For years, Ottawa homeowners have asked whether installing siding over existing brick is safe, practical, and cost-effective. With renovation trends shifting toward energy efficiency, improved exterior aesthetics, and reduced long-term maintenance, the demand for siding-over-brick solutions has grown rapidly. But the process is more complex than most people realize. Done incorrectly, it can trap moisture, void warranties, accelerate structural decay, and lead to expensive repairs.
This comprehensive guide explains everything Ottawa renovators should know before installing siding over brick—including building-code considerations, insulation upgrades, rainscreen requirements, fastening methods, moisture risks, and the professional steps required to achieve a durable, code-compliant installation that withstands Ottawa’s harsh freeze-thaw cycles.
Why Homeowners Consider Siding Over Brick in Ottawa
Cost Savings Compared to Brick Removal
Tearing down old brick is slow, expensive, and messy. Labour costs alone can significantly exceed the cost of installing new siding. For many homeowners, siding over brick seems like a faster and more economical upgrade—especially when paired with modern insulated siding that boosts energy efficiency.
Modernizing the Home’s Aesthetic
Outdated brick tones, mismatched additions, or faded mortar can make homes look older than they are. Covering brick with vinyl, fiber cement, or engineered wood siding allows homeowners to achieve:
- A fully refreshed exterior
- Contemporary board-and-batten or horizontal styles
- Higher curb appeal
- Matching textures and colours with new roofing or windows
For siding colour guidance, homeowners often refer to professional insights like Siding Colors That Boost Ottawa Home Value for inspiration.
Better Energy Performance
Adding insulation, house wrap, and a rainscreen over brick allows you to correct thermal deficiencies. Many older Ottawa homes lose heat through their masonry walls. Installing siding over brick is an opportunity to improve:
- R-value
- Air sealing
- Moisture control
- Draft reduction
This aligns with building-science principles highlighted in resources such as Natural Resources Canada’s energy-efficiency guides.
Can You Install Siding Over Brick in Ottawa? Yes—But Only If Done Correctly
Siding over brick can be safe and effective, but it must follow strict preparation and building-science requirements. Ottawa’s extreme weather conditions—especially freeze-thaw cycles—make proper moisture management essential.
This aligns with the installation guidelines reinforced in Ontario Building Code exterior-wall moisture protection requirements.
Key Requirements Include:
- Furring strips to create a level fastening surface
- A rainscreen cavity to prevent trapped moisture
- House wrap or weather-resistant barrier over brick
- Correct flashing integration
- Proper fastening and venting
- Exterior foam insulation (optional but recommended)
Skipping any of these can lead to major failures.
Hidden Risks of Installing Siding Over Brick Without Proper Preparation
1. Moisture Trapping Behind the Siding
Brick absorbs water naturally. Without a dedicated drainage plane, water can migrate behind siding and cause:
- Mold growth
- Wood rot
- Structural deterioration
- Freeze-thaw damage
Ottawa is particularly vulnerable due to prolonged winter moisture and dramatic temperature swings.
For more on moisture-related risks behind cladding, review
Moisture & Mold: Hidden Wall Problems New Siding Can Solve.
2. Uneven Walls Leading to Poor Siding Attachment
Brick walls are rarely perfectly flat. Installing siding directly on brick—without creating a level mounting base—results in waves, warps, and premature siding failure.
3. Fastener Failures
Screws cannot be safely anchored directly into brick faces for siding panels. Without proper furring strips, attachment strength is compromised—especially during high-wind events common in Ottawa.
For wind-resistance guidance, see
Wind-Resistant Siding Options in Ottawa.
4. Shortened Siding Lifespan
Moisture, stress, and poor ventilation dramatically shorten the lifespan of vinyl, aluminum, and even fiber-cement siding.
5. Voided Manufacturer Warranties
Many siding manufacturers require specific installation standards—failure to follow them can void warranties.
How Professional Installers Properly Install Siding Over Brick
A certified Ottawa siding contractor will follow the correct multistep process to ensure durability, safety, and compliance.
Step 1: Brick Preparation and Surface Cleaning
Before anything is installed, professionals must:
- Inspect and repair damaged mortar
- Remove loose or crumbling brick pieces
- Power wash surfaces to remove dust and efflorescence
- Seal cracks where necessary
Step 2: Installing Furring Strips (The Most Critical Step)
Why They Matter
Furring strips create a flat attachment plane and provide the necessary structural support. Installers typically use:
- Pressure-treated wood
- Metal furring channels
- Composite furring strips
Strips are fastened into the brick mortar joints—not the brick itself.
Step 3: Adding a Weather-Resistant Barrier (WRB)
A WRB is essential for moisture control. Common options include:
- House wrap
- Building paper
- Liquid-applied WRB
The WRB must be integrated with flashing around windows, doors, and roof edges.
For more on proper window-siding integration, see
Integrating Windows With New Siding.
Step 4: Installing a Rainscreen Gap
A rainscreen gap (usually ¼” to ¾”) ensures:
- Moisture drainage
- Improved air circulation
- Prevention of freeze-thaw moisture buildup
- Longer siding lifespan
This is essential for Ottawa’s climate and becoming a standard requirement in many municipalities.
Step 5: Adding Exterior Insulation (Optional but Highly Recommended)
Rigid foam insulation dramatically increases R-value.
Benefits include:
- Reduced winter drafts
- Lower heating bills
- Less heat loss through masonry
- A more comfortable interior environment
For additional reading on siding + insulation benefits, refer to
Siding Insulation Upgrade in Ottawa.
Step 6: Siding Installation
Once the wall is level, insulated, and protected:
- Starter strips
- J-channels
- Panels
- Trim
- Flashing
- Soffit & fascia
are installed following manufacturer specifications.
Professional installers also maintain proper expansion gaps—critical for vinyl siding during Ottawa’s seasonal temperature fluctuations.
Best Siding Materials for Installing Over Brick in Ottawa
1. Vinyl Siding (Most Popular Option)
Advantages:
- Cost-effective
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Highly customizable
Great choices include insulated vinyl for enhanced energy efficiency.
2. Fiber Cement Siding (James Hardie)
Benefits:
- Extremely durable
- Low maintenance
- Fire resistant
- Beautiful wood-like texture
Ottawa homeowners frequently compare this material in depth:
James Hardie Siding in Ottawa: Is It Worth the Cost?.
3. Engineered Wood Siding
Offers a natural wood aesthetic with improved moisture resistance.
4. Aluminum and Steel Siding
Strong options for homeowners concerned about fire ratings, pests, and longevity.
When You Should Not Install Siding Over Brick
Siding over brick is unsafe or inadvisable when:
- Brick is severely cracked or structurally unstable
- Moisture damage is already present
- Mortar joints are deteriorating
- There is efflorescence indicating water intrusion
- You plan to expand or add windows soon
- Your home has historical designation
- You want the absolute maximum lifespan from your siding
In these cases, brick removal or structural remediation is required first.
How Much Does Siding Over Brick Cost in Ottawa?
While pricing varies by material, insulation, and labour, installing siding over brick is generally less expensive than full brick removal but more expensive than installing siding over wood sheathing.
Costs include:
- Furring strips
- WRB
- Rainscreen
- Insulation
- Additional labour
For detailed cost insights, refer to:
How Much Should It Cost to Put Siding on a House in Ottawa?.
Final Advice: Always Hire a Professional Siding Contractor
Siding over brick is a specialty installation requiring:
- Building-science knowledge
- Precision structural leveling
- Advanced moisture-management techniques
- Climate-specific experience
To hire with confidence, review
How to Choose the Right Siding Contractor.
For direct help or quotes, consult the experts through
Kaloozie Comfort Contact Page.
FAQs
1. Is it safe to put siding over brick in Ottawa?
Yes—if proper furring, moisture barriers, insulation, and rainscreen systems are installed. Poor installations can trap moisture and cause structural issues.
2. Will siding over brick improve insulation?
Yes. Adding foam insulation, air sealing, and a WRB significantly boosts R-value and reduces drafts.
3. Does siding over brick require a permit in Ottawa?
In many cases, yes. Exterior cladding changes often require compliance with local codes. Always consult the City of Ottawa.
4. Can vinyl siding be installed directly on brick?
No. Vinyl requires a smooth, flat substrate. Furring strips and WRB are mandatory.
5. Does covering brick reduce home value?
No—if professionally installed. Modern siding styles often increase curb appeal and energy efficiency.
