Where does siding fit your project?
Pick the closest match. Each one shows how we handle that kind of job, then you can go deeper or book a visit.
For homeowners: Siding
Planned for the home you live in, with the work done in order and the site kept clean.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For custom homes: Siding
Included in the full new-build plan, with the trades coordinated under one lead.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For commercial spaces: Siding
Scheduled around occupancy, built to the commercial code and the building use.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For high-rise buildings: Siding
Planned for vertical access, fire separation, sound and the building schedule.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For renovations: Siding
Scoped with the rest of the renovation so the trades work in the right order.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
Siding
Siding replaced or repaired with the wall behind it checked, so the cladding protects the house instead of trapping water.
How this guide works
Siding is the first line of defence for the wall. Work through the decisions in order: the wall first, then the material, then the details.
Decision 1: Where siding is used
Siding covers houses, additions, garages and some commercial buildings. The material and the detail depend on the building and how exposed the wall is.
| Use | Common material | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Residential houses | Vinyl, fibre cement, wood | Wall protection, maintenance, look |
| Additions and garages | Matched to the house | Tie-ins, flashing, colour match |
| Commercial buildings | Fibre cement, metal panels | Durability, fire rating, maintenance |
Our pick: Match the material to the wall exposure and the building. A wind-facing wall needs more detail than a sheltered one.
Decision 2: Check the wall first
Water behind siding is the most common problem. Check the sheathing, house wrap and flashing before the new cladding goes on.
| Check | Good sign | Problem sign |
|---|---|---|
| Sheathing | Dry and sound | Soft, stained or mouldy |
| House wrap | Intact, lapped | Torn or missing |
| Window and door flashing | Lapped correctly | Gaps or no flashing |
Our pick: Never cover a leaking wall. Fix the wall, then clad it.
Decision 3: Siding material
Each material has a different life, look and maintenance. Choose it for the house and what you want to maintain.
| Material | Life | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | Long life, colour is in the material | Low |
| Fibre cement | Long life, paintable | Medium, repainting |
| Wood | Good with care | High, regular paint or stain |
Our pick: Fibre cement for durability and look. Vinyl where low maintenance is the priority.
Decision 4: Flashing and corners
Corners, windows, doors and the roof line need flashing and trim. These are the details that decide whether the cladding stays dry.
| Detail | What to check |
|---|---|
| Windows and doors | Sill flashing and head flashing |
| Corners | Corner trim sealed and lapped |
| Roof line | Drip edge and a gap for movement |
Our pick: Flash every opening properly. It is cheap compared to the rot it prevents.
Decision 5: Install and finish
The install sets how long the siding lasts. Fixings, spacing and sealing are checked before the trim goes on.
| Step | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Fixings and spacing | Allows for expansion and movement |
| Caulking and sealing | Stops water at joints |
| Trim and finish | Completes the look and seals edges |
Our pick: Follow the manufacturer spacing and fixings. Warranties depend on them.
Decision 6: Warning signs and timing
Siding problems show on the wall before they reach the inside. These signs mean the wall needs a look now.
| Sign | Act by |
|---|---|
| Bulging or buckled cladding | Checking the wall for moisture now |
| Peeling paint or swelling at the joints | Checking the joints and the flashing |
| Soft trim or a stain under a window | Opening the wall to check the sheathing |
Our pick: Act on the first sign. Moisture behind siding spreads quietly.
Decision 7: Permits and inspection
Like-for-like cladding usually needs no permit. Changes to the wall, the insulation or the fire rating can.
| Scope | Check |
|---|---|
| Same material, same wall | Usually no permit |
| Opening or insulating the wall | Confirm with the municipality |
| Commercial cladding | Check the fire rating and the code |
Our pick: Confirm the scope before work starts. It is part of the plan, not a surprise.
Decision 8: Coordination with the other trades
Siding sits between the windows, the roof and the insulation. Each one has to be finished in the right order.
| Trade | What siding needs |
|---|---|
| Windows and doors | Flashed and sealed before the cladding goes on |
| Roofing | Drip edge and a clean tie-in at the roof line |
| Insulation and air barrier | Installed and checked before the cladding covers it |
| Painting | Cured and dry before the finish |
Our pick: Sequence the work: windows and flashing first, then the cladding, then the trim.
Decision 9: Warranty and maintenance
Cladding warranties depend on the install following the manufacturer spacing and fixings. A yearly check keeps them valid.
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Product warranty | Keep the product and install record |
| Workmanship warranty | Keep the contract and the photos |
| Yearly check | Joints, caulking and trim looked at |
Our pick: Keep the record of the install and check the wall once a year.
Questions
Can siding go over the old siding?
Sometimes, but not if the wall is wet. We check first, because covering a leak makes it worse.
What siding is most durable?
Fibre cement and quality vinyl are common in the GTA. We help you choose based on the house.
Do you do the trim too?
Yes. Trim, corners and flashing are part of a proper siding job.
Talk to the Plug
Tell us the house, the wall condition and the look you want. We check the wall first, then recommend the cladding and the details.
Related: Exterior RenovationsWater Damage RestorationAll contracting
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