Do I need a permit to build a deck in Thunder Bay?

If the deck is more than 600 mm (about 2 ft) above the ground, yes. Decks under that height don't need one. Covered porches added to a house also need a permit. We confirm what applies and handle the application.

Should I choose a wood or composite deck?

Pressure-treated wood costs less up front but needs regular staining. Composite costs more but needs little maintenance and won't splinter or rot. Cedar falls in between. We'll walk you through the trade-offs for your budget and how you'll use the space.

How much does a new deck cost?

It depends on size, height, material and features like stairs, railings and lighting. After a site visit, you get a detailed, itemized quote.

Do I need a permit to replace siding or windows?

Replacing siding, or replacing windows and doors with the same size and type, generally doesn't need a permit. Changing the size of an opening or adding a new one does. We'll tell you which applies to your project.

When is the best time to do exterior work in Thunder Bay?

Most exterior work happens from spring through fall. Deck footings go in before the ground freezes. Booking in winter gets you on the spring schedule.

What happens if you find rot under my old siding or deck?

We show you what we found, explain the fix and its cost, and repair it properly before covering anything up. It's better to deal with it now than in five years.

Your Exterior Renovation Experts.

Exterior Renovations in Thunder Bay

Decks, covered porches, siding, windows and doors, built to handle Thunder Bay winters and to make your home look the way it should from the street.

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PERMITS & DRAWINGS
FULLY LICENSED & INSURED
RED SEAL CERTIFIED TRADES
LOCALLY OWNED IN THUNDER BAY

An Exterior That Works as Hard as Your Home

The outside of your home takes a beating here: deep frost, heavy snow loads, spring thaw and summer sun. Tired siding, drafty windows or a deck that's starting to sag don't just look rough. They let in water and cold and cost you money.

A well-built exterior protects everything inside it, adds usable living space in the summer months, and is one of the best ways to add curb appeal and resale value.

SRL Contracting builds and renovates exteriors across Thunder Bay with the details that matter in our climate: proper footings, flashing, drainage and air sealing. We handle design, permits and construction, so the job is done once and done right.

SRL carpenter installing timber framing on an exterior project

Decks, Porches & Patios

Outdoor living space in Thunder Bay has to earn its keep in a short season, and it has to survive the other eight months. We build decks and porches on proper footings below the frost line, with framing and fasteners that last.

Custom decks
Pressure-treated, cedar or composite, in single or multi-level designs, with railings, stairs and lighting if requested.
Covered porches
A roofed entry or front porch that adds curb appeal and keeps snow off the steps.
Three-season and screened porches
Bug-free summer evenings and a longer outdoor season.
Patios
Concrete patios and pads that connect your deck, yard and home.
Learn more about patios
Deck rebuilds
Replacing a failing deck from the footings up, or new decking and railings on a sound frame.

Siding, Soffit & Fascia

New siding is the fastest way to transform how a home looks, and it's the first line of defence against weather. We remove old cladding, fix what's underneath, and install new siding with the right weather barrier and flashing so water never gets behind it.

Siding replacement
Vinyl, engineered wood, fibre cement and other options.
Soffit and fascia
Vented soffit for proper attic airflow, and fascia that protects roof edges.
Trim and details
Window and door trim, corners and accents that finish the look.
Exterior insulation upgrades
Adding rigid insulation under new siding for a warmer, more efficient home.

Windows & Doors

Old windows and doors are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in a northern home. We replace them with energy-efficient units, installed and sealed properly so they actually perform.

Window replacement
Same-size replacements, or larger windows for more light.
New openings
Adding a window, patio door or garden door where there wasn't one, with proper structural framing.
Entry and patio doors
Secure, insulated doors that look good and close tight in January.

HOW IT WORKS

One Team, Start to Finish

Consultation and site visit.
We look at your home, talk through what you want, and flag any rot, drainage or structural issues early.
Design and drawings.
We review your plans and options with you.
Permits and approvals.
Decks over 600 mm (2 ft) high, covered porches, and new or resized window and door openings need a City of Thunder Bay building permit. We prepare the application and deal with the City or municipality.
Detailed quote and schedule.
You get an itemized quote and a realistic timeline, including material lead times.
Build and finish.
Footings, framing, flashing, cladding, installation and trim, done by our crew with attention to the details that keep water out.
Final walkthrough.
We walk the finished work with you and fix anything that isn't right.

Why Thunder Bay Homeowners Choose SRL

Built for our climate. Frost-depth footings, proper flashing and weather barriers, and materials chosen for freeze-thaw cycles.
We fix what's underneath. When we find rot or damage behind old siding or under a deck, we deal with it properly instead of covering it up.
Permits handled. We know which jobs need a permit and take care of it, so you're covered at resale.
One crew for the whole exterior. Deck, siding and windows in one project, with one schedule and one point of contact.
Local and established. 10+ years building in Thunder Bay. About SRL