How much should I budget for aluminum siding install in Ottawa?

Aluminum siding installation in Ottawa typically costs between $8-15 per square foot installed, meaning a 1,500 sq ft home would range from $12,000-22,500 depending on complexity and material quality.

For a typical Ottawa home, you'll want to budget based on these ranges: Basic aluminum siding runs $8-10 per square foot, mid-grade options cost $10-13 per square foot, and premium aluminum with enhanced finishes can reach $13-15 per square foot. These prices include materials, labor, trim work, and basic prep, but exclude major repairs or structural issues.

Several factors significantly impact your final cost in the Ottawa market. Home complexity plays a major role - simple ranch-style homes cost less than multi-story homes with dormers, bay windows, or intricate rooflines. Preparation work can add substantially to the budget if your existing siding needs extensive removal, or if there's underlying damage to sheathing or insulation. Many Ottawa homes, particularly those built in the 1960s-80s, may require additional prep work due to settling or moisture issues common in our freeze-thaw climate.

Material choices also affect pricing considerably. Standard mill-finish aluminum is the most economical, while baked-on enamel finishes in custom colors add $1-2 per square foot. Insulated aluminum siding is becoming popular in Ottawa's climate, adding about $2-3 per square foot but providing better energy efficiency during our cold winters. Don't forget to budget for soffit, fascia, and trim work, which typically adds $3-6 per linear foot.

Ottawa's seasonal considerations can impact both timing and cost. Most contractors are busiest May through September, so booking early spring for summer installation often provides better pricing. Winter installation is possible but may include weather delays and slightly higher labor costs. Our harsh freeze-thaw cycles make proper installation crucial - ensure your contractor understands the importance of proper expansion gaps and moisture barriers.

Professional installation is strongly recommended for aluminum siding. While the material itself is relatively forgiving, proper flashing, vapor barriers, and trim work are critical in Ottawa's climate. Poor installation can lead to ice dam issues, moisture infiltration, and thermal bridging problems that are expensive to fix later.

Next steps: Get quotes from at least three licensed contractors, ensure they're WSIB-covered, and verify they understand Ottawa's building requirements. Most projects don't require permits unless you're changing the building envelope significantly, but confirm with your contractor. Plan for the project to take 5-10 days depending on home size and weather conditions.