Siding, Roofing, Windows & Decks in Covington, WA

Census data shows 39% of Covington homes were built in 2000 or later, and many of the 1990s and 2000s subdivisions here are now reaching their first full siding and roof replacement. That timing shapes most exterior projects in this part of King County: original builder-grade materials are wearing out on whole streets of similar houses at once. Builders Service Company is an exterior contractor handling siding, roofing, windows and decks for homeowners on the South King plateau. Below you’ll find what is on local homes today, the materials we usually recommend for each service, and answers to the questions we hear most often.

Homes in Covington: what’s on them now

The median Covington home was built in 1994, according to Census data. The housing stock splits into three broad eras: 28% from 1950 to 1979, 32% from 1980 to 1999 and 39% from 2000 on, with just 1% older. Detached single-family houses make up 87% of homes, apartments 10% and mobile homes 2%.

Each era points to different materials on the walls today. Houses from 1950 to 1979 often carry cedar, T1-11 or asbestos-cement shingle siding; asbestos-cement may contain asbestos and should be tested before removal. Homes from 1980 to 1999 date from the era of composite and hardboard siding, including LP siding, which has a known history of moisture failure. Houses built since 2000 typically have fiber cement or builder-grade vinyl that is due for its first repaint or replacement, along with builder-grade windows.

King County assessor records count 6,628 single-family homes in the city, with a median size of 1,840 square feet. A few neighborhoods show the spread:

• Suncrest Park Add: 140 homes, median year built 1967
• Timberlane Estates: 798 homes, median year built 1977
• Pearl Jones: 154 homes, median year built 2002
• Rainier Vista At Jenkins Creek: 146 homes, median year built 2008

Permits for exterior work are handled by the City of Covington.

Siding in Covington

King County assessor records show 20% of the city’s single-family homes were built between 1985 and 1996, the years when LP and other hardboard siding went on many houses. That siding has a known history of moisture failure, so swelling, soft spots or flaking along the lower edges of boards are common reasons to replace rather than patch. Many of the newer subdivisions also have HOA color rules, which shape the choice of finish.

We usually recommend three siding types, and none of them is wood:

• Vinyl siding is the most versatile and least expensive option. With home values in Covington about 31% below the King County median, it is a durable, cost-effective choice for many owners, and it keeps costs in check on the 52% of homes with two or more stories, where wall area adds up.
• The Evergreen Shield Siding System is our insulated composite siding. Its graphite membrane gives it a thermal resistance of R-2.0, compared with R-0.61 for standard vinyl siding, which matters because 36% of homes here heat with electricity. It also comes in 20 built-in, fade-resistant colors, a helpful range when an HOA sets the palette.
• Metal siding suits owners planning a premium, long-term upgrade.

Stacked stone or stone veneer can add an accent at the entry or along a base course. Assessor records show only 1% of homes have any brick or stone on the exterior today, so a stone wainscot stands out on the street.

On a recent project, we replaced the siding on a Covington home with a sage green color that blends with the surrounding landscape. The best option for your house is something we go over during the free in-home consultation.

Learn more about siding replacement in Covington.

Roofing in Covington

Many of Covington’s 1990s and 2000s subdivisions are reaching their first full roof replacement, often around the same time as the siding. Doing both together lets the crew tie in flashing at roof-to-wall joints once instead of twice. On older homes, such as those in Timberlane Estates (median year built 1977), the roof may already have been replaced at least once, so we check for older layers underneath during the inspection.

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

• Asphalt shingle roofing fits the look of most subdivision homes and is a familiar choice for HOA neighborhoods.
• EDCO metal roofing is our metal option, with a different profile and look. We compare it side by side with shingles at the consultation.

Whichever you choose, the details under the surface carry most of the performance: underlayment, flashing at walls and roof penetrations, and attic ventilation. We do not take shortcuts. Every roof is installed with care for proper sealing and ventilation.

Wildfire risk is rated low, at the 60th percentile statewide, so a fire-rated roof assembly is rarely the deciding factor the way it is in high-risk areas. Roof height matters more for planning: King County assessor records show 52% of homes have two or more stories, which affects staging, safety setup and debris control.

Mobile homes make up 2% of local housing. If yours is one, its lower-slope roof needs flashing and underlayment details matched to that design.

See how we handle roof replacement in Covington.

Windows in Covington

Window needs in Covington follow the age of the house. Census data shows 32% of homes were built between 1980 and 1999, the era of first-generation vinyl windows, where failing seals and fogged glass are common now. Homes built since 2000 usually have builder-grade windows, and houses from 1950 to 1979 may still have aluminum frames.

We install Preservation 9000 vinyl replacement windows, and we are the exclusive provider of Preservation 9000 windows in Washington. Styles include double-hung, slider, casement, awning, hopper, picture, garden, bay and bow, and custom shapes. Upper-floor rooms and tight eaves often suit sliders or casements, while kitchens and bathrooms benefit from casement, awning or hopper windows for ventilation.

Heating cost is a big part of the decision. Census data shows 36% of homes heat with electricity, and where heating is costly, the payback from efficient windows is larger. PSE is the electric utility, so check with PSE for current programs before you order.

Owner-occupancy is high at 79%, so many households here are long-term owners investing in their exteriors. With home values about 31% below the county median, durable, cost-effective materials make sense, and vinyl replacement windows fit that approach.

Read more about window replacement in Covington.

Decks in Covington

King County assessor records show 32% of Covington single-family homes have a deck, with a median deck size of 220 square feet. Owner-occupancy runs at 79%, so many homeowners are planning decks they expect to use for years.

We build with three materials:

• Composite decking resists rot and does not need staining, a good fit where a deck sits in shade or stays damp.
• Vinyl decking offers the same low upkeep with no sealing.
• Wood decking gives a natural look at a lower starting cost, with regular sealing to keep it sound.

Wildfire risk is rated low, at the 60th percentile statewide, so ember-resistant decking is rarely the driving factor. Drainage, slip resistance and solid footings matter more for everyday use. Replacing an older deck is also a good time to check the ledger connection to the house and the condition of posts and joists.

If you are adding a new deck rather than replacing one, the City of Covington handles permits.

Get started with deck building in Covington.

Get a free in-home consultation

Schedule a free in-home consultation and we will look at your house, talk through materials and answer your questions on site. Every home is different, so we evaluate the property before recommending anything. Call our Seattle office at 206-430-1927 or contact us online. Financing is available, along with discounts for seniors, active military, veterans and first responders.