Construction

To Become a Siding Installer (Aluminum siding vinyl CanExel) in Ontario: Salary, Training, and Career Outlook.

by Occupations.ca Team
12 min read

Do you like building things with your hands, working outdoors, and seeing a house transform in front of you? If so, a career as a Siding Installer (Aluminum Siding, vinyl, CanExel) in Ontario might be a great fit for you. In this trade, you help protect buildings from the weather and improve curb appeal—skills that are always in demand across the province.

Job Description

A Siding Installer in Ontario measures, cuts, and fastens exterior cladding materials—especially aluminum siding, Vinyl Siding, and CanExel (engineered wood)—to the outside of homes and low-rise buildings. You also install related components such as house wrap, flashings, J-channels, starter strips, soffit, and fascia, and you make sure the wall system sheds water properly.

In labour market terms, siding installation typically falls under the federal occupational category “Residential and commercial installers and servicers” (NOC 73200), which is used for labour market and wage data in Ontario. You can explore official labour market Information here: Job Bank (Ontario – NOC 73200): https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/occupationsearch?searchstring=Residential%20and%20commercial%20installers%20and%20servicers

You generally work for a siding contractor, home builder, renovation company, or as a self-employed installer. Jobs are spread across urban centres like the GTA, Ottawa, Hamilton-Niagara, Kitchener–Waterloo, London, Windsor–Essex, and also in Northern and Eastern Ontario.

Daily work activities

Your day usually starts at the jobsite with a Safety talk, a review of the plans, and a quick check of weather conditions. Then you and your crew:

  • Unload materials and set up ladders, scaffolds, or pump jacks.
  • Inspect the wall sheathing, confirm substrates are sound, and verify building wrap and flashing details.
  • Take measurements; plan starter courses, corner posts, and trim lines.
  • Cut and bend aluminum (with a portable brake) for fascia and drip edges where needed.
  • Install starter strips, J-channels, inside/outside corner posts, and flashings at penetrations and openings.
  • Hang siding panels, checking level, reveal, and alignment.
  • Deal with tricky areas around windows, doors, and roofs to keep water out.
  • Keep the site clean, pack tools, and communicate with the homeowner or site supervisor.

You may also replace damaged sections, Repair storm-related issues, or add soffit and fascia to improve attic Ventilation.

Main tasks

  • Read and interpret drawings, measurements, and manufacturer specifications.
  • Set up scaffolding, ladders, and fall protection; conduct daily safety checks.
  • Prepare walls: inspect sheathing, install/repair house wrap, tape seams, and manage overlaps.
  • Install trim components (starter strips, J-channels, corner posts, window/door trims).
  • Measure, cut, and fasten vinyl siding, aluminum siding, and CanExel panels or planks.
  • Fabricate and install flashings and custom aluminum cladding with a portable brake.
  • Integrate siding with other systems (roof edges, decks, penetrations) for moisture control.
  • Caulk and seal where appropriate (within manufacturer guidelines).
  • Coordinate with other trades (roofers, window installers, electricians for meter bases).
  • Maintain tools (snips, shears, saws, nailers, levels) and manage material inventory.
  • Follow Ontario safety laws and site policies (Working at Heights, WHMIS, PPE).
  • Communicate with clients and site supervisors; document work and take photos for records.

Required Education

In Ontario, siding installation is typically a non-compulsory trade. There is no specific provincial license required to work as a Siding Installer. Employers often train you on the job, but they expect basic safety certifications and solid practical skills.

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Diplomas

  • Certificate (1-year college or short Training)

    • Popular options: Construction Techniques, Carpentry Techniques, or Renovation certificate programs.
    • Safety certifications: Working at Heights, WHMIS, Elevating Work Platform (if applicable), First Aid/CPR.
    • Manufacturer or industry certifications (for credibility): Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI) Certified Installer, Kaycan Academy, and product-specific training from Maibec CanExel and Gentek.

  • College Diploma (2 years)

    • Programs like Carpentry and Renovation Technician or Construction Engineering Technician can broaden your skills (estimating, codes, site Management). Not required, but helpful for career growth into lead hand, estimator, or site supervisor.

  • Bachelor’s Degree

    • Not required for installation. May be useful later for construction management or project Coordination roles.

Length of studies

  • College postsecondary certificate: usually 8–12 months.
  • Two-year diploma: 24 months.
  • Safety courses:
    • Working at Heights (Ontario CPO-approved): typically 1 day.
    • WHMIS: half-day to 1 day (often online).
    • Equipment or specialty training (e.g., Elevated Work Platform): 1 day.

Note: Some installers also pursue an apprenticeship in a related trade (for example, General Carpenter – 403A or Construction Craft Worker – 450A) to access structured training and funding, even though “siding installer” is not its own compulsory trade. Explore Ontario trades here: Skilled Trades Ontario – Trades List: https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/trades

Where to study? (Ontario)

Colleges and training centres (Ontario-wide):

Union and industry training in Ontario:

Product and installer certifications:

Key safety regulations and courses (Ontario):

Salary and Working Conditions

Entry-level vs experienced salaries

Pay in Ontario varies by region, company, union status, and whether you are paid hourly or by piecework (per square/linear foot). A realistic range:

  • Entry-level (helper/installer-in-training): $18–$24 per hour.
  • Experienced installer/lead hand: $28–$40+ per hour (higher with specialty skills, complex projects, or union rates).
  • Piecework: Earnings can exceed hourly rates if you are fast and work to high quality standards, but you carry more responsibility for speed and callbacks.

Ontario Job Bank data for NOC 73200 (Residential and commercial installers and servicers) indicates typical wages in Ontario spanning from the high teens to low $30s per hour, with higher earnings for experienced workers and specialty installers. Check current wage info here: Job Bank – Ontario wage information: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/occupationsearch?searchstring=Residential%20and%20commercial%20installers%20and%20servicers

Annual income depends on hours worked, overtime, and seasonality. Many installers work 40–50 hours per week during peak months. Winter conditions can slow some exterior jobs, but many siding companies now work year-round using cold-weather planning.

Benefits vary:

  • Non-union shops may offer vacation pay, paid holidays, and sometimes health/dental benefits.
  • Unionized positions often include pension, health benefits, and higher base wages.
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Working conditions

  • Physical demands: frequent lifting, climbing, and repetitive motions.
  • Work at heights on ladders, pump jacks, and scaffolds; strict fall protection rules apply.
  • Outdoor work in all seasons; you’ll manage heat, cold, wind, and precipitation.
  • Use of hand and power tools (nailers, saws, brakes, snips) and cutting materials that may produce dust (follow PPE guidance and manufacturer instructions).
  • Travel to multiple sites; valid driver’s licence and reliable transport help you get hired.

Job outlook

Ontario’s demand for exterior Finishing remains steady, supported by:

  • Ongoing new housing construction in growth zones.
  • Strong renovation and replacement market (storm damage, energy retrofits, curb appeal).
  • Aging building stock needing re-cladding, moisture fixes, and modernized exteriors.

You can review official labour-market outlooks here:

Overall, the outlook is typically moderate to good across most Ontario regions, with strong activity in the GTA and other urban centres.

Key Skills

Soft skills

  • Safety-first mindset and situational awareness.
  • Attention to detail for clean lines, proper reveals, and neat trim work.
  • Teamwork and clear communication with crew leaders and homeowners.
  • Customer Service and professionalism on residential sites.
  • Time management and ability to work to schedules.
  • Problem-solving on irregular walls, out-of-square corners, and tricky penetrations.
  • Reliability—arriving prepared, on time, every day.

Hard skills

  • Measurement and layout: calculating reveals, starter heights, and plank courses.
  • Moisture management: correct use of house wrap, tapes, flashing strategies, and drainage gaps.
  • Material-specific installation:
    • Vinyl: expansion/contraction control, nailing technique, locking panels.
    • Aluminum: bending/fabrication with a portable brake, handling oil-canning risks.
    • CanExel: cutting engineered wood, end-sealing where required, fastener type/placement per manufacturer.
  • Trim and accessories: J-channels, corners, window/door surrounds, soffit, fascia.
  • Tool use: snips, shears, circular saws with appropriate blades, nailers/staplers, levels, lasers, chalk lines.
  • Working at heights: ladders, pump jacks, scaffolding, anchor points, harness use.
  • Reading drawings and manufacturer installation guides; following the Ontario Building Code where applicable.
  • Basic estimating: counting squares, ordering materials, and minimizing waste.
  • Repairs: diagnosing water entry and replacing damaged siding safely and cleanly.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

  • High job satisfaction—you see immediate results and transformation.
  • Strong demand across Ontario’s housing and renovation markets.
  • Pathways to advancement: lead hand, foreperson, estimator, Project Manager, or start your own business.
  • Opportunity to specialize (e.g., high-end engineered wood, complex trim, architectural details).
  • Mix of independent work and teamwork; good for people who like being active and outdoors.

Disadvantages:

  • Physically demanding and repetitive; risk of strains or overuse injuries.
  • Exposure to weather; winter installs can be challenging (brittle vinyl, slippery surfaces).
  • Work at heights requires strict safety practices and confidence.
  • Seasonal slowdowns may reduce hours for some employers.
  • Piecework pay can pressure speed; callbacks cut into earnings if quality slips.

Expert Opinion

If you’re starting out, focus on three things: safety, skill, and speed—in that order. Your first investment should be proper PPE (CSA-approved boots, hard hat, safety Glasses, gloves, harness) and Working at Heights training. Next, learn the right details: water must always shed outwards, and every penetration or change in plane is a potential leak. Study manufacturer guides for aluminum, vinyl, and CanExel. Practise with a brake to bend clean aluminum trims; that skill sets you apart.

As you gain experience, build a portfolio with photos of your work—clean corners, level courses, tough transitions. Consider manufacturer certifications (VSI, Kaycan, Maibec CanExel resources) to back up your credibility. If you aim to lead crews or quote jobs, take a short course in estimating and construction math, and learn basic Ontario Building Code principles affecting cladding and moisture control.

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Finally, think about your path: union routes (Carpenters or LIUNA contractors) offer structured training, wages, and benefits; non-union routes can offer flexibility and entrepreneurship. Either way, quality and safety are your long-term brand. Homeowners talk—great siding installers stay busy in Ontario.

FAQ

Do I need a licence to work as a Siding Installer in Ontario?

At the provincial level, siding installation is a non-compulsory trade, so there is no specific provincial licence required to perform the work. However:

Always check your local municipality for the latest rules.

What’s the difference between aluminum, vinyl, and CanExel for Ontario’s climate?

  • Vinyl siding: Cost-effective, wide colour and style selection, low Maintenance. It expands and contracts with temperature changes, so proper nailing and spacing are critical. In very cold weather, it can be more brittle—cut and handle carefully.
  • Aluminum siding: Durable and fire-resistant; good for soffit and fascia. It can dent and show “oil canning” if not installed correctly. Bending custom trims with a portable brake is a key skill.
  • CanExel (engineered wood): Premium look with deep wood-grain textures. Heavier than vinyl, needs correct fasteners and careful moisture management; follow Maibec installation guides for cut-end sealing and clearances. It can command higher install rates due to added complexity. Product info: https://www.maibec.com/en/our-products/canexel/

Each material requires a different technique to handle expansion, fastening, and water management—employers value installers who can do all three.

Can I work through the winter in Ontario?

Yes, many siding crews work year-round. You must plan for:

  • Cold-weather handling: Vinyl can crack if mishandled; keep materials warmer when possible and cut carefully. Adhesives and sealants may need winter-rated products.
  • Safety: Ice, wind, and reduced daylight require stricter ladder/scaffold practices and site Housekeeping.
  • Scheduling: Some tasks (like detailed caulking or painting wood trims) may be delayed to warmer weather.

Experienced crews adapt by staging work and using protective measures to maintain quality in cold conditions.

Is union membership required for Siding Installers?

No, union membership is not required. In Ontario, you can work for unionized contractors (e.g., through the Carpenters or LIUNA) or for non-union companies. Unions often provide:

  • Access to apprenticeship-style training, safety courses, and certifications.
  • Wage and benefit packages (pension, health).
    Explore:
  • College of Carpenters and Allied Trades (CCAT): https://theccat.ca/
  • LIUNA Local 183 Training Centre: https://www.183training.com/

Choose the path that fits your goals—steady union work with benefits or the flexibility and entrepreneurship of non-union and small-business routes.

What tools should I buy first, and how much will it cost?

Start with quality basics you’ll use daily:

  • PPE: CSA boots, hard hat, glasses, gloves, harness and lanyard (if working at heights).
  • Hand tools: tape measure, utility knife, speed square, chalk line, torpedo and 4’ level, tin snips (straight, left, right), siding removal tool (zip tool), caulking gun.
  • Cutting tools: circular saw with appropriate blades (fine-tooth for vinyl/aluminum; carbide for wood/engineered), multi-tool for tight cuts.
  • Fastening: hammer and/or coil siding nailer (if employer doesn’t supply).
  • Layout and bending: good-quality portable brake is usually employer- or crew-owned; learn it early.

Budget: A reliable starter kit can run $600–$1,500 depending on brands and whether the employer supplies some tools. Over time, invest in better blades, a personal brake (if you go independent), and weather-rated gear for comfort and productivity.

Important Ontario-specific reminders:

With the right training, safe habits, and attention to detail, you can build a stable and well-paid career as a Siding Installer (Aluminum siding, vinyl, CanExel) in Ontario.

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