Siding, Roofing, Windows & Decks in Lake Tapps, WA

Nearly a quarter of the single-family homes around Lake Tapps sit on the waterfront: Pierce County assessor records put the share at 24%. Builders Service Company is an exterior contractor serving this part of Pierce County, and we replace siding, roofing, windows and decks on lakefront houses and inland lots alike. This page sets out what the local records say about the homes here, which of our materials fit them, and the questions owners ask us most often. Every project starts with a free in-home consultation, where we look at your house in person and talk through the options that suit it and your budget.

Homes in Lake Tapps: what’s on them now

Census data puts the median year built for homes in Lake Tapps at 1986, and Pierce County assessor records for its 5,007 single-family homes put it at 1991. The assessor’s era mix is 29% built from 1950 to 1979, 34% from 1980 to 1999 and 37% in 2000 or later. Census data shows 84% of homes are detached houses and 9% are mobile homes.

Each era tends to carry a different exterior. Mid-century houses may still have cedar, T1-11 or asbestos-cement shingle siding; asbestos-cement may contain asbestos and should be tested before removal. Houses from the 1980s and 1990s belong to the era of composite and hardboard siding. Homes built since 2000 often have fiber cement or builder-grade vinyl siding that is due for its first repaint or replacement.

Two newer subdivisions fall in that last group: North Tapps Estates, with 187 homes and a median build year of 2010, and Lakeland East, with 112 homes and a median of 2013. The assessor rates only 2% of local homes in fair or worse condition.

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

Siding in Lake Tapps

Pierce County assessor records flag 20% of single-family homes in Lake Tapps as 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 if your home dates from that window, check the lower courses and the trim around windows for swelling or soft spots. Only 12% of homes here are recorded with vinyl siding.

The siding types we usually recommend are vinyl, the Evergreen Shield Siding System and metal, and none of them is wood. We work out the best option for your house during the free in-home consultation.

• Vinyl siding is the most versatile and least expensive choice. The median home here is 2,200 square feet, and 67% of homes have two or more stories, so wall area adds up fast; vinyl keeps a large job within reach.
• Evergreen Shield Siding System is our insulated composite siding. Its graphite membrane gives thermal resistance of R-2.0, compared with R-0.61 for standard vinyl siding, and Census data shows 39% of homes heat with electricity, where that insulation pays back more. The composite also resists water, mold and mildew through long wet seasons.
• Metal siding gives a clean, durable finish and suits contemporary designs.

Census data puts the median home value at about $740,000, 40% above the Pierce County median. Buyers of homes in that range more often choose a premium material such as the Evergreen Shield Siding System or metal. Stacked stone or stone veneer can add a durable base course or frame an entry or columns alongside any of the three.

Read more about siding replacement in Lake Tapps.

Roofing in Lake Tapps

The South Sound gets heavier rain than the central Sound, and moss on roofs is common around Lake Tapps. On a roof, that puts the weight on the details that keep water moving: attic ventilation, underlayment, flashing at walls and valleys, and clear roof edges and gutters. We don’t take shortcuts on those details; every roof we install is sealed and ventilated properly.

Pierce County assessor records show what is on local roofs now: 4% of homes have metal roofs, 5% tile and 1% wood shake. Our two main replacement options carry equal weight:

• Asphalt shingle roofing, which fits most house styles and replaces an aging roof without changing the look of the home.
• EDCO metal roofing, a metal system for owners who prefer the look and profile of a metal roof.

Old wood shake roofs tend to hold moss and rot in a wet climate, which is a common reason owners move to asphalt or metal.

Census data shows 9% of homes in the area are mobile homes. Manufactured homes often have low-slope roofs, and those need underlayment and flashing chosen for the pitch; we check this when we look at the roof.

Wildfire risk here is rated Low, at the 25th percentile statewide, so for most homes the roof choice turns on rain and moss rather than fire rating.

Read more about roof replacement in Lake Tapps.

Windows in Lake Tapps

Census data shows 38% of homes in Lake Tapps were built between 1980 and 1999, the era of first-generation vinyl windows. Those units are the most likely to have failing seals now: fog between the panes, drafts around the sash, or frames that no longer close tight. Homes built since 2000 often came with builder-grade windows, which are reaching replacement too.

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

• Sliders or casements for upper floors and tight eaves. Pierce County assessor records show 67% of homes here have two or more stories, so upper-floor installs are part of most jobs.
• Picture, bay or bow windows for rooms where the view is the point.
• Casement, awning or hopper windows for ventilation in kitchens and baths.
• Double-hung, garden and custom shapes where the house calls for them.

Heating cost matters as well. Census data shows 39% of homes heat with electricity, and where heat is electric the payback from efficient windows is larger. PSE supplies electricity in the area, so check with PSE for current programs before you order.

With 89% of homes owner-occupied, most owners here are long-term residents investing in their exteriors, and windows are often part of that plan.

Read more about window replacement in Lake Tapps.

Decks in Lake Tapps

Pierce County assessor records show 68% of homes in Lake Tapps have a deck, with a median size of 408 square feet, and 24% of homes are on the waterfront. The South Sound’s heavier rain and the moss it brings shape what holds up on a deck surface.

We build with wood, vinyl and composite decking:

• Composite or vinyl won’t rot and needs no staining, which suits shaded or damp spots where moss grows. Ask about slip resistance and drainage between boards.
• Wood gives a natural look and often fits a tighter budget, with regular sealing to keep it sound.

On waterfront lots, the railing matters as much as the boards, and we plan railings that keep sightlines to the water open.

Building a deck takes more than nailing boards together; it calls for knowledge of materials, structural integrity and local building codes. During the free in-home consultation we look at the space, then suggest a design, materials and layout based on your preferences and budget.

Read more about deck building in Lake Tapps.

Get a free in-home consultation

Schedule a free in-home consultation and we’ll come out, look at your siding, roof, windows or deck, and talk through options. Our work carries a lifetime warranty, financing is available, and we offer discounts for seniors, active military, veterans and first responders. Contact us online or call our Tacoma office at 253-777-0866.