Warranties Don't Cover Improper Installation: The Hidden Risk Every Ontario Homeowner Needs to Know

Suzy Albornoz
Mar 10
5 min read

Buying a home, especially a new build, should come with peace of mind. Between Tarion coverage, builder assurances, and manufacturer warranties, most homeowners assume they’re protected if something goes wrong. But there’s a critical truth that rarely gets talked about:

Warranties do NOT cover improper installation.

And improper installation is one of the most common causes of siding failure in Ontario.

At CanMac Siding, we see this every year. Homeowners reach out to us not because the product failed, but because the installation did. Recently, a homeowner in a well‑known GTA subdivision contacted us after months of frustration with their builder and Tarion. Their siding was failing on a brand‑new home, yet no one was taking responsibility.

What we uncovered during our inspection is exactly why this conversation needs to happen.

Homeowner in distress after warranty claim denial for severe siding damage, highlighting issues of improper installation, water damage, and mold.

A Real GTA Case: A New Build, a Tarion Warranty, and Zero Accountability

The homeowner did everything right. They bought a new build from a large, reputable production builder. Their home came with Tarion warranty coverage—something they paid for through the purchase price.

When siding issues appeared, they followed the proper steps:

Contacted the builder
Filed a Tarion claim
Waited for someone to take ownership

Instead, they were passed back and forth. Builder → Tarion → Builder → Tarion.

No answers.

No resolution.

No accountability.

That’s when they reached out to us for a third‑party inspection.

Our findings were clear:

The siding product had not failed. The installation had.

And that distinction is everything.

What Tarion Actually Covers—And What It Doesn’t

Tarion provides three main layers of warranty protection for new homes in Ontario:

1‑Year Warranty — Workmanship and materials
2‑Year Warranty — Water penetration, plumbing, electrical, HVAC
7‑Year Warranty — Major structural defects

But here’s the part homeowners rarely hear:

Tarion does NOT cover issues caused by improper installation unless they meet a very specific definition of a “defect.”

And manufacturers?

They only cover product defects, not workmanship.

So when siding is installed incorrectly, wrong fasteners, missing waterproofing, improper clearances, no drainage plane, the manufacturer denies the claim, and Tarion often pushes it back to the builder.

If the builder hired the cheapest labour available (which is extremely common), homeowners end up stuck in the middle with no clear path to resolution.

Our Assessment: The Product Was Fine—The Installer Was Not

During our inspection, we identified multiple installation errors, including:

Missing or improperly installed waterproofing
Incorrect fastening patterns
Lack of required clearances
No proper drainage plane
Gaps that allow water infiltration

These aren’t minor oversights. These are building envelope failures that compromise the home’s ability to shed water and manage moisture.

When siding is installed incorrectly, the consequences can be severe:

Water infiltration behind the walls
Mold growth
Rotting sheathing or framing
Compromised insulation
Higher energy bills
Structural deterioration
Indoor air quality issues

This isn’t cosmetic.

This is a health and safety issue.

Why Builders Choose Cheap Labour—and Why Homeowners Pay the Price

Large production builders often subcontract exterior work to the lowest bidder. That subcontractor may then subcontract again. By the time the siding goes up, the person installing it may have:

No formal training
No manufacturer certification
No understanding of building envelope science
No accountability

Yet they’re responsible for protecting your home from the elements.

When builders prioritize the lowest labour rate, homeowners end up paying for:

Repairs
Replacements
Mold remediation
Warranty disputes
Stress and frustration
Thousands in unexpected costs

This is not acceptable—and it’s why CanMac Siding advocates for higher industry standards.

Ontario Needs Mandatory Licensing for ALL Trades

One of the biggest systemic issues is the lack of regulation for many exterior trades. While some trades in Ontario are regulated, many critical ones like siding, roofing, soffit/fascia, eavestroughs, exterior waterproofing are not held to the same licensing standards as electricians or gas technicians.

This gap allows unqualified individuals to work on the most important investment of your life.

We are calling on Premier Doug Ford and the Government of Ontario to implement legislation requiring mandatory licensing for ALL trades, including:

Siding
Roofing
Soffit & fascia
Eavestroughs
Exterior waterproofing
Masonry
Deck and exterior carpentry
HVAC
Plumbing
Electrical

If someone is working on your home, they should be required to show a government‑issued license, no different than a driver’s license.

A licensing system would:

Ensure minimum training and competency
Reduce unqualified labour
Protect homeowners from preventable damage
Improve building standards
Hold contractors accountable
Prevent builders from hiring the cheapest, least qualified installers

Without proper regulation, rushed installations and untrained labour will continue to cause long‑term problems for homeowners.

It’s time for change.

Manufacturers Can Help: Homeowners Should Ask for Recommended Installers

One of the most overlooked protections homeowners have is the ability to contact the siding manufacturer or distributor directly and ask for a recommended installer.

Companies like:

are more than willing to point homeowners toward reputable contractors they trust.

These suppliers know:

Who installs their products correctly
Who attends training
Who follows manufacturer guidelines
Who has a strong track record
Who avoids costly installation mistakes

Product Certification Matters

Many major siding suppliers offer product‑specific certification programs that ensure installers are trained on:

Proper fastening
Correct clearances
Moisture management
Updated installation standards
Warranty‑compliant methods

When a contractor is certified, homeowners know:

They’ve been trained directly by the manufacturer
They understand the product
They follow proper installation procedures
Their work protects the warranty

If a contractor isn’t certified or recommended by the supplier, it could be a red flag.

How CanMac Siding Protects Homeowners

At CanMac Siding, we’ve built our reputation on doing things the right way, not the cheap way.

We provide:

Manufacturer‑approved installation
Certified installers
Proper waterproofing and building envelope protection
Third‑party inspections and assessments
Transparent communication
Long‑term durability and peace of mind

We install siding as if it were our own home. Because that’s what homeowners deserve.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Improper Installation Become Your Problem

Warranties don’t protect you from bad installers.

Tarion doesn’t guarantee proper workmanship.

Manufacturers don’t cover labour mistakes.

The only real protection homeowners have is choosing qualified, experienced, accountable installers from the start—and demanding higher standards from the industry as a whole.

If you’re dealing with siding issues, or if you want a second opinion before things get worse, CanMac Siding is here to help.

CanMac’s 5-Year Workmanship Warranty—and Why Canadian Products Matter

At CanMac Siding, we don’t just talk about quality, we back it up. Every project we complete comes with a 5-year workmanship warranty, because we believe in our team, our process, and the standards we uphold.

Beyond that, most of the products we carry offer limited lifetime warranties, including separate coverage for the finish starting at 15+ years. That means homeowners get long-term protection not just on the material itself, but on its appearance and performance over time.

But warranties only matter if the product is installed correctly, and by a team that stands behind their work.

That’s why we choose to work with Canadian-made products from suppliers who understand our climate, our building codes, and our expectations. Supporting local manufacturers isn’t just about patriotism, it’s about performance.

Why Canadian Products Make a Difference 🇨🇦

Designed for Canadian weather — Freeze-thaw cycles, high humidity, snow loads, and UV exposure are all part of our reality. Canadian manufacturers build products that hold up.
Local support and accountability — If something goes wrong, we’re not dealing with overseas call centers. We’re working with real people who care about their reputation.
Better warranty enforcement — Canadian suppliers are more likely to honour their warranties when the product is installed by certified professionals.
Supporting our economy — Every time we choose a Canadian product, we’re investing in jobs, innovation, and long-term resilience.