Siding, Roofing, Windows & Decks in East Renton Highlands, WA

In East Renton Highlands, 68% of single-family homes were built between 1950 and 1979, according to King County assessor records, and many still carry the siding, roofs and windows of that era. Builders Service Company is an exterior contractor working across King County, and we replace siding, roofing, windows and decks on homes like these. This unincorporated community is made up mostly of detached houses on rural lots, and 91% of homes are owner-occupied, so most projects here are long-term investments by people who plan to stay. Below is what’s typical on local homes today, which materials fit them, and answers to the questions homeowners ask us most.

Homes in East Renton Highlands: what’s on them now

Census data puts the median year built at 1974. The King County assessor, which counts 3,981 single-family homes in East Renton Highlands, puts it at 1969 and breaks the stock down like this:

• 5% built before 1950
• 68% built 1950–1979
• 20% built 1980–1999
• 7% built 2000 or later

Nearly all homes are detached houses (93%), with a small share of mobile homes (4%). The typical house has 1,880 square feet of living space, and the assessor rates 61% in good or very good condition.

The established neighborhoods follow the same pattern. May Valley has a median build year of 1962, Renton Suburban Tracts 1966, Maplewood Heights Add 1967 and Cedar Vue Add 1968.

For a house from the 1950s through the 1970s, that usually means 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 few homes built before 1950 may still have original wood lap siding, possible lead paint and single-pane windows, which calls for careful tear-off.

Because the community is unincorporated, exterior permits here go through King County.

Siding in East Renton Highlands

Most siding we remove in this area is cedar or T1-11 from the 1950s through the 1970s. A second group, 11% of single-family homes, was built between 1985 and 1996, when LP and other hardboard siding was common; that siding has a known history of moisture failure. The area’s 1990s and 2000s subdivisions are now reaching their first full siding replacement, and many of them have HOA color rules.

We usually recommend three siding types, and we work out the best one for your house during the free in-home consultation:

• Vinyl siding is the most versatile and least expensive option. Home values here run about 15% below the King County median, and vinyl gives many owners a durable, cost-effective exterior.
• Evergreen Shield Siding System is our insulated composite siding, designed for the Pacific Northwest climate. Its graphite membrane gives it R-2.0 thermal resistance, compared with R-0.61 for standard vinyl siding. With 38% of homes heated by electricity, that insulation has a larger payback here. It also comes in 20 built-in, fade-resistant colors, which makes it easier to pick one that meets HOA color rules.
• Metal siding is the premium alternative for owners planning a long-term upgrade.

None of the three is wood, so they won’t rot the way the old cedar on many houses does. Only 6% of homes have any brick or stone on the exterior. Stacked stone or stone veneer accents on an entry, a wainscot or columns can add that detail alongside new siding.

Read more about siding replacement in East Renton Highlands.

Roofing in East Renton Highlands

Roofs in this area fall into two groups. Houses built from the 1950s through the 1970s have usually been reroofed at least once, and a tear-off often shows whether older layers sit underneath. The 1990s and 2000s subdivisions are reaching their first full roof replacement now, so many neighbors on the same street face the same decision at the same time.

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

• Asphalt shingle roofing suits most detached houses and is the cost-conscious choice for a full replacement.
• EDCO metal roofing is the premium option for owners who prefer the look of a metal roof.

Wildfire risk here is rated low, in the 27th percentile statewide, so a fire-rated roof assembly is rarely the deciding factor. The choice usually comes down to budget, appearance and how long you plan to stay.

A few local details shape the job. About 23% of single-family homes have two or more stories, which changes staging and safety setup. Mobile homes make up 4% of housing, and manufactured homes often have low-slope roofs that need a different approach to underlayment and drainage than a standard pitched roof.

Every roof we install gets careful attention to sealing, flashing and ventilation, and we handle repairs for leaks, wear and storm damage as well as full replacement.

Learn more about roof replacement in East Renton Highlands.

Windows in East Renton Highlands

Houses built from the 1950s through the 1970s often still have single-pane glass or aluminum frames, the first windows we usually replace. Homes from 1980 to 1999, 27% of housing units by Census count, tend to have first-generation vinyl windows whose seals are now failing.

We install Preservation 9000 vinyl replacement windows, and Builders Service Company is the exclusive provider of Preservation 9000 windows in Washington. Heating makes a difference to the payback: Census data shows 38% of homes here heat with electricity, and efficient windows pay back more where heating is costly. Electric service comes from PSE, so check with PSE for current programs before you start.

Style choice depends on the house:

• Sliders or casements work well on upper floors and under tight eaves. About 23% of single-family homes have two or more stories.
• Picture windows and bay or bow windows suit the 6% of homes with a view.
• Casement, awning or hopper windows give good ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Double-hung, garden and custom shapes are also available to match the layout of an older house.

We measure every opening during the free in-home consultation and go over which styles fit each room.

See our page on window replacement in East Renton Highlands.

Decks in East Renton Highlands

Decks are common here. King County assessor records show 53% of single-family homes have one, and the median deck covers 290 square feet. With 91% of homes owner-occupied and many houses on rural lots, most deck projects are replacements or expansions by owners who use the space every year.

We build with three materials:

• Wood gives a natural look at a lower upfront cost, but it needs regular sealing to hold up.
• Composite decking won’t rot and doesn’t need staining.
• Vinyl decking also skips staining and is easy to clean.

For an older deck, we check the framing and footings as well as the boards, since a new surface on a tired structure won’t last. For the 3% of waterfront homes and others with a view, we can plan railing choices that keep sightlines open. Second-story homes may need an elevated deck with stairs to the yard, which we plan during the consultation.

Learn more about deck building in East Renton Highlands.

Get a free in-home consultation

Schedule a free in-home consultation and we’ll look at your siding, roof, windows or deck and go over the options that fit your house. Call our Seattle office at 206-430-1927, toll free at 888-980-8580, or contact us online. We offer a lifetime warranty, discounts for seniors, active military, veterans and first responders, and financing.