This Maple Grove, Minnesota siding replacement transformed an aging exterior while addressing much more than the siding itself. Craftsman’s Choice removed the home’s existing Masonite and cedar siding and installed James Hardie siding in Gray Slate with Arctic White trim and Prestige Old Country Ledge stone in Wasatch Gray. During the renovation, hidden water damage was discovered around the old chimney, requiring repairs to the sheathing and framing before the area could be rebuilt for the homeowner’s new gas furnace. The finished project combines a completely updated exterior design with the carpentry and construction work needed to address what was uncovered along the way.
Project Specs
- Location: Maple Grove, Minnesota
- Existing Exterior: Masonite and cedar siding
- Problem: Aging exterior materials combined with hidden water damage around the existing chimney chase
- Solution: Remove the existing siding and chimney chase, repair damaged sheathing and framing, rebuild the chimney area, and complete the exterior with new James Hardie siding, trim and stone
- Siding: James Hardie Cedarmill lap siding
- Siding Color: Gray Slate
- Trim: Arctic White
- Stone: Prestige Old Country Ledge in Wasatch Gray
- Additional Work: Chimney reconstruction, sheathing and framing repairs, soffit and fascia work, insulation improvements, garage window removal, and preparation for a future deck
- Result: A completely updated exterior with repaired underlying construction, a new doghouse-style chimney chase, and a coordinated Gray Slate, Arctic White and Wasatch Gray color palette
- Certifications: James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor
Project Overview
This Maple Grove exterior remodel started with the removal of the home’s existing Masonite and cedar siding, but one of the most important parts of the project was hidden from view. The existing chimney was also scheduled for removal as part of the homeowner’s conversion to a new gas furnace. Once the old chimney came down, we discovered that it had been leaking and moisture had caused significant damage to portions of the surrounding wall sheathing and framing.
Discoveries like this are one reason removing the existing siding can be such an important part of an exterior remodel. What happens if damaged sheathing or framing is found once the siding comes off? On this project, Craftsman’s Choice was able to handle the necessary carpentry work as part of the remodel. The deteriorated materials were removed and the affected framing and sheathing were repaired before the exterior was closed back up.
With the damaged structure addressed, we rebuilt the chimney area as a smaller doghouse-style chimney chase designed to accommodate the homeowner’s new gas furnace. Handling the siding, carpentry and chimney reconstruction within the same project allowed the work to continue without the homeowner needing to bring in a separate contractor to repair the wall before the siding installation could proceed.
Once the underlying construction was ready, attention shifted to the new exterior. James Hardie Cedarmill lap siding in Gray Slate replaced the old Masonite and cedar, while Arctic White trim provides crisp definition around the windows, rooflines and architectural details. The new siding also gave the home a much more consistent appearance than the combination of materials and colors on the original exterior.
The stonework became an important part of the new design as well. Prestige Old Country Ledge in Wasatch Gray was installed around the front of the home, including the bay window and garage, where the stonework incorporates the home’s address stone. Its mix of gray tones works naturally with the Gray Slate siding while adding texture and dimension against the clean white trim.
The finished project is a dramatic visual update, but the most important improvements aren’t all visible in the after photos. The leaking chimney is gone, damaged framing and sheathing have been repaired, the new furnace has a properly rebuilt chase, and the exterior has been finished with a coordinated siding, trim and stone design. For these Maple Grove homeowners, replacing the siding became an opportunity to improve both what the home looks like and what was happening behind the exterior.
FAQs
Hidden damage is sometimes discovered only after the existing siding or other exterior components are removed. On this Maple Grove project, removing the old chimney exposed significant moisture damage to portions of the surrounding sheathing and framing. Craftsman’s Choice repaired the affected areas before rebuilding the chimney chase and continuing with the new exterior.
That depends on the contractor and the extent of the damage. Craftsman’s Choice has in-house carpentry capabilities, allowing us to address many framing and sheathing repairs discovered during an exterior remodeling project. This can help avoid stopping the siding project while the homeowner searches for a separate carpenter or contractor.
Yes, when the scope of the project calls for it. At this Maple Grove home, the old leaking chimney was removed and the damaged structure around it was repaired. We then built a smaller doghouse-style chimney chase to accommodate the homeowner’s new gas furnace before completing the siding installation.
The exposed wall surface should be evaluated before it is covered with the new exterior system. Removing the existing siding provides an opportunity to identify deterioration, moisture damage and other conditions that may have been concealed. Any necessary repairs can then be addressed before the weather barrier and new siding are installed.
Gray stone can work with a wide range of siding colors, depending on its undertones and the amount of contrast desired. On this home, James Hardie Gray Slate provides a darker backdrop for Prestige Old Country Ledge in Wasatch Gray, while Arctic White trim separates the materials and adds contrast. The combination allows the different gray tones to work together without making the exterior appear monochromatic.
James Hardie fiber cement siding is designed for exterior applications where durability and resistance to weather exposure are important considerations. Proper installation is especially important in Minnesota, where an exterior is exposed to moisture, snow, freezing temperatures and significant seasonal temperature changes. On this Maple Grove home, James Hardie siding was installed only after the underlying wall and chimney-area repairs were completed.
This Muskego project is a good example. Rather than simply replacing the beige vinyl with one new color, Pearl Gray lap siding, Pearl Gray shakes, and Iron Gray accents were used together to bring more definition to the home’s existing architecture. Seeing different combinations on your own home can make it much easier to choose a design with confidence.
Glossary
- Wall Sheathing: The structural panels attached to a home’s framing beneath the weather barrier and siding. Because sheathing is normally concealed, moisture damage may not be discovered until the existing siding or other exterior materials are removed.
- Wall Framing: The structural system of studs and other lumber that forms the walls of a home. If prolonged moisture reaches the framing, damaged sections may need to be repaired or replaced before the wall is closed back up.
- Chimney Chase: A framed enclosure built around a chimney, flue or venting system. On this Maple Grove project, the original leaking chimney was removed and replaced with a smaller doghouse-style chase for the homeowner’s new gas furnace.
- Weather-Resistive Barrier (WRB): A protective layer installed between the wall sheathing and exterior siding. Its purpose is to help manage water that gets behind the siding while protecting the underlying wall assembly.
- Stone Veneer: A manufactured or natural stone facing used to add texture and architectural detail without constructing a full structural masonry wall. This home features Prestige Old Country Ledge in Wasatch Gray around portions of the front exterior.
- Fiber Cement Siding: An exterior siding category made primarily from cement, sand and cellulose fibers. The new exterior on this Maple Grove home uses James Hardie fiber cement siding in Gray Slate.
