Buyers Guides

No surprises here—our price includes everything you need for a complete, professional installation:
✔ Sales tax
✔ Hardware
✔ Labor
✔ Wrapping of both exterior and interior casing

From start to finish, we’ve got it covered.

Nope! All of our doors come pre-finished in your choice of 16 paint colors or 9 beautiful stain options. Want something more custom? We can do that, too. Every finish is clear-coated for long-lasting durability.

At first glance, it might look like you're saving money—but keep in mind, many of the essentials come as add-ons. What seems like a bargain can quickly add up in cost and hassle.

When you choose Schmidt’s, you're getting more than just a door. You're getting expert installation, high-quality hardware, finishing options, cleanup, and reliable service—all bundled into one upfront price. No guesswork, no hidden costs, and no subcontractors

No hidden fees or surprise add-ons—our price includes everything you need for a smooth, professional installation:
✔ Sales tax
✔ Hardware
✔ Labor
✔ Wrapping of both interior and exterior casing

From first measure to final cleanup, we handle it all.

Nope! All of our patio doors come pre-finished in your choice of 16 paint colors or 9 stain options—plus, custom colors are available if you want something more unique. Every finish is sealed with a clear coat for added protection and long-term durability.

It might look that way upfront, but once you factor in the extras—hardware, finishing, labor, and cleanup—the price difference often disappears.

With Schmidt’s, the value is built in. Our patio doors come fully finished, professionally installed, and backed by our experienced team. You’ll never deal with subcontractors or wonder who’s showing up at your door. We make the process easy and the results last.

Most companies will say they can “come close.” At Schmidt Siding & Window, we do better than close—we warehouse over 40 colors in three distinct finishes, giving you more accurate matching and a cleaner look. Need something specific? We also have access to 40 additional colors through special order.

We sure do. While most companies only offer larger downspouts, we provide complete high-capacity solutions with four flexible options:

✔ Traditional seamless K-style aluminum gutters
✔ Designer F-style seamless steel gutters—1 inch deeper for more water flow
✔ 2”x3” or oversized 3”x4” downspouts
✔ A powerful combo: F-style gutters + 3”x4” downspouts = up to 40% more drainage

No more worrying about overflowing gutters during Minnesota storms.

Instead of cutting and bending like most companies, we use a cleaner, more secure method. Every downspout is attached using a flanged drop tube punched precisely into the gutter. This creates a solid, leak-resistant connection for smooth water flow—no shortcuts, no weak spots.

Many companies use short extensions—or skip them entirely—putting your home’s foundation at risk. Our standard downspout extension is 5 feet long for better water control. Plus, it tips up for easy mowing and yard care.

Unlike many companies that switch brands or systems frequently, we’ve been installing the original Gutter Helmet® since 1991—and we install over 30,000 feet per year. That means consistent quality, expert installation, and long-term peace of mind. Gutter Helmet is the #1 gutter protection system in America, and our experience gives you the advantage over the many new, unproven imitators on the market.

Nope—and that’s a big difference. While some companies try to upsell you into a full gutter replacement with a one-piece system, we focus on saving you money. Gutter Helmet works with your existing gutters (after a full inspection, of course) as part of our two-piece gutter protection system.

Gutter Helmet doesn’t cause ice—and it won’t solve all ice issues either. Ice dams are usually caused by poor attic insulation or ventilation. That said, Gutter Helmet does help reduce gutter-related ice problems by preventing water buildup inside your gutter system. Ask us about Helmet Heat®, our heated gutter protection option for added winter defense.

With Gutter Helmet’s nose-forward design, clogs are rare. But if it ever happens, don’t worry—your system comes with a lifetime transferable warranty and free cleanings if needed. Just give us a call. No charge. No hassle.

Not with us. We’ve installed Gutter Helmet for over 30 years, and we’ve never damaged a roof or voided a warranty. Some other systems use brackets, screws, or designs that can cause problems like ice dams or roof leaks. Our system is safe, secure, and roof-friendly.

Most companies provide you with few options and tell you they can “come close” to matching your existing fascia color. At Schmidts, we warehouse over 40 colors in 3 distinctive finishes. We also have access to 40 additional colors through special order.

The majority of companies can only offer larger downspouts. But Schmidt Siding & Window provides you with 4 options.

Many rain gutter companies cut and bend down the gutter to affix the downspouts. At Schmidts, we punch a precise hole to accommodate a flanged drop tube to connect every downspout to your rain gutter system. This solidifies the connection between gutter and downspout and allows for a problem-free ow of water.

Frequently we hear from homeowners who’ve been badgered by high-pressure sales reps from other companies who refuse to take “no” for an answer. We know that your time is valuable. Our sales person prefers to simply introduce our products, answer your questions, measure your project, quote a price and leave behind a proposal and a sense of fairness in the sales process. We also know that this is a large investment and we want you to be comfortable with all aspects of your siding project. Homeowners are rarely ready to make a hasty decision at the end of our sales person’s initial visit to their home. We prefer that prospective customers take the time to make a well-informed confident decision, and we encourage them to take the list of homes that we have completed for other homeowners and drive past some of them to see our craftsmanship.

There may not be a more important question to ask than this one. Many companies outsource the installation of their siding products to sub-contractors, eliminating their responsibility to guarantee workmanship and potentially creating insurance liability issues for the homeowner. Other companies may employ installers with varied levels of experience and professionalism, and their crews may end up at the job site off and on for several weeks before fully completing the project. Homeowners working with companies like these have no guarantee that they’re getting a top-quality job.

“Experience is the Difference” is more than a slogan at Schmidt Siding & Window Co. Our siding crew foremen have an average of 15 years of experience installing ABC Seamless steel siding. All crew members are courteous, highly-trained and efficient, and take great pride in their craftsmanship. In short, we think you will enjoy having them around! This is very important to us as 38 percent of our business is a result of repeat business from satis ed customers.

Numerous siding companies cut corners by using only white mounts on homes, even if the siding is another color. At Schmidts all of our accessories match our siding colors, providing a more professional and complete overall look. We offer a complete list of homes that we have completed so you can see our craftsmanship and the beautiful result of having ABC Seamless steel siding.

Many home improvement companies make numerous claims about their siding warranties. In reality, however, their soffit and fascia, trim and rain gutters may have been purchased through other sources and vendors. These outsourced products may have an entirely different texture and color palette than what is offered by the siding manufacturer, and the quality and gauge thickness of the metal may vary quite dramatically depending on source standards. These outsourced products have their own warranties, which generally are not covered by the siding warranty. At Schmidt Siding & Window, all siding, soffit and fascia, trim, rain gutters and downspouts have identical paint finishes, color and a warranty backed by three strong companies – ABC Seamless, Edco Products and Schmidt Siding & Window. Remember, no warranty is any stronger than the company backing it!

Some home improvement companies make extravagant claims regarding their product warranties. But frequently what they tell you and what the written warranty actually states are not the same. If it sounds too good to be true, that may be the case. Be sure to ask for a copy of the manufacturers’ warranties and make your comparison based on what you read, not what you are being told. The sales consultants at Schmidts take the time to provide you with all the information you need to enable you to make a well-informed decision, including warranty information.

The decision to remove your existing siding or leave it on before the installation of the new siding will depend primarily on the siding’s condition and type. You can make this decision with our sales consultant upon a close inspection of the existing siding. During the inspection our sales consultant will explain the advantages and disadvantages of its removal. There is also one very important factor you will need to take into consideration before making your final decision. What type of an insulation underlayment will be installed? There are a variety of underlayments on the market, but be careful – some types are less expensive but absorb moisture, which can destroy its insulation value and cause other potential problems. At Schmidts, we exclusively use Green Guard, which carries the certified Energy Star Rating. We not only want to beautify your home, but protect it. We take our company slogan, “Between You and the Weather Since 1949,” seriously.

Some companies change their brands often, trying to find their own better deal and leaving previous window customers without service and on their own with warranty issues. Since 1997, Schmidt Siding & Window has installed Renewal by Andersen Windows. We take great pride in being able to service the products we sell.

Yes, if the replacement window frames reduce the glass area of the window. The Renewal by Andersen custom replacement window company uses a strong fibrex composition allowing for narrower framework. This maintains the original glass appearance and integrity of your windows.

To see, feel, lift, tilt and operate a full-size, fully operating window is what we always suggest to our prospective customers. We can demonstrate all of the different window styles — bay window, double-hung, glider, casement or patio door — right in our state-of-the-art showroom. You can lift, slide, tilt open and close all of the units. It is always best to know exactly what you are getting before you buy. If you only look at a small sample during an in-home demonstration, you will not get the true experience of seeing an actual full-size window.

Many warranties sound good until you dig a little deeper. The last thing you want is to be stuck with an expensive service bill for a defective product. Make sure to find out the terms of the manufacturer’s written warranty, as well as the installation warranty. You will be able to tell if your installer has confidence in the products they carry.

Some window companies only include energy efficient glass or frames in their ratings. This means that the glass may be considered efficient, but the window’s overall performance might be poor.

Green Seal is a national non-pro t environmental organization that helps consumers choose environmentally responsible products. Andersen Corporation is the first and only window manufacturer to receive Green Seal Certification, including certification of all Renewal by Andersen custom replacement windows.

Green Seal estimates that if all windows in the U.S. were as energy efficient as those made by Andersen, Americans would save up to 2.5 percent of the annual U.S. energy consumption – an estimated 200 gallons of oil for every household in the U.S.