If your Calgary home needs both a new roof and new siding, you might wonder which project to tackle first. The order you choose for your exterior renovation affects your home’s protection, insulation, and overall cost. In this 2026 homeowner's guide, Construct Vision offers tips to help you plan your renovation. As a trusted name in Calgary roofing and siding, they focus on the challenges of Alberta’s unique climate. Before you start, consider which should come first: the roof or the siding. Here’s what to know.
For most Calgary homeowners, it’s better to replace the roof before the siding.
Here is why:
- Roofing work often drops debris that can damage new siding.
- Flashing and drip edges must overlap the siding line - meaning the roof comes first.
- A watertight roof stops leaks and protects your siding in Calgary.
Completing siding installation after your roofing project keeps all joints sealed and weather-tight - critical for local hail and snow conditions.
How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Roof or Siding
Roof Replacement Signs
- Curling or missing shingles
- Water stains on ceilings or the attic
- Granules in gutters
- Age: 20+ years (asphalt), 40+ (metal)
Siding Replacement Signs
- Cracked or warped panels
- Fading or blistering paint
- Moisture or mould on exterior walls
- Rising heating/cooling costs. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to plan your 2026 renovation so you can handle both projects efficiently.
When Should You Replace Your Roof First?
If your roof is getting old or starting to leak, the best first step is to book a professional roof inspection in Calgary and plan your replacement before the damage spreads.
- Prevent Water Damage
Calgary’s weather changes quickly. One day it’s snow, the next, hail or heavy rain. An old roof can let moisture in, which can reach your insulation or new siding. Replacing the roof first protects your home and helps you avoid bigger repairs later.
- Protect Your New Siding
Roofing debris can damage siding panels, so following the proper installation order protects both materials and the home's appearance.
- Ensure Proper Flashing & Finishing
Flashing and soffits overlap the siding edges. Starting with the roof ensures that certified contractors in Calgary can properly waterproof your home.
Pro Tip: Book your roof replacement in Calgary early in the spring. This lets siding installers finish before the cold weather comes. When to Replace the Siding First.
How Calgary’s Climate Affects Your Exterior Renovations
In Alberta, you face big temperature swings, hail, and strong winds. These conditions can affect roofing and siding projects in Calgary.
- Hailstorms expose weak spots in roofing and siding.
- Vinyl and Hardie Board expand/contract with temperature.
- The best times for siding installation in Calgary are spring and fall.
If you hire one team of exterior contractors in Calgary, both projects can be scheduled easily and planned around the weather. When one contractor manages both projects, you get flashing, trim, and colours that all match perfectly.
- Combining both projects allows shared site setup, waste removal, and permits, lowering total renovation costs.
- Cohesive, modern curb appeal.
Best Practice: Roof and Siding Done Together
Many Calgary homeowners choose to replace the roof and siding together. It’s the most cost-effective and convenient approach because:
- You get a consistent finish and updated insulation in one go.
- Labour and waste removal are consolidated.
- The home’s energy efficiency improves instantly.
A combined roof and siding replacement in Alberta delivers lasting performance and stronger resale value.
So, which should you do first: siding or roof? Let’s review.
To recap:
- In most cases, replace the roof first, then the siding.
- If your siding is severely damaged or causing structural issues, address that first.
- The most effective approach is a coordinated roof and siding project for long-lasting protection and efficiency.
Your home deserves more than just a quick update. It needs long-term protection that withstands Calgary’s weather.
