Siding, Roofing, Windows & Decks in Fox Island, WA

Pierce County assessor records show 29% of single-family homes on Fox Island sit on the waterfront, and census data puts the median home value 89% above the county median. Salt air, marine wind and heavy tree cover are everyday conditions here, and most owners want exterior materials chosen to handle them for the long run. Builders Service Company is an exterior contractor serving the island and the rest of Pierce County with siding replacement, roofing, window replacement and deck building. Below is what we see on local homes, which materials fit island conditions, and how to start with a free in-home consultation.

Homes in Fox Island: what’s on them now

Pierce County assessor records list 1,750 single-family homes on Fox Island, with a median build year of 1989. The largest group, 38%, went up between 1980 and 1999. Another 28% date from 1950 to 1979, 26% from 2000 or later and 8% from before 1950. Census data shows 91% of homes are detached houses, 6% are attached and 1% are mobile homes. The median home has 2,152 square feet, and assessors rate just 2% in fair or worse condition.

What the build era usually means for your exterior:

• 1980 to 1999: the era of composite and hardboard siding, with first-generation vinyl windows.
• 1950 to 1979: 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.
• 2000 and later: fiber cement or builder-grade vinyl siding and builder-grade windows, now reaching first repaint or replacement.
• Before 1950: likely original wood lap siding, possible lead paint and single-pane or early windows.

Because the island is an unincorporated community, Pierce County is the permit authority for exterior work.

Siding in Fox Island

Assessor records show 26% of single-family homes on Fox Island were built between 1985 and 1996, the years when LP siding was common. LP and other hardboard siding has a known history of moisture failure, and heavy tree cover and moss keep walls damp here. Only 1% of homes are recorded with vinyl siding, so most houses still wear the cladding they were built with.

We usually recommend three siding types, plus stone accents, and we settle on the best option for your home during a free in-home consultation:

• Evergreen Shield Siding System: our insulated composite siding, built for water resistance against long wet seasons, mold and mildew. Census data shows 67% of homes heat with electricity and 19% with propane, and the system’s insulating graphite membrane has a thermal resistance of R-2.0, compared with R-0.61 for standard vinyl. It is a common pick for homes valued above the county median, which describes most homes here.
• Vinyl siding: the most versatile and least expensive option. It is a practical choice for the 47% of homes with two or more stories, where wall area adds up.
• Metal siding: a premium, long-term exterior and a fit for higher-value homes alongside the Evergreen Shield Siding System.
• Stacked stone and stone veneer: accents for entries, columns, chimneys and a durable base course along the bottom of the wall.

None of the three siding types is wood. For salt-air exposure, vinyl and the Evergreen Shield Siding System are the usual choices, and on homes near the water we use corrosion-resistant fasteners and flashing.

Learn more about siding replacement in Fox Island.

Roofing in Fox Island

Pierce County assessor records show 8% of single-family homes on Fox Island have metal roofs, 8% have tile and 2% still have wood shake. We install two roof types and give them equal weight: asphalt shingle roofing and EDCO metal roofing. We replace aging or damaged roofs with either one, and we also repair leaks, wear and storm damage.

Island conditions drive the details:

• Tree cover and moss: heavy canopy keeps roofs damp and fills valleys and gutters with debris. We focus on ventilation, underlayment and flashing, and on the roof edges and gutters where moss takes hold.
• Salt air and marine wind: on homes that face the water, EDCO metal roofing with corrosion-resistant finishes and fasteners suits the exposure, and every roof we install gets flashing and fasteners chosen for a marine setting.
• Wildfire: risk on the island is rated low, at the 41st percentile statewide. Class A-rated shingle systems and EDCO metal roofing are still available if you want the added fire resistance.

Old wood shakes tend to hold moss and soften in a wet, shaded setting, and asphalt shingles or EDCO metal are the replacements we offer.

We do not take shortcuts on sealing and ventilation, because those details decide how well a roof holds up in this setting. During your free in-home consultation we look at the existing roof, the trees around it and its exposure to the water before recommending a material.

Learn more about roof replacement in Fox Island.

Windows in Fox Island

The largest share of homes on Fox Island was built between 1980 and 1999, so many still have first-generation vinyl windows. Failing seals, drafts and frames that no longer close tightly are the usual reasons to replace them.

Heating costs strengthen the case. Census data shows 67% of homes heat with electricity and 19% with propane, and the payback from efficient windows is larger where heating is costly. Peninsula Light provides electric service on the island; check with Peninsula Light for current rebate programs.

We install Preservation 9000 vinyl replacement windows, and we are the exclusive provider of Preservation 9000 windows in Washington. We match styles to the house:

• Water views: assessor records show 25% of homes have a view. Picture windows and bay or bow windows make the most of it.
• Upper floors: 47% of homes have two or more stories. Sliders and casements work well where windows are high up or eaves are tight.
• Kitchens and baths: casement, awning and hopper windows open for ventilation.
• Salt air: homes near the water get corrosion-resistant hardware.

Double-hung, garden and custom shapes are also available. With 93% of homes owner-occupied, the island has many long-term owners investing in their homes, and new windows add comfort and a cleaner look to the exterior.

Learn more about window replacement in Fox Island.

Decks in Fox Island

Decks are standard on Fox Island. Pierce County assessor records show 82% of single-family homes have one, with a median deck size of 562 square feet. With 29% of homes on the waterfront and 25% with a view, many of those decks look out over the water.

We build wood, vinyl and composite decks. Under heavy tree cover, shade and moss, composite and vinyl are the practical picks because they do not rot and do not need staining. Wood suits a natural look or a tighter budget, as long as you plan on regular sealing.

Details we plan for on the island:

• Slip resistance and drainage on boards that stay damp under the trees.
• Corrosion-resistant fasteners and hardware to stand up to salt air.
• Railing choices that keep sightlines open to the water.

Your outdoor space should feel like an extension of your home, and a deck built for the conditions stays that way with less upkeep.

Learn more about deck building in Fox Island.

Get a free in-home consultation

Schedule a free in-home consultation and we will look at your siding, roof, windows and deck, then walk through the options that fit your home. Call our Tacoma office at 253-777-0866 or contact us online. Financing is available, our work carries a lifetime warranty, and we offer discounts for seniors, active military, veterans and first responders.