Siding, Roofing, Windows & Decks in Federal Way, WA

King County assessor records count 19,142 single-family homes in Federal Way, and more than half of them (53%) were built between 1950 and 1979. Another 34% went up from 1980 to 1999, so most streets are lined with subdivision homes from the 1970s through the 1990s, many now ready for new exteriors around the same time. Builders Service Company replaces siding, roofing and windows and builds decks for homeowners here and across King County. Below, each project is matched to the housing data for this city, so you can see what is typical for a home like yours before we ever pull up to the curb.

Homes in Federal Way: what’s on them now

Census data puts the median year built for all housing here at 1984. By era, 38% of homes date from 1950–79, 41% from 1980–99, 19% from 2000 or later and just 2% from before 1950. Single-family houses run a little older: the King County assessor’s median is 1978.

The housing mix is 49% detached houses, 14% attached homes such as townhouses, 33% apartments and 4% mobile homes.

What each era usually means for the outside of a house:

• 1950–79 homes often still have cedar, T1-11 or asbestos-cement shingle siding, with aluminum or early vinyl windows. Asbestos-cement siding may contain asbestos and should be tested before removal.
• 1980–99 homes come from the era of composite and hardboard siding and first-generation vinyl windows.
• 2000 and later homes typically have fiber cement or builder-grade vinyl siding reaching its first repaint or replacement, plus builder-grade windows.

Neighborhood records show the spread. Twin Lakes, with 605 homes, has a median build year of 1974, and West Campus sits at 1979. Madrona Meadows (1990) and Regency Woods (1992) belong to the later wave.

Assessor records rate 45% of single-family homes in good or very good condition, and only 2% show a recorded renovation. Building permits for exterior work here are issued by the City of Federal Way.

Siding in Federal Way

Assessor records show 25% of Federal Way’s single-family homes were built from 1985 to 1996, the years when LP and other hardboard siding went on many houses. That siding has a known history of moisture failure. Older homes from the 1950s through the 1970s are more likely to have cedar or T1-11 on them today. Whatever is on your walls now, these are the three types we usually recommend as replacements, and none of them is wood:

• Vinyl siding is the most versatile and least expensive option. The median home value here is about $555,000, roughly 40% below the King County median, and many owners want a durable, cost-effective result. Vinyl also keeps costs in check on bigger walls: the median single-family home is 1,930 square feet, and 35% have two or more stories.
• Evergreen Shield Siding System is our exclusive insulated composite siding. Census data shows 58% of homes in the city heat with electricity, so its R-2.0 thermal resistance, compared with R-0.61 for standard vinyl, counts for more than it would in a mostly gas-heated area. It also comes in 20 built-in, fade-resistant colors, useful when your subdivision has HOA color rules.
• Metal siding rounds out the three.

Only 2% of single-family homes have any brick or stone on the exterior. Stacked stone or stone veneer at an entry, a wainscot or porch columns can set your house apart from the similar models on your block. If you live under an HOA, we review its color rules with you before you choose. The best option for your home is settled during the free in-home consultation.

Read more about siding replacement in Federal Way.

Roofing in Federal Way

Federal Way’s 1990s and 2000s subdivisions, such as Madrona Meadows (median build year 1990) and Regency Woods (1992), are reaching their first full roof replacement. Older homes are a different job. The assessor’s median build year for single-family homes is 1978, so many of those roofs have been replaced before, and we check for more than one layer before planning a tear-off.

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

• Asphalt shingle roofing, including architectural shingles with added texture and depth, in a wide range of colors.
• EDCO metal roofing, which won’t rot, resists mold and mildew, and needs little upkeep.

On any roof, the details that decide how it performs are underlayment, flashing and attic ventilation. Good ventilation cuts heat buildup and moisture problems in the attic, while underlayment and flashing protect against leaks where water finds a path past the roofing. Moss or algae on a roof traps moisture against the surface, so we include it in every inspection.

Census data counts 4% of local housing as mobile homes. Manufactured homes often have low-slope roofs that need a different approach than a standard pitched roof, and we assess them case by case.

Wildfire risk here is rated low, at the 59th percentile statewide, so your choice can rest on looks, budget and weather performance.

Signs it is time to call: cracked, curled or missing shingles, ceiling stains, damp spots in the attic, or leaks in the rainy season. Small repairs caught early keep a sound roof from becoming a costly one.

See our page on roof replacement in Federal Way.

Windows in Federal Way

Census data shows 38% of Federal Way homes were built from 1950 to 1979 and 41% from 1980 to 1999. The first group often still has single-pane glass or aluminum frames. The second usually has first-generation vinyl windows, where failing seals are the common complaint.

We install Preservation 9000 vinyl replacement windows and are the exclusive provider of Preservation 9000 in Washington. Styles include double-hung, slider, casement, awning, hopper, picture, garden, bay and bow, and custom shapes.

Heating affects payback. In the city, 58% of homes heat with electricity and 39% with gas, and where electric heat is common, efficient windows pay back more. Your electric utility is PSE; check with PSE for current programs.

Matching styles to your house:

• Upper floors: 35% of single-family homes have two or more stories. Sliders and casements work well upstairs and under tight eaves.
• Views: about 10% of homes have a view. A picture window or a bay or bow window makes the most of it.
• Kitchens and baths: casement, awning or hopper windows add ventilation where you need it.

With 55% of homes owner-occupied, many households are long-term owners investing in their exteriors. New windows reduce drafts and help keep indoor temperatures steady from room to room.

Learn more about window replacement in Federal Way.

Decks in Federal Way

King County assessor records show 55% of Federal Way’s single-family homes already have a deck, with a median size of 240 square feet. For many owners, the project is replacing an existing deck rather than adding a first one.

We build with three materials:

• Composite and vinyl decking don’t rot and don’t need staining, which suits shaded yards and spots where moss collects.
• Wood decking gives a natural look at a lower starting cost, with regular sealing to keep it sound.

About 10% of single-family homes have a view and 2% are on the waterfront. On those lots, railing choice matters most: a more open railing keeps the sightline from your chairs to the view. Slip resistance and drainage matter on any deck that stays damp through the wet months.

With 55% of homes owner-occupied, many owners plan to use their outdoor space for years, so it pays to plan the layout carefully. Options include covered decks, front-yard decks and built-in bench seating.

Find out more about deck building in Federal Way.

Also serving nearby

Builders Service Company also serves homeowners in nearby Fairwood.

Get a free in-home consultation

Schedule a free in-home consultation or call our Seattle line at 206-430-1927. Our founder, Mason Ruppel, or a member of our team will listen to your goals, look over your home and recommend options that fit your house and budget. Our work carries a lifetime warranty, financing is available, and we offer discounts for seniors, active military, veterans and first responders. Washington contractor license BUILDSC027JN.