Siding, Roofing, Windows & Decks in Port Townsend, WA

Port Townsend’s homes come from every era in nearly equal parts: Census data shows 27% were built before 1950 and another 27% in 2000 or later. One street can hold an original wood-sided house that needs careful handling next to a newer home whose builder-grade materials are coming due. Builders Service Company replaces siding, roofing, windows and decks on both kinds of homes across Jefferson County. Below, you’ll find what local housing data and conditions mean for each project, from material choices to the questions worth asking before work starts.

Homes in Port Townsend: what’s on them now

The median home in Port Townsend was built in 1981, but that midpoint hides an even spread. Census data breaks the town’s 6,225 housing units down by era:

• Before 1950: 27%
• 1950 to 1979: 22%
• 1980 to 1999: 24%
• 2000 or later: 27%

Each era leaves a different exterior. Homes from before 1950 likely still carry original wood lap siding, may have lead paint under the current finish, and often have single-pane or early windows. Houses from 1950 to 1979 were typically clad in cedar, T1-11 or asbestos-cement shingles, with aluminum or early vinyl windows. Asbestos-cement siding may contain asbestos and should be tested before removal. The 1980s and 1990s were the era of composite and hardboard siding, including LP siding with its known history of moisture failure. Homes built since 2000 tend to have fiber cement or builder-grade vinyl reaching its first repaint or replacement, along with builder-grade windows.

Most local housing is single-family. Detached houses make up 75% of units, attached homes such as townhouses 8%, apartments 11% and mobile homes 5%.

Building permits for exterior work here are issued by the City of Port Townsend.

Siding in Port Townsend

Port Townsend sits in a rain-shadow area with lower rainfall, but marine wind and salt air work on every exterior wall. Near the water, that points to vinyl siding or the Evergreen Shield Siding System, installed with corrosion-resistant fasteners and flashing.

Many houses are due for a change of material. About 22% of local homes were built between 1950 and 1979, when cedar, T1-11 and asbestos-cement shingles were common. Asbestos-cement siding may contain asbestos and should be tested before removal. None of the siding types we usually recommend is wood:

• Vinyl siding is the most versatile and least expensive option, and a practical choice for large wall areas or a tighter budget.
• Evergreen Shield Siding System is our insulated composite siding, designed for the Pacific Northwest. Its graphite membrane gives it thermal resistance of R-2.0, compared with R-0.61 for standard vinyl. Census data shows 77% of local homes heat with electricity and 11% with propane, and the payback from insulated siding is larger where heating is costly. Its 20 built-in colors resist fading, chipping and peeling, so there is no repainting.
• Metal siding gives a durable, premium exterior.
• Stacked stone and stone veneer add accents at entries, columns, chimneys or a wainscot base course.

The median home value is about $545,000, right at the Jefferson County median, so both cost-effective vinyl and premium options fit local homes. The best choice for your house is discussed during the free in-home consultation.

Learn more about siding replacement in Port Townsend.

Roofing in Port Townsend

Roofs in Port Townsend take marine wind, and homes with waterfront exposure need corrosion-resistant fasteners, flashing and finishes. We install two main roof types and weigh them equally for each house.

• Asphalt shingle roofing suits most detached houses, which make up 75% of local housing. The details matter as much as the shingle: underlayment, ventilation, and flashing at walls, chimneys and other roof penetrations.
• EDCO metal roofing holds up to wind and needs little maintenance. Near the water, we specify corrosion-resistant metal finishes and fasteners rated for marine exposure.

If your house still has an old cedar shake roof showing moss or rot, either option replaces it with a roof that has no wood to decay.

Wildfire risk data rates the area Low, at the 48th percentile in Washington. Fire rating is less of a deciding factor here than on high-risk lots, though both metal roofing and Class A-rated shingle systems are available if you want that protection.

Mobile homes make up 5% of local housing. Manufactured-home roofs are often low-slope, so they need a material and flashing plan suited to that pitch, which we work out on site.

Every roof job starts with an inspection of the decking, ventilation and existing layers, so the replacement plan fits what is actually on your house.

See our page on roof replacement in Port Townsend.

Windows in Port Townsend

Window replacement here often starts with the age of the house. About 24% of local homes were built from 1980 to 1999, the era of first-generation vinyl windows, and those units are now prone to failing seals. Older homes may still have single-pane glass or aluminum frames.

We install Preservation 9000 vinyl replacement windows and are the exclusive provider of Preservation 9000 windows in Washington. Styles fit the job:

• Double-hung for traditional profiles on older homes
• Sliders and casements for upper floors and tight eaves
• Picture, bay and bow windows for view homes
• Casement, awning and hopper for ventilation in kitchens and baths
• Garden windows and custom shapes where a standard size won’t do

Heating cost is the second reason to upgrade. Census data shows 77% of local homes heat with electricity and 11% with propane, and the payback from efficient windows is larger where heating is costly. Your electric utility is Jefferson County PUD; check with the PUD for current programs.

Port Townsend has historic district rules. If your home is in the district, double-hung profiles that match the original windows are usually the right choice, and approvals should be checked with the City before you order.

Read more about window replacement in Port Townsend.

Decks in Port Townsend

Salt air is the condition that shapes deck choices in Port Townsend. Marine wind carries it onto decks near the water, so we build with corrosion-resistant fasteners, connectors and hardware.

We build with three materials:

• Composite decking won’t rot and doesn’t need staining.
• Vinyl decking also skips staining and resists rot.
• Wood decking gives a natural look at a lower cost, with regular sealing to keep it sound.

Census data shows 68% of local homes are owner-occupied, and long-term owners are the ones most likely to invest in their exteriors. For them, a deck that needs less upkeep over the years is often worth weighing against the lower upfront cost of wood.

Wildfire risk data rates the area Low, at the 48th percentile in Washington, so material choice can center on upkeep, appearance and salt air. We’ll walk the site with you, look at how the deck connects to the house, and talk through layout, railings and stairs.

Plan your deck building in Port Townsend.

Get a free in-home consultation

Schedule a free in-home consultation to talk through siding, roofing, windows or a deck for your home. We’ll look at the house, explain the options that fit it and answer your questions. Ask about our lifetime warranty, financing, and discounts for seniors, active military, veterans and first responders. Call 253-777-0866 or contact us online.