-free performance.
What siding material works best on older St. Paul homes?
LP SmartSide engineered wood is our top recommendation — it delivers the natural wood look that complements St. Paul’s older architectural styles while providing modern protection against rot, impact, and moisture. James Hardie fiber cement is another strong option, especially for homeowners prioritizing fire resistance and rigid durability. For historic properties where appearance is critical, both materials offer profiles that closely replicate original wood details.
How long does siding replacement take?
A typical St. Paul home takes one to two weeks for a full siding replacement. Homes with multiple stories, detailed trim, or extensive sheathing repairs underneath may run longer. We provide a clear timeline before work begins so you know what to expect.
How much can new windows save on heating costs in St. Paul?
Most homeowners see a 15-30% reduction in heating costs after upgrading old or failing windows. The savings are most dramatic in homes with original single-pane glass or early double-pane units from the ’70s and ’80s — still common in neighborhoods like Como Park, Hamline-Midway, and North End. Modern double or triple-pane windows with low-E coatings and gas fills create a significantly better thermal barrier.
What window brands do you install?
Why do gutters clog so fast in St. Paul?
St. Paul’s mature urban tree canopy is the primary reason. Cottonwood seeds in early summer, leaves in fall, and pine needles year-round all pile up in gutters quickly. Without micro-mesh gutter protection, most systems need cleaning at least twice a year — and going into winter with clogged gutters is the leading cause of ice dams in the gutterline. We install LeafBlaster Pro, Bulldog, and Leaf Sentry guards that handle St. Paul’s heavy debris loads.
Can gutter problems cause basement flooding?
Yes, and we see it regularly. When gutters overflow or downspouts dump water too close to the foundation, that water saturates the surrounding soil. In St. Paul’s clay-heavy ground, the moisture builds hydrostatic pressure against basement walls and finds every crack to push through. Properly sized gutters with extended downspouts — 10 feet or a buried drain line on clay soil — are the most effective prevention.
How does Presidential Construction handle insurance claims?
We manage the full process. After a storm, we inspect your exterior, document all damage with photos and detailed measurements, meet your adjuster on-site, and file supplements when the initial estimate doesn’t cover the full scope. We’ve handled hundreds of claims across Ramsey County and the Twin Cities and know what it takes to get homeowners fair coverage.
What ROI does exterior remodeling provide in St. Paul?
Exterior projects consistently deliver some of the highest returns. Roofing replacement recoups 60-70%, siding returns 70-80%, and windows return 65-75% of the project cost in added property value. In St. Paul’s market — especially in desirable neighborhoods like Highland Park, Mac-Groveland, and Summit Hill — updated exteriors remove inspection red flags, boost curb appeal, and help homes sell faster and closer to asking price.