Frequently asked
Answers to Common Siding Questions
Nanaimo Siding answers common exterior cladding questions regarding vinyl, fibre cement, and cedar siding. We explain how rainscreen wall assemblies function and review material costs starting from $7.50 per sq. ft. You can evaluate these details to plan your exterior renovation before requesting a free driveway visit for a written quote.
- How much does new siding cost per square foot?
- Installed prices depend on the material. Vinyl siding runs $7.50 – $13.00 per sq. ft. Fibre cement siding costs $12.00 – $22.00 per sq. ft. Cedar / wood siding costs $14.00 – $28.00+ per sq. ft., and full replacement with tear-off and rainscreen runs $11.00 – $25.00+ per sq. ft.
- Which siding material suits coastal homes best?
- Vinyl and fibre cement both handle coastal moisture exceptionally well. Vinyl is cost-effective and never needs recoating. Fibre cement, like James Hardie, provides outstanding fire resistance, rigidity, and deep shadow lines. Cedar delivers classic timber beauty but requires periodic staining to maintain its natural colour.
- How do I know whether to repair or replace my siding?
- If damage is isolated to a few cracked planks, loose trim, or a small ground-level patch, siding repair is cost-effective. However, if moisture has penetrated multiple elevations, boards are cupping across several walls, or the underlying sheathing is soft, full siding replacement is necessary.
- What is included in a full siding replacement?
- A full replacement includes stripping away old exterior cladding, disposing of debris, inspecting bare sheathing for rot, and installing fresh weather-resistant house wrap. We then install vertical rainscreen strapping, insect screening, your choice of new siding, and all matching trim components.
- What do soffit and fascia do for my house?
- Fascia caps the ends of your rafter tails, providing a clean mounting face and sealing out rain. Soffits cover the underside of your eave overhangs, using perforated vents to draw cool air into your attic space, which prevents moisture and heat from building up under the upper structure.
- How does your quoting process work?
- We meet you at your property for a free driveway visit. We walk the exterior perimeter together, take precise measurements of your walls, and discuss material choices.
- Which local communities do you serve?
- Our crew works on residential properties throughout Nanaimo, Lantzville, Nanoose Bay, Cedar, Ladysmith, and Gabriola Island. We travel directly to your driveway across each of these six communities to provide free consultations, installations, and repairs.
- How fast do you reply when I contact you?
- When you submit our contact form or call us, we reply within 24 hours. We will discuss your project details, answer any immediate questions, and schedule a convenient time to visit your home.
- Why is a rainscreen cavity important behind siding?
- A rainscreen creates a vertical air gap between your siding and the moisture wrap on your sheathing. This cavity lets wind-driven rain drain harmlessly out the bottom and allows air circulation to dry out dampness before rot can damage your framing.
- How does your crew handle jobsite cleanup?
- We lay down drop cloths around your foundation to catch debris, sweep walkways daily, and run magnetic rollers across lawn areas to pick up dropped nails. We haul away all old cladding and scrap before leaving.
- Can you replace siding in the winter?
- Yes, our crew works through all seasons. We monitor weather conditions closely, tear off old cladding in manageable sections, and keep exposed framing shielded from rain until weather wrap and new siding are secured.
- What factors can increase the cost of my siding project?
- Key factors include the total wall square footage, house height, multi-storey staging requirements, complex wall layouts with numerous corners, and whether we discover hidden framing rot that requires carpentry repairs before hanging new siding.