Replacing a structure’s siding will instantly transform the building’s exterior. It looks fresh and clean, and above all, is protected. But getting new home or commercial siding in Calgary comes with certain considerations: what’s the best option? How do you choose the best Calgary siding contractor? Is your budget big enough? We’ll cover all this and more…
Why Proper Siding Installation is Important in Calgary
Calgary isn’t the easiest place to live when it comes to weather. The infamous Chinook winds, hail, snow, and the sun’s UV rays can all wreak havoc on your siding unless you get sturdy materials professionally installed, that is.
Calgary Hail and Storm Exposure
Since Calgary sits in Canada’s “Hail Valley,” hail should never be an afterthought. Calgary and other cities in Hail Valley experience the most hailstorms in the country. Your siding can’t be prone to impact damage, or you’ll be frequently making repairs.
Chinook Winds
Chinooks are often a welcome change as they bring gusts of warmer air, but these sudden gusts can quickly tear through improperly fastened siding. Those loose or missing siding boards can expose the underlying structure, leading to moisture issues and compromising the entire building’s envelope.
Freeze-thaw Cycles
Aside from hail and high winds, your house siding in Calgary also has to deal with the endless cycle of freezing, thawing, and then freezing again. Rainwater finds its way into the tiny cracks or holes you didn’t even know about and expands as it freezes. Then you’re left with an even bigger issue: larger holes and cracks, which only get worse over time.
Selecting certain materials, like cedar and even engineered wood siding in Calgary, may be more prone to water absorption. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t choose these materials, though. You just need the right team that knows that proper siding installation in Calgary means meticulous spacing and thorough sealing are not negotiable.
Choosing an Exterior Siding Contractor in Calgary
Not all siding contractors in Calgary are the same. It’s important to do your research and look for the following:
- Local experience – The demands that Calgary weather puts on siding are unique to the area. Strong winds, lots of hail, intense sun, and snow mean you need a siding contractor in Calgary that understands what homes and businesses here need.
- Proper licensing and insurance – Ask for confirmation of the company’s City of Calgary Business license and liability insurance.
- Siding expertise – Aside from knowing the local conditions, a siding contractor in Calgary needs a record of solid installation experience. Read reviews and ask for the Calgary siding company’s portfolio with images.
- Material knowledge – You want a contractor that can make experience-backed recommendations between siding options. Opting for aluminum siding, fiber cement, or Longboard siding in Calgary all have different advantages and drawbacks, for example.
- Detailed and final written estimates – Surprises can be fun if it’s your birthday, but not so much when it comes to your siding cost. Look for siding contractors in Calgary that stand by their proposals.
Professional Siding Installation in Calgary
Because Calgary’s weather can quickly expose installation weaknesses, proper installation involves having a plan for everything from wind and hail to temperature-related expansion and contraction.
- Correct spacing: To account for the inevitable thermal movement, siding replacement in Calgary needs to meet the manufacturer’s clearance/spacing recommendations. Fit the panels too tight, and your siding will likely buckle, warp, or crack over time.
- Moisture management: Experienced Calgary siding installers know that the siding can’t do it all. Every installation should include a moisture barrier or house wrap as a second line of defense. Attention to detail around openings, expertly fastened flashing at joints, and proper drainage are also musts.
- Secure fastening: We’ve discussed Calgary’s prevalence of strong winds at length, and this is why it’s important. The panels, flashing, and other components need to be 100% secure, and that means the right positioning, the right screws, and the right fastener depth.
- Warranty protection: Unqualified siding installers in Calgary are just that – unqualified. Without a solid knowledge and experience base, they may use the wrong fasteners or space boards too tightly. That gives the manufacturer an out for warranty-related claims. Alternatively, to preserve your warranty, quality siding contractors in Calgary follow all manufacturer-approved installation techniques.
- Thorough preparation: For siding to last, it needs to be installed over a sound, properly prepared surface. While that doesn’t always mean removing the existing siding, it does mean that your structure should be checked with an on-site visit and the issues addressed before your Calgary siding installation even begins.
The Best Siding Materials for Calgary Homes & Businesses
Vinyl Siding
As the most affordable choice, vinyl siding in Calgary is definitely popular. That said, the lower-end versions may not have the same staying power, so quality is of the utmost importance to effectively deal with Calgary’s weather.
Fiber Cement Siding
A mixture of Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers, James Hardie siding in Calgary gets the job done. More durable than vinyl, choosing Hardie board in Calgary makes sense for its long life, hail resistance, and low maintenance requirements, though it’ll cost more than vinyl.
Metal Siding
Choosing metal siding in Calgary isn’t as simple. There are multiple metal versions to choose from. For example, aluminum siding in Calgary is great for modern apartment buildings or businesses. Steel siding comes in many forms as well for contemporary versatility. Panel systems like EasyTrim, Lux, and AL-13 come in lots of finishes and board shapes, and typical steel siding in Calgary gets its personality from eye-catching colours and unique installation patterns.
Factors That Affect the Replacement Cost of Commercial and Residential Siding in Calgary
- Size of the property
- Type of siding material
- Removal of existing siding
- Condition of the walls and sheathing; potential for additional repairs
- Insulation
- Number of openings, including windows, doors, and vents
- Building height and accessibility
- Trim, soffit, fascia, and finishing details
- Complexity of the exterior design
- Labour costs
- Disposal and cleanup
The best way to determine the cost of your exterior renovation in Calgary is with a written proposal. Companies like Family Siding will perform a site visit to evaluate everything and offer a cost breakdown for the entire project. Financing options can also help ensure you get the home siding in Calgary you really want.
Why Choose Family Siding?
Whether you’re deciding between fiber cement siding in Calgary, metal, wood, or vinyl, Family Siding ticks all the boxes:
- Local, experienced siding company in Calgary
- Residential and commercial siding services
- New siding installation and complete replacement
- Wide selection of siding materials and styles
- Solutions designed for Calgary’s demanding climate
- Skilled installation following manufacturer specifications
- Detailed, transparent estimates
- Quality workmanship
- Fully insured
If you’re planning a siding renovation in Calgary, the first step is to discuss the options and get a free quote. Contact us today, and we’ll guide you through the whole process, from a risk-free proposal to a final inspection of your expertly installed exterior siding in Calgary.
James Hardie
Vinyl
Cedar
AL13 covering
Aluminum
Metal
Engineered Wood
Lux Panel
Longboard
Easy Trim Quick Panel system
