Sophie MacDonald
Sophie MacDonald is an Exterior Home Improvement Specialist at Weatherguard Construction. She researches roofing, siding, windows, painting, gutters, decks, and storm restoration to create practical, easy-to-understand resources for homeowners. Working closely with Weatherguard’s project managers, installers, and manufacturer partners, Sophie combines industry research with real-world experience to help homeowners make confident decisions about protecting and improving their homes.
Blog Posts by Sophie MacDonald
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2026 Update: Hennepin County Minnesota FORTIFIED Roof Grants
Minnesota’s upcoming Strengthen Minnesota Homes program could provide eligible Hennepin County homeowners with an estimated $10,000–$15,000 toward a FORTIFIED Roof. Learn who may qualify, how the grant process is expected to work, and what homeowners should do before applications open.
August 24, 2026 -
Painting LP® SmartSide®: Everything Homeowners Need to Know
Learn everything you need to know about painting LP SmartSide, including when to repaint, the best paint to use, maintenance tips, and how to protect your siding for years to come.
August 7, 2026 -
Gutter Pitch Guide: Stop Overflows in MN, IL & CO Homes
Why do clean gutters still overflow? Gutter pitch may be the problem. Learn how proper gutter slope moves water toward your downspouts, signs your gutters aren’t draining correctly, and when a simple adjustment may solve the issue.
August 4, 2026 -
Which Deck Style Matches Your Personality?
When you’re planning a new deck, it’s easy to get caught up in board colors, railing styles, and Pinterest inspiration. But before you start choosing materials, ask yourself one question: what kind of person are you outside?
July 21, 2026 -
Best Decking Materials for Minnesota Homes: Composite vs PVC
Compare composite and Advanced PVC decking in our expert guide. Learn the differences between Trex® Enhance Naturals, TimberTech® Prime+, Harvest, and Vintage to find the best decking for your home and budget.
July 17, 2026