Siding, Roofing, Windows & Decks in Burlington, WA

More than a third of the homes in Burlington, 36%, were built in 2000 or later, part of the fast growth of newer construction on the Skagit Valley floor. Many of those houses still wear the builder-grade siding and windows they were finished with, and that original material is now reaching its first replacement. The rest of the housing stock reaches back through every decade to before 1950, so what a house needs depends on when it went up. Builders Service Company replaces siding, roofing, windows and decks for homeowners across Skagit County. Below you will find what is typical for local homes, which materials suit valley conditions, and how each project starts with a free in-home consultation.

Homes in Burlington: what’s on them now

Census data puts the median year built for homes here at 1993, and the city has 4,246 housing units in all. The age mix looks like this:

• 12% built before 1950
• 24% built from 1950 to 1979
• 28% built from 1980 to 1999
• 36% built in 2000 or later

Each era tends to bring its own exterior. Homes from before 1950 likely started with wood lap siding, may have lead paint under later coats, and may still have single-pane or early windows. Houses from 1950 to 1979 often carry cedar, T1-11 or asbestos-cement shingle siding, with aluminum or early vinyl windows; asbestos-cement shingles may contain asbestos and should be tested before removal. The 1980s and 1990s were the era of composite and hardboard siding, including LP siding, which has a known history of moisture failure, along with first-generation vinyl windows. Homes from 2000 on usually have fiber cement or builder-grade vinyl siding and builder-grade windows now due for a first repaint or replacement.

The building types are mixed as well. Half of all homes are detached houses, 20% are attached homes, 29% are apartments and 1% are mobile homes. For a detached house, siding, roofing and windows are usually planned as one exterior, and we look at them together during the consultation.

Permits for exterior work here are issued by the City of Burlington.

Siding in Burlington

Most siding jobs here start from one of two places. Homes built from 1980 to 1999, 28% of the local housing, often still have hardboard or LP siding, which has a known history of moisture failure. Newer houses tend to have builder-grade vinyl or fiber cement that is coming due for a first repaint or replacement. In both cases the next step is choosing among the siding types we usually recommend. The best fit for your house is worked out during the free in-home consultation, where we look at the walls, the trim and what is behind them.

• Vinyl siding is the most versatile and least expensive option. The median home value in Burlington is about $465,000, roughly 1% below the Skagit County median, and vinyl is a durable, cost-effective way to cover a whole house at that level.
• The Evergreen Shield Siding System is our exclusive insulated composite siding, designed for the Pacific Northwest climate. Census data shows 55% of local homes heat with electricity, which makes wall insulation worth a look. Its graphite membrane gives a thermal resistance of R-2.0, compared with R-0.61 for standard vinyl siding. The composite is also built for water resistance through long wet seasons, humidity, mold and mildew.
• Metal siding suits owners who want a premium exterior for the long term.
• Stacked stone and stone veneer work as accents on entries, columns, chimneys and wainscots, paired with any of the siding types above.

None of the three main types is wood. Learn more about siding replacement in Burlington.

Roofing in Burlington

Two local factors shape roofing work here: the wind that moves through the Skagit Valley and the city’s setting on the valley flood plain. Wind puts the most stress on a roof at its edges, so eaves, rakes, ridges and flashing get close attention on every job, along with how each course is fastened.

Housing age matters too. With a median build year of 1993, a large share of Burlington homes are on original or early replacement roofs, and some may carry more than one layer of shingles. Before any new roofing goes on, we assess the roof deck underneath to confirm it is sound and plan the ventilation, since proper airflow keeps attic moisture down and helps shingles wear evenly. We also look at the condition of each layer to decide whether a repair can still do the job or a full replacement makes more sense.

We install two main roofing types and give them equal weight in the conversation:

• Asphalt shingle roofing offers a wide range of colors and profiles and fits most budgets.
• EDCO metal roofing is a long-term option with a clean, uniform look.

Wildfire risk is rated low here, at the 34th percentile statewide, so the choice between the two usually comes down to appearance, budget and how long you plan to stay. Either way, the job includes underlayment, flashing around chimneys and vents, and cleanup at the end. Learn more about roof replacement in Burlington.

Windows in Burlington

Window needs here follow the age of the house. Homes built from 1950 to 1979, 24% of the local housing, often still have aluminum frames or early vinyl. Houses from the 1980s and 1990s tend to have first-generation vinyl windows, where failing seals show up as fogging between the panes. Even builder-grade windows in newer homes can let in drafts as they age.

We install Preservation 9000 vinyl replacement windows, and we are the exclusive provider of Preservation 9000 windows in Washington. Heating cost is part of the case for replacing them: census data shows 55% of homes in Burlington heat with electricity, and where heating is costly, the payback from efficient windows is larger. PSE is the electric utility, and you can check with PSE for current programs before you start.

Styles are matched to each opening:

• Sliders or casements for upper floors and openings under tight eaves
• Casement, awning or hopper windows for kitchens and bathrooms that need ventilation
• Picture windows and bay or bow units where you want more light or a wider view
• Double-hung, garden and custom shapes where the house calls for them

With 45% of homes owner-occupied, many owners here plan to stay for years, and windows are a long-term part of that. Proper installation and sealing matter as much as the window itself, because a poor seal undoes the efficiency of a good unit. Learn more about window replacement in Burlington.

Decks in Burlington

With half of local homes detached houses, many owners have a yard with room for a deck, and 45% of homes are owner-occupied, so a deck is often built to last as long as the owners stay. We build decks in three materials:

• Composite decking resists rot and does not need staining, which suits a yard that stays damp or shaded.
• Vinyl decking also resists rot and skips the staining, for owners who want the least upkeep.
• Wood decking costs less up front and gives a natural look, but it needs regular sealing to keep water out.

Plan for drainage under the deck and slip resistance on the surface, especially on steps. Wildfire risk is rated low here, at the 34th percentile statewide, so material choice can focus on upkeep, comfort and appearance. We size footings and framing for the deck you want and check whether your project needs a permit before work starts. Learn more about deck building in Burlington.

Get a free in-home consultation

Every project starts with a free in-home consultation. We look at your house, talk through the siding, roofing, window or deck options that fit it, and answer your questions on the spot. Schedule a free in-home consultation online or call our Seattle office at 206-430-1927. Financing is available.