Siding Comparison Guide
Choosing the right siding is one of the biggest decisions you'll make for your home. This guide compares the five siding types we install, with honest cost, lifespan, and maintenance comparisons to help you decide.
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Quick Comparison
All prices are approximate installed costs in the Lower Mainland, BC. Actual pricing depends on home size, access, and project scope.
| Material | Cost / sq ft | Lifespan | Maintenance | Fire Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber CementMost Popular | $9 – $14 / sq ft installed | 30 – 50 years | Low | Non-combustible |
| Vinyl Siding | $5 – $8 / sq ft installed | 20 – 40 years | Very Low | Melts, does not ignite |
| Composite Siding | $10 – $16 / sq ft installed | 25 – 40 years | Zero | Class A fire rating |
| Steel Siding | $10 – $15 / sq ft installed | 40 – 60+ years | Very Low | Non-combustible |
| Engineered Wood | $7 – $11 / sq ft installed | 30 – 50 years | Low | Class A fire rating (treated) |
James Hardie
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement is the gold standard for durability and curb appeal. Made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, it resists rot, fire, pests, and moisture. James Hardie's HZ5 formulation is specifically engineered for Canadian climates.
Installed Cost
$9 – $14 / sq ft installed
Lifespan
30 – 50 years
Maintenance
Low
Fire Rating
Non-combustible
Advantages
- Non-combustible, highest fire resistance of any siding
- Does not rot, warp, or attract pests
- ColorPlus factory finish lasts 15+ years without repainting
- Increases resale value more than any other siding type
- Available in lap, shingle, panel, and board & batten profiles
Considerations
- Higher upfront cost than vinyl or engineered wood
- Heavier material requires experienced installation
- Will eventually need repainting (15–20 year cycle)
Best for: Homeowners who want the longest-lasting, most fire-resistant siding with premium curb appeal. Ideal for strata, multi-family, and homes in fire-interface zones.
Mitten Building Products
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is the most affordable siding option and requires virtually zero maintenance. Modern vinyl siding from Mitten offers 37+ colour options, including the industry's first true Black vinyl with the Sentry line. Colour goes through the entire panel, so scratches do not show.
Installed Cost
$5 – $8 / sq ft installed
Lifespan
20 – 40 years
Maintenance
Very Low
Fire Rating
Melts, does not ignite
Advantages
- Lowest cost siding option on the market
- Colour is integral, never needs painting
- Lightweight, fast installation reduces labour costs
- Lifetime warranty from Mitten with No Fade Promise
- Huge colour selection, 37+ options
Considerations
- Can crack in extreme cold if struck
- Less perceived value than fiber cement or wood
- Can warp or distort under extreme heat
- Not fire-resistant, melts and deforms in fire
Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners who want a clean, modern look without ongoing maintenance costs. Excellent for rental properties and full-home re-siding projects.
NewTechWood
Composite Siding
Composite siding combines recycled wood fibers and plastic with a co-extruded protective cap on all sides. NewTechWood's UltraShield technology makes composite impervious to moisture, rot, mould, and UV fade. Available in Norwegian Fluted, Belgian Fluted, Gap, and Shiplap profiles.
Installed Cost
$10 – $16 / sq ft installed
Lifespan
25 – 40 years
Maintenance
Zero
Fire Rating
Class A fire rating
Advantages
- Truly zero maintenance, no painting or sealing ever
- Made from 95% recycled materials
- UltraShield cap protects all four sides, not just the face
- Natural brushed-wood texture without real wood drawbacks
- Class A fire rating
Considerations
- Higher upfront cost
- Newer product, less long-term track record than fiber cement
- Limited profile options compared to fiber cement
Best for: Homeowners who want the look of real wood with absolutely zero maintenance. Perfect for hard-to-reach areas, lake homes, and eco-conscious builds.
MAC Metal Architectural
Steel Siding
Pre-painted steel siding from MAC Metal Architectural offers the longest lifespan of any siding material. 100% Canadian-made with contemporary profiles including Board & Batten and the Wood Collection that recreates real wood grain finishes without any maintenance.
Installed Cost
$10 – $15 / sq ft installed
Lifespan
40 – 60+ years
Maintenance
Very Low
Fire Rating
Non-combustible
Advantages
- Longest lifespan of any siding, 40–60+ years
- Non-combustible, excellent fire resistance
- 100% recyclable material with recycled content
- Wood Collection offers six wood-grain finish options
- 40-year warranty on finish, will not fade, chalk, or peel
Considerations
- Can dent on impact (hail, ladders, sports equipment)
- Higher upfront cost than vinyl
- Limited colour change options once installed
- Requires skilled installation for weathertight detailing
Best for: Modern, contemporary builds and homeowners who want a 40+ year product with industrial strength. Excellent for commercial, agricultural, and coastal properties.
LP SmartSide
Engineered Wood Siding
LP SmartSide is engineered wood treated to the core with the SmartGuard process, providing built-in protection against moisture, fungal decay, and termites. Available in lap, panel, shake, and soffit profiles with 16 prefinished ExpertFinish colours.
Installed Cost
$7 – $11 / sq ft installed
Lifespan
30 – 50 years
Maintenance
Low
Fire Rating
Class A fire rating (treated)
Advantages
- Real wood workability at a fraction of real wood cost
- SmartGuard treatment protects the entire panel, not just the surface
- ExpertFinish factory prefinish eliminates on-site painting
- Industry-leading 5/50 warranty (5-year labour, 50-year substrate)
- Lighter than fiber cement, easier to handle and install
Considerations
- Requires proper sealing at all cut edges during installation
- Field-finished versions need repainting every 10–15 years
- Not as impact-resistant as steel or fiber cement
Best for: Homeowners who love the look and workability of real wood but want engineered durability. Great value for Craftsman, farmhouse, and traditional-style homes.
Not Sure Which Siding Is Right?
Every home is different. The right siding depends on your budget, your home's style, your neighbourhood, and how long you plan to stay. Our team will visit your property, assess the existing conditions, and recommend the best option for your situation, with no pressure.
Book a Free ConsultationCommon Questions
Siding FAQ
Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
A typical full-home siding replacement takes 1–3 weeks depending on the size of the home, the material chosen, and weather conditions. Fiber cement and steel take slightly longer due to heavier material handling and more detailed flashing work. We provide a project timeline before work begins.
In some cases, yes — but we generally recommend removing old siding first. This allows us to inspect the sheathing and house wrap underneath for moisture damage, replace any deteriorated material, and install a proper weather-resistive barrier. Installing over old siding can trap moisture and void manufacturer warranties.
Vinyl siding offers the lowest upfront cost at $5–$8/sq ft installed and requires virtually zero maintenance. However, fiber cement (James Hardie) offers the best long-term value when you factor in lifespan (30–50 years), fire resistance, and the home value increase it provides. The right choice depends on your budget and how long you plan to stay.
Yes. Siding replacement consistently ranks among the highest ROI home improvement projects in Canada. Fiber cement siding typically recoups 75–85% of its cost at resale, while vinyl recoups 70–75%. Beyond resale value, new siding dramatically improves curb appeal and can reduce energy costs.
Signs you need full replacement include: widespread rot or moisture damage, warping or buckling across multiple areas, persistent mould growth behind the siding, significantly faded or chalking colour, or energy bills that keep climbing. If damage is limited to one small area, a repair may suffice. We offer free inspections to assess your specific situation.
During a full siding replacement, we remove the old siding and inspect the existing house wrap (weather-resistive barrier). If it is damaged, deteriorated, or does not meet current code, we replace it with new house wrap before installing the new siding. This is critical for long-term moisture management in BC's wet climate.
Most siding replacement projects in the Lower Mainland do not require a building permit if the work is like-for-like replacement without structural changes. However, if we are changing the cladding system, adding rain screen, or making structural modifications, a permit may be required. We will advise you during the quoting process and handle any necessary permits.
Warranty coverage depends on the material chosen. James Hardie offers a 30-year non-prorated product warranty. Mitten vinyl offers a lifetime limited warranty with their No Fade Promise. LP SmartSide offers a 5/50 warranty (5-year labour, 50-year substrate). On top of manufacturer warranties, Tomron Construction provides our own workmanship warranty covering installation quality.
Ready to Choose the Right Siding?
Contact us for a free on-site consultation. We'll assess your home and recommend the best siding material for your needs and budget.