Siding, Roofing, Windows & Decks in Shoreline, WA

King County assessor records show that 59% of Shoreline’s single-family homes were built between 1950 and 1979. Houses from that era bring their own mix of materials to a replacement project, and that history shapes the right choices for each part of the exterior. Builders Service Company replaces siding, roofing, windows and decks for homeowners here and across King County. Below you’ll find what is typically on local houses today, which materials we usually recommend for them, and answers to common questions at the end. Every project starts with a free in-home consultation.

Homes in Shoreline: what’s on them now

King County assessor records count 15,711 single-family homes in Shoreline, with a median build year of 1956. Of those, 23% were built before 1950, 59% from 1950 to 1979, and 9% each from 1980 to 1999 and since 2000. Census data, which counts every housing unit including apartments, gives a later median of 1969 and places 54% of units in the 1950–79 range. Detached houses make up 63% of the housing, attached homes 10% and apartments 27%. With 66% of homes owner-occupied, most exterior work here is done by long-term owners investing in houses they plan to keep.

Build era tells you a lot about what’s on the walls. Homes from 1950 to 1979 typically have 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. Pre-1950 houses likely still carry original wood lap siding, possible lead paint and single-pane or early windows.

The oldest plats show the pattern. Ridgecrest Add has a median build year of 1947, Home Gardens Add 1951, and Northend Country Estates Add, the largest with 544 homes, 1952. Lago Vista Add followed with a median of 1960.

Permits for exterior work here go through the City of Shoreline.

Siding in Shoreline

Most Shoreline houses come to us for new siding because of age. On homes built before 1950, which make up 23% of the single-family stock, the original wood lap siding has taken decades of rain, and rot near the ground and around windows is common. In our experience, mid-century cedar and T1-11 wear the same way in this wet climate. Only 4% of local homes date from 1985 to 1996, when LP and hardboard siding were widely used, so those panels are on relatively few houses here. The usual signs it’s time are cracks and gaps in the siding, rotten sections and rising energy bills.

We usually recommend three siding types, and none of them is wood:

• Vinyl siding is the most versatile and least expensive option. The median home value is about $810,000, 12% below the King County median, and many owners at that level choose durable, cost-effective materials like vinyl.
• The Evergreen Shield Siding System is our exclusive insulated composite siding, designed for the Pacific Northwest. Its composite material is built for water resistance through long wet seasons, humidity, mold and mildew. Electricity heats 51% of homes, so its insulating graphite membrane matters: R-2.0 thermal resistance, compared with R-0.61 for standard vinyl siding.
• Metal siding is the third type we install, and we compare it with the other two on your walls.

Just 8% of homes have any brick or stone on the exterior. Stacked stone or stone veneer accents on a wainscot, entry or chimney can add a durable base course and curb appeal alongside new siding. The best option for your house is discussed during the free in-home consultation.

Read more about siding replacement in Shoreline.

Roofing in Shoreline

Roofs in Shoreline deal with the Puget Sound pattern of moderate rain, with moss and rot settling in on north-facing slopes. That climate shapes the details as much as the material. A sound replacement here depends on good attic ventilation, quality underlayment, careful flashing at walls, chimneys and valleys, and clear gutters and roof edges so water leaves quickly.

Census data puts the median build year of local housing at 1969. On a house that age, the tear-off is the time to check for more than one layer of old roofing and for decking that needs repair. We start every job by inspecting the current roof and identifying weak points, and we finish with a final inspection and site cleanup.

We install two main roofing types and give them equal weight:

• Asphalt shingle roofing comes in many styles and colors and is straightforward to maintain and repair.
• EDCO metal roofing sheds water quickly and gives moss less to hold on to, a practical fit for shaded, damp roof faces.

If your house still has cedar shakes, moss and rot on old shakes are usually what prompts the move to asphalt or metal. The wildfire risk rating for the city is Low, at the 49th percentile statewide, so a fire-rated assembly is rarely the deciding factor; budget, appearance and how the roof handles rain usually are. About 20% of single-family homes have two or more stories, and those taller roofs need more staging and safety setup, which we plan for during the free in-home consultation.

See our page on roof replacement in Shoreline.

Windows in Shoreline

With a median build year of 1956 for single-family homes, many Shoreline houses still have the aluminum frames or early vinyl windows typical of 1950 to 1979, and older homes may have single-pane glass.

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 and awning, hopper, picture, garden, bay and bow, and custom shapes.

Heating cost matters to the payback. Electricity heats 51% of homes, oil 4% and propane 1%, and where heat is costly, efficient windows pay back faster. Seattle City Light is the electric utility here; check with Seattle City Light for current rebate programs before you order.

Match the style to the room and the house:

• Upper floors: about 20% of single-family homes have two or more stories, and sliders or casements are practical choices for upper-floor openings and tight eaves.
• View rooms: 8% of homes have a view, and picture windows or a bay or bow make the most of it.
• Kitchens and baths: casement, awning or hopper windows open for ventilation where you need it.

During the free in-home consultation we measure each opening, look at what’s in the walls now and recommend styles that fit your home’s design.

Learn more about window replacement in Shoreline.

Decks in Shoreline

Decks are common here: King County assessor records show 47% of single-family homes in Shoreline have one, with a median size of 210 square feet. With 66% of homes owner-occupied, many of those decks belong to long-term owners ready to replace a worn structure rather than patch it again.

We build with wood, vinyl and composite decking, and the right material depends on where the deck sits:

• Shaded or north-facing yards: moderate rain and moss are the main enemies. Composite or vinyl decking won’t rot and doesn’t need staining, and we plan drainage and slip resistance for wet months.
• Budget or a natural look: wood works well when you’re ready to keep up with regular sealing.
• View lots: 8% of homes have a view, and railing choices that keep sightlines open matter on those decks.

We listen to how you want to use the space and design the deck to complement your home’s style, whether it’s a simple replacement or a larger layout. Your options are laid out during the free in-home consultation.

Read more about deck building in Shoreline.

Get a free in-home consultation

Schedule a free in-home consultation and we’ll evaluate your property and talk through the options that fit your siding, roof, windows or deck. Call 206-430-1927 or contact us online. Ask about our lifetime warranty and our discounts for seniors, active military, veterans and first responders; financing is also available.