Siding, Roofing, Windows & Decks in Monroe, WA

Census data shows 41% of Monroe’s homes were built in 2000 or later, the largest share of any era. That makes this a city of first replacements, where many houses still carry the siding, roof and windows the builder installed. Builders Service Company replaces siding, roofing and windows and builds decks for homeowners across Snohomish County. The city sits in the Cascade foothills, and each section below explains what that climate and this housing stock mean for your project, which materials we usually recommend, and how to set up a free in-home consultation.

Homes in Monroe: what’s on them now

Census data puts the median year built at 1997. Of all homes, 41% went up in 2000 or later, 37% between 1980 and 1999, 11% between 1950 and 1979 and 11% before 1950. Detached houses make up 71% of housing units, attached homes such as townhouses 13% and apartments 16%; Census data counts no mobile homes.

That mix tells you what is on the walls today. Houses from 1980 to 1999 were built in the era of composite and hardboard siding, including LP siding, which has a known history of moisture failure, and first-generation vinyl windows. Homes from 2000 on usually have fiber cement or builder-grade vinyl siding reaching its first repaint or replacement, plus builder-grade windows. Houses from 1950 to 1979 may have cedar, T1-11 or asbestos-cement shingle siding; asbestos-cement may contain asbestos and should be tested before removal. Pre-1950 homes likely have original wood lap siding, early windows and possibly lead paint.

Snohomish County assessor records count 4,363 detached single-family homes on a median lot of 0.14 acres. Of the 40% of homes matched to a recorded plat, 81% sit in plats recorded between 1980 and 1999, with a median recording year of 1994. Fryelands (median year built 1993, 290 homes), Stanton Meadows (1995) and Trombley Hill (1998) follow that pattern, while the Monroe Land & Imp Co S Add plat has a median year built of 1892.

The City of Monroe is the permit authority for exterior projects inside city limits.

Siding in Monroe

Most siding jobs in Monroe start with one of two walls. The 37% of homes built from 1980 to 1999, including much of Fryelands, date from the era of hardboard and composite siding, and LP siding from that period has a known history of moisture failure. Newer houses often have builder-grade vinyl or fiber cement that is now due for its first repaint or replacement. In both cases the work is usually a full replacement: we remove the old siding carefully, check the sheathing and flashing underneath, install the new panels and clean up when the job is done.

East winds are part of life here, so we use wind-rated siding and installation details. The three types we usually recommend are none of them wood:

• Vinyl siding is the most versatile and least expensive option, and a practical choice for a large wall area or a set budget.
• The Evergreen Shield Siding System is our insulated composite siding, built for water resistance against long wet seasons, humidity, mold and mildew. Its graphite membrane gives a thermal resistance of R-2.0, compared with R-0.61 for standard vinyl. Census data shows 46% of homes heat with electricity, and where heating is costly, insulated siding pays back more.
• Metal siding is a premium, long-term exterior. The median home value of about $670,000 is 3% above the Snohomish County median, and owners of homes valued above the county median more often choose the Evergreen Shield Siding System or metal.

Stacked stone or stone veneer can be added as accents on entries, columns or a base course. We discuss the best option for your house during the free in-home consultation.

Learn more about siding replacement in Monroe.

Roofing in Monroe

Census data puts the median year built in Monroe at 1997, so many roofs in the city are still the first ones the house has had. Before recommending anything, we check the roof’s age, how many layers are on it and the condition of the decking underneath.

Weather sets the requirements. The Cascade foothills see ice storms and east winds, and homes on higher lots also carry snow load. We use wind-rated roofing components and installation details, and on higher lots we check the roof structure before choosing a material. On every reroof we pay close attention to underlayment, flashing at walls and chimneys, and attic ventilation, because those details keep water and moisture out of the house.

We offer two main roof types and weigh them equally:

• Asphalt shingle roofing is a familiar, cost-effective replacement that suits the look of most subdivision homes. It is installed with proper sealing, ventilation and flashing so it performs as designed.
• EDCO metal roofing sheds snow, which matters on higher lots, and is a long-term choice for owners who plan to stay in their homes.

Wildfire risk in the area is rated low, at the 42nd percentile in Washington, so fire rating is rarely what decides the roof here. The choice usually comes down to snow, wind, budget and the look you want, and we walk through those trade-offs with you on site. If your current roof has moss, curled or missing shingles, or leaks, the consultation is a good time to have it looked at.

See our page on roof replacement in Monroe.

Windows in Monroe

Many window projects in Monroe start in 1990s subdivisions. Stanton Meadows (median year built 1995) and Trombley Hill (1998) were built when first-generation vinyl windows were common, and those units often show failing seals: fog or condensation between the panes, sashes that are hard to open or close, drafts and more outside noise. Houses built since 2000 usually have builder-grade windows that are reaching replacement too.

We install Preservation 9000 vinyl replacement windows, and Builders Service Company is the exclusive provider of Preservation 9000 windows in Washington. Styles include double-hung, slider, casement and awning, hopper, picture, garden, bay and bow, and custom shapes. Sliders and casements work well on upper floors under tight eaves. Casement, awning or hopper windows help ventilate kitchens and baths, and picture or bay and bow windows open up a view. Each window is made to fit the existing opening.

Heating cost is part of the decision. Census data shows 46% of homes heat with electricity, and where heating is costly, efficient windows pay back more. Electric service comes from Snohomish County PUD, so check with the PUD for current programs before you order. With 71% of homes owner-occupied, many owners here are investing in their exteriors for the long term.

We look at every window in the house during the free in-home consultation and point out which ones need attention now.

Read more about window replacement in Monroe.

Decks in Monroe

Lots in Monroe’s newer subdivisions are compact: Snohomish County assessor records show a median lot of 0.14 acres. We design each deck around the space available, the layout of the house and yard, how you plan to use it, your budget and your preferences.

Rain is the main thing a deck here has to handle. Composite and vinyl decking do not rot or need staining, which helps where boards stay damp and moss can take hold. We also plan for slip resistance and drainage. Wood decking gives a natural look and a lower starting cost, with regular sealing to keep it sound. On higher lots, snow load is part of the framing plan.

Wildfire risk is rated low here, at the 42nd percentile in the state, so the choice of decking usually comes down to upkeep and appearance. With 71% of homes owner-occupied, most decks we design are for owners who expect to use them for years.

Learn more about deck building in Monroe.

Also serving nearby

We also work with homeowners in Granite Falls.

Get a free in-home consultation

Schedule a free in-home consultation and we will look at your siding, roof, windows or deck and talk through the options that fit your house. Call 206-430-1927 or contact us online. We offer discounts for seniors, active military, veterans and first responders, financing is available, and our work is backed by a lifetime warranty.