Siding, Roofing, Windows & Decks in Oak Harbor, WA

No single decade defines Oak Harbor’s housing. Census data shows homes spread almost evenly across three building eras: roughly a third from 1950 to 1979, a third from 1980 to 1999 and nearly a third built since 2000. That spread means two houses on the same street can need very different work. One may still carry original T1-11 and aluminum windows, while the next has builder-grade vinyl on its first round of wear. Builders Service Company replaces siding, roofs and windows and builds decks for homeowners across Island County. This page covers what we see on local homes and what each service involves here.

Homes in Oak Harbor: what’s on them now

Census data counts 10,693 housing units in Oak Harbor, with a median year built of 1990. The era mix is close to even: 2% of homes date from before 1950, 32% from 1950 to 1979, 35% from 1980 to 1999 and 31% from 2000 on. The 1980s and 1990s are the largest single group.

Each era tends to leave its own exterior behind:

• 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.
• 1980 to 1999: composite and hardboard siding, including LP siding, which has a known history of moisture failure.
• 2000 and later: fiber cement or builder-grade vinyl siding reaching its first repaint or replacement, along with builder-grade windows.

The housing stock is also mixed in form. Detached houses make up 51% of homes, attached homes such as townhouses and duplexes 24%, apartments 20% and mobile homes 5%. Attached homes often share walls and rooflines with neighbors, which affects how a project is planned and staged.

Building permits for work inside city limits go through the City of Oak Harbor.

Siding in Oak Harbor

Salt air is the main thing siding here has to stand up to. For that exposure we usually recommend vinyl or the Evergreen Shield Siding System, installed with corrosion-resistant fasteners and flashing. Metal siding is a third type we often recommend. The best fit for your home is something we work out together during the free in-home consultation.

Vinyl is the most versatile and least expensive of the three. Census data puts the median home value in Oak Harbor at about $460,000, roughly 18% below the Island County median. At that level, durable and cost-effective materials make the most sense for many owners, and vinyl keeps a full re-side within reach.

Heating cost is the other factor. Census data shows 52% of homes here heat with electricity, and where heating is costly, insulated siding pays back more. The Evergreen Shield Siding System has an insulating graphite membrane with a thermal resistance of R-2.0, compared with R-0.61 for standard vinyl siding. Its composite panels are also built for water resistance against humidity, mold and mildew.

What comes off the wall varies by house: original cedar or T1-11, hardboard or LP lap siding, or builder-grade vinyl that has faded. None of the three types we install is wood. Stacked stone or stone veneer accents are an option for entries, columns and a wainscot along the base of the wall, used together with the main siding.

For materials, colors and what the job involves, see our page on siding replacement in Oak Harbor.

Roofing in Oak Harbor

Marine wind and salt air shape roofing choices in Oak Harbor. We install two roof types and give them equal weight: asphalt shingle roofing and EDCO metal roofing. Both can work well here when the details suit an exposed site.

Asphalt shingles suit most pitched roofs on detached houses and townhouses. On a windy site the work is in the details: solid underlayment, sealed edges, and flashing at ridges, eaves, vents and walls that is installed to stay put.

EDCO metal roofing is a strong option for homes that take the brunt of the weather off the water. With salt in the air, ask for corrosion-resistant finishes, fasteners and flashing, and expect us to recommend them.

Census data shows that 5% of homes in the city are mobile homes. Many manufactured homes have low-slope roofs that call for a different approach than a standard pitched roof, so we look at the slope and the structure before recommending a material.

Whatever is on the roof today, we start with an inspection during the consultation. We check the decking, ventilation and the flashing around chimneys, skylights and vents. That tells us whether a straight replacement will do or whether repairs come first. We never quote roof lifespans or prices before seeing the house.

To learn more about materials and the process, see our page on roof replacement in Oak Harbor.

Windows in Oak Harbor

With a median build year of 1990, many homes here still have their original windows, and a lot of those are first-generation vinyl units with failing seals. The sign is fog or moisture between the two panes of glass. It may clear in nice weather, but it will not get better with time. If one window from the original set is fogging, the others installed at the same time are likely to follow, so replacing the full set is often the cleaner fix.

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

• Casement, awning or hopper windows for kitchen and bath ventilation
• A garden window over the kitchen sink, with room for potted plants
• Picture windows, bay or bow windows where you want to frame a view
• Sliders or casements on upper floors under tight eaves

Heating fuel matters too. Census data shows 52% of Oak Harbor homes heat with electricity and 44% with gas. Drafty windows make either system work harder, and the payback from efficient windows is larger where heating is costly, as it is with electric heat. Electricity here comes from PSE, so check with PSE for current programs before you buy.

For styles, colors and installation details, see our page on window replacement in Oak Harbor.

Decks in Oak Harbor

Oak Harbor sits in a rain-shadow climate with lower rainfall than wetter parts of the region, but decks still face marine wind and waterfront exposure. We build with wood, vinyl and composite decking.

• Wood gives a natural look and suits a tighter budget. It needs regular sealing to keep its finish.
• Composite and vinyl do not rot and need no staining, which makes them the lower-maintenance choice.

Near the water, the hardware matters as much as the boards. We use corrosion-resistant fasteners, joist hangers and railing hardware so the frame holds up to the conditions. If your deck faces the wind, we talk through railing styles that block gusts or keep the view open.

Wildfire risk is rated Low, at the 37th percentile statewide, so ember-resistant decking is less of a driver here than in higher-risk parts of Washington. Material choice usually comes down to upkeep, look and budget.

For design ideas and material comparisons, see our page on deck building in Oak Harbor.

Also serving nearby

We also serve homeowners in nearby Coupeville.

Get a free in-home consultation

Schedule a free in-home consultation and we will look at your home, walk through material options. Every project carries our lifetime warranty, and we offer discounts for seniors, active military, veterans and first responders. Financing is available. Call us at 206-430-1927.