What Type of Siding do I have on my home?

Written By John O'Connell

If you're trying to figure out what type of siding you have on your home, you're not alone. Many homes built from the 1940s through the 2000s used a wide range of siding types, and identifying yours can help with:

  • Repairs or replacement

  • Energy efficiency upgrades

  • Renovation permits

  • Warranty or insurance claims

  • Qualifying for rebates (e.g., Greener Homes)

Step-by-Step: How to Identify the Siding on Your Halifax Home

Step 1: Check the Age of Your Home

Different types of siding were common in different eras across Canada

Decade - Most Common Siding Types

1940s–50s: Wood, Asbestos cement, Stucco

1960s–70s: Aluminum (insulated and non-insulated), Stucco

1980s–90s: Vinyl, Aluminum, Plywood (T1-11), Masonite

2000s–present: Vinyl, Fiber Cement, Engineered Wood, Metal cladding

Step 2: Do a Visual Inspection

Take a walk around your home and look at the siding up close. Pay attention to:

Feature - What to look for

Material Feel - Is it metal, plastic, wood, or cement-like?

Grain/Texture -Wood grain, smooth, or stucco-like?

Panel Shape - Horizontal lap, vertical panels, shingles, or sheets?

Colour & Sheen - Faded paint, shiny metal, chalky surface?

Joints & Seams - Overlapping planks, caulked seams, or interlocking panels?


Step 3: Compare Common Canadian Siding Types

Here’s a cheat sheet of the most common siding materials found on Canadian homes:

Siding Type

Vinyl? Yes, common in Nova Scotia

Feels like plastic, has overlapping planks, often textured to look like wood. Hollow sound when tapped. Widely used since the 1980s.

Aluminum? Yes, that’s a common siding in Nova Scotia

Feels metallic and cool, may have dents, older paint may chalk. Common from 1950s–1980s.

Insulated Aluminum ? Yup, another common Nova Scotia siding

Aluminum panels with foam backing. Rigid, but still dents easily. Common in post-war homes.

Wood (Clapboard, Shake)? You got it, Nova Scotia loves wood siding

Real wood grain, may be painted or stained, can show rot, peeling, or knots.

Fiber Cement? Yes, fiber cement siding in Nova Scotia has been common since the 1990’s

Heavy, very rigid, textured like wood, doesn’t dent. Ends are often sealed and painted.

Engineered Wood? Yes! It’s modern (2000’s) Nova Scotia Siding

Looks like fiber cement or wood, but lighter and smoother. May be stamped on the back.

Masonry Veneer (Brick/Stone)? Yes, you’ll see this siding in Nova Scotia

Thin brick or stone veneer panels. Look like real masonry but non-structural.

Metal Cladding (Steel/Aluminum)? We’re seeing increased used of metal cladding in Nova Scotia

Common on modern homes and renovations. May have sharp profiles or ribbing.

Step 4: Look Behind Fixtures

Pro tip - check behind:

  • Exterior light fixtures

  • Utility boxes (gas meter, hydro, cable)

  • Hose bibs

These areas might expose the back of the panel, where you could see:

  • Foam insulation (insulated aluminum or vinyl)

  • Manufacturer stamps (James Hardie, LP, Royal, Gentek, Kaycan)

  • Plywood sheathing or WRB (house wrap)

Step 5: Check Paperwork

If you still have any of the following, you might find the siding type listed:

  • Builder or renovation documents

  • Municipal building permits

  • Home inspection reports

  • Warranty paperwork

  • Contractor invoices

If you’re not the original owner, you may not have documentation. HRM may have old permit details available but unless the siding install was part of a major renovation, its unlikely. If your neighbors siding looks similar to yours you can ask them for any details they can recall about their siding installation.

Optional: Take a Photo

Take a clear, close-up photo and:

  • Compare it to photos on siding manufacturer websites (e.g., Kaycan, Mitten, Royal, James Hardie, LP SmartSide)

  • Bring it to a local home improvement store like, Kent or Rona

  • Or — send a photo to us and we can help identify it for you

Bonus: Why It Matters in Canada

  • Energy Rebates: Some siding types (especially insulated ones) help you qualify for programs like:

    • Canada Greener Homes Initiative (if reopened)

    • Nova Scotia Provincial programs (e.g., Efficiency Nova Scotia)

  • Moisture Management: Siding must allow drainage and drying

  • Extreme Climate Performance: Siding must tolerate huge temperature swings, (-20C to +30C in Nova Scotia!)

Final Tip

If you're unsure, it's worth getting a qualified siding contractor or home inspector to take a look — especially if you're planning to:

  • Replace your siding

  • Upgrade insulation

  • List your home

  • Apply for rebates

John O'Connell
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