James Hardie Siding Replacement with Infinity Windows, St. Cloud, MN

Craftsman’s Choice, a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, replaced the hail-damaged steel siding and aging windows on this St. Cloud, Minnesota home with James Hardie fiber cement siding and Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows. The new exterior combines Aged Pewter lap siding with Pearl Gray board-and-batten accents, providing a dramatic design update while giving the homeowners a more durable, low-maintenance exterior built for Minnesota weather.

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Project at a Glance

New James Hardie Siding with Infinity Windows on this St. Cloud home.

Location

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Home Style

Traditional Split-Level

Problem

Hail-damaged steel siding, aging windows, and an outdated exterior with limited architectural detail.

 

Solution

Complete exterior renovation with James Hardie fiber cement siding and Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows, combining improved durability with an updated architectural design.

Products

James Hardie lap siding and board-and-batten; Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows

Result

A complete exterior transformation that modernized the home, improved durability, and was later put to the test by another St. Cloud hailstorm.

Timeline

Approximately 3–4 weeks from start of construction to completion

Certifications

James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor • Infinity from Marvin Authorized Contractor

St. Cloud Siding & Window Replacement

What began as a need to replace hail-damaged steel siding became an opportunity to rethink the entire exterior of this St. Cloud split-level home. The homeowners chose James Hardie fiber cement siding along with Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows, giving them the opportunity to address durability, window performance, and exterior design as part of one coordinated project.

Rather than simply recreating the existing exterior, the design introduced Aged Pewter lap siding with Pearl Gray board-and-batten accents in the front gables. The combination added architectural interest and dimension to the home while maintaining a balanced look that fits naturally in the neighborhood.

Project Goal

The home’s steel siding had been damaged by hail, creating the need for replacement. Rather than simply replacing the damaged siding with another steel product, the homeowners saw an opportunity to improve the durability, appearance, and long-term performance of their exterior. With aging windows also ready for replacement, the goal became a coordinated exterior renovation that would better protect the home from Minnesota weather while giving it a fresh, updated look.

Design & Consultation

The consultation gave the homeowners an opportunity to look beyond simply replacing what the hailstorm had damaged. Working with Craftsman’s Choice sales consultant Warren, they took a deliberate look at material choices, pricing options, long-term performance, and exterior design without feeling pressured to make a quick decision. Together, they developed a plan that paired James Hardie fiber cement siding with Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows—creating a more durable exterior built for Minnesota weather while using Aged Pewter lap siding and Pearl Gray board-and-batten accents to give the home a fresh, distinctive look.

Transformation

The transformation went well beyond replacing damaged siding. The hail-damaged steel exterior was removed and replaced with James Hardie fiber cement siding, while the aging windows were upgraded to Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows. Aged Pewter lap siding created a warm, understated foundation, while Pearl Gray board-and-batten in the front gables added contrast, texture, and architectural interest. Coordinating the siding, windows, trim, and accent areas as one project gave this traditional split-level a more cohesive and updated appearance while delivering the durable, low-maintenance exterior the homeowners were looking for.

Customer Experience

From the initial consultation with Warren through the final installation, the homeowners appreciated the deliberate, low-pressure approach and the ability to make informed decisions throughout the project. Rather than feeling pushed toward a particular product or price point, they were able to weigh their options and choose the combination of materials, performance, and design that was right for their home. The finished project delivered the updated look they wanted—and the durability of their choices would soon be put to an unexpected real-world test when another hailstorm moved through the St. Cloud area.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This St. Cloud Siding & Window Project

The home’s existing steel siding had been damaged by hail, creating the need for replacement. Rather than simply replacing it with another steel siding product, the homeowners used the opportunity to evaluate materials based on durability, maintenance, appearance, and long-term performance in Minnesota’s climate. They ultimately selected James Hardie fiber cement siding as part of a broader exterior renovation that also included new Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows.

 

Yes. In fact, replacing siding and windows as part of the same project can provide an opportunity to coordinate the exterior as one complete system. On this St. Cloud home, the homeowners replaced their aging windows with Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows while the steel siding was removed. This allowed the new windows, siding, trim, and exterior details to be planned together rather than approached as separate remodeling projects.

The primary siding color is James Hardie Aged Pewter, used on the home’s horizontal lap siding. Pearl Gray board-and-batten was added to the front gables to create contrast, texture, and architectural interest. The combination helped break up the large exterior surfaces of this traditional split-level and gave the home a more distinctive appearance.

The homeowners were already addressing the hail-damaged siding and decided it was the right time to replace their aging windows as well. Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows were selected for their durability, low-maintenance construction, and performance in Minnesota’s temperature extremes. Including the windows in the same project also allowed their appearance and exterior trim details to be coordinated with the new James Hardie siding.

The construction phase took approximately three to four weeks from the start of installation through completion. The project included removal of the existing steel siding, installation of James Hardie lap siding and board-and-batten accents, replacement of the home’s windows with Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows, and completion of the related exterior trim and details.

Not long after the project was completed, another hailstorm moved through the St. Cloud area and provided an unexpected real-world test of the homeowners’ material choices. Neighboring homes experienced damage to steel siding and aluminum-clad exterior products, while the newly installed James Hardie siding and Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows on this home did not require replacement. One storm cannot predict how any exterior product will perform in every future hail event, but the experience gave these homeowners a compelling comparison with the materials that had previously been on their home.

Glossary

  • Fiber cement: An exterior cladding material made primarily from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. James Hardie fiber cement siding was selected for this St. Cloud project as a durable, low-maintenance replacement for the home’s hail-damaged steel siding.
  • James Hardie Siding: James Hardie is a pioneer of modern fiber cement building products and one of the most recognized names in the category. Its fiber cement siding is engineered for durability, low maintenance, and performance in demanding climates. This St. Cloud project used James Hardie lap siding and board-and-batten to replace hail-damaged steel siding while giving the home an updated architectural design
  • Aged Pewter: A warm gray James Hardie siding color used as the primary exterior color on this project. Its neutral tone provided the foundation for the home’s updated color palette.
  • Infinity from Marvin: A line of replacement windows made with Marvin’s proprietary Ultrex® fiberglass material. Infinity windows were installed as part of this project to replace the home’s aging windows and coordinate the window and siding upgrades.
  • Fiberglass Windows: Windows constructed with fiberglass frames rather than vinyl, wood, or aluminum. Fiberglass offers dimensional stability and durability across significant temperature changes, making it well suited for Minnesota’s seasonal climate.
  • Board-and-Batten Siding: A vertical siding style characterized by wide panels or boards accented by narrow battens. Pearl Gray board-and-batten was used in the front gables to introduce contrast, texture, and architectural interest.
  • Steel Siding: Metal exterior cladding commonly used on homes throughout Minnesota. The steel siding on this St. Cloud home was damaged during a hailstorm, prompting the homeowners to evaluate alternative siding materials as part of the replacement project.
  • Pearl Gray: A lighter gray James Hardie color used for the board-and-batten accents in the front gables. Pairing Pearl Gray with Aged Pewter created subtle contrast while emphasizing the home’s architectural features.
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Craftsman’s Choice® Certified Home Ambassador

The Craftsman’s Choice® Certified Home Ambassador designation is reserved for homeowners whose completed projects reflect exceptional craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and a high level of satisfaction from start to finish.

Homes selected for this distinction showcase quality materials, precise installation, and curb appeal that align with our highest standards. Each recognized home reflects the pride, trust, and long-term value that define a Craftsman’s Choice installation.

Private Referral Opportunity

From time to time, homeowners who connect with a Craftsman’s Choice® Certified Home Ambassador may be eligible for a private project consideration extended through that homeowner directly. This opportunity is reserved for guests introduced through a verified ambassador and is not publicly promoted.

If you were personally invited to view this project or received a referral code from the homeowner, you may use that code when reaching out to our team. Verified submissions are reviewed individually and handled with the same level of planning, care, and craftsmanship reflected in every Craftsman’s Choice project.

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