Covington, WA
Siding Replacement in Covington, WA
Census data puts the median Covington home’s build year at 1994, and 39% of homes here went up in 2000 or later. Those 1990s and 2000s subdivisions are now due for their first full siding replacement, and many come with HOA color rules that limit what can go on the walls. Another 28% of homes date from 1950 to 1979, so the siding coming off a Covington house can be anything from builder-grade vinyl to original cedar. Below is what we find on homes here and how we match vinyl siding, composite and metal to each.
What’s on Covington homes now
King County assessor records cover 6,628 single-family homes in Covington, with a median build year of 1990. They fall into three main groups:
- Built 1950 to 1979 (33%). These homes likely have cedar, T1-11 or asbestos-cement shingle siding. Asbestos-cement shingles may contain asbestos and should be tested before removal. Timberlane Estates (798 homes, median build year 1977) and Suncrest Park Add (140 homes, median 1967) belong to this group.
- Built 1980 to 1999 (30%). This was the era of composite and hardboard siding. Assessor records place 20% of homes in the 1985 to 1996 window, when LP siding was widely used.
- Built 2000 or later (36%). Expect fiber cement or builder-grade vinyl reaching its first repaint or replacement. Pearl Jones (154 homes, median 2002) and Rainier Vista At Jenkins Creek (146 homes, median 2008) are typical.
Census data shows 87% of housing units are detached houses and 2% are mobile homes. Assessor records show 52% of homes have two or more stories, with a median of 1,840 square feet, so most jobs involve full-height walls and staging on at least one side. Only 38% of homes are rated in good or very good condition, and just 2% have a recorded renovation.
Choosing siding for Covington’s conditions
We usually recommend three siding types, and the best fit for your house depends on budget, wall area, heating and how long you plan to stay. None of them is wood, so unlike cedar, none will need scraping and repainting after each wet winter.
Vinyl siding for budget and wall area
Vinyl is the most versatile and least expensive of the three. It is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and needs minimal maintenance. The median Covington home is valued at about $635,000, 31% below the King County median, and for many owners that points to a durable, cost-effective material. On a two-story house, where wall area adds up quickly, vinyl keeps the project practical.
Evergreen Shield Siding System for a long-term upgrade
The Evergreen Shield Siding System is our insulated composite siding and the premium choice for owners planning to stay. Census data shows 79% of Covington homes are owner-occupied, so many households here are investing for the long run.
Metal siding for higher-end homes
Assessor records grade 7% of Covington homes at 9 or higher, the higher-end tier. On those houses, metal siding or the Evergreen Shield Siding System fits the build quality better than an entry-level finish.
Stone accents
Stacked stone or stone veneer is an accent, not a whole-house siding. It pairs with any of the three at an entry, on columns or as a wainscot along the base. Assessor records show just 1% of homes here have any brick or stone exterior, so even a small stone detail sets a house apart.
Evergreen Shield Siding System in Covington
Two features of the Evergreen Shield Siding System line up with Covington’s housing.
First, heating. Census data shows 36% of homes here heat with electricity, plus 3% with propane and 1% with oil. Where heating is costly, insulated siding pays back more. The system’s graphite membrane gives a thermal resistance of R-2.0, compared with R-0.61 for standard vinyl siding.
Second, color. The newer subdivisions often have HOA color rules, and the system comes in 20 built-in, fade-resistant colors that resist chipping, peeling and fading, with no repainting needed. Bring your HOA’s approved palette to the consultation and we can match it against the options.
Signs your siding needs replacing
What to look for depends on when your house was built:
- 2000 or later: builder-grade vinyl that has gone chalky, cracked or faded unevenly, or fiber cement with paint wearing through and a first repaint coming due.
- 1985 to 1996: hardboard and LP lap boards with mushroomed ends, a wavy bottom course, or paint that peels where water has soaked into the board. That moisture damage usually means replacement, not patching.
- 1950 to 1979: cedar boards that are split or rotting near the ground, and T1-11 panels that are delaminating or soft at the seams.
If you see these on more than one wall, a full replacement is usually more practical than spot repairs.
Get a free siding consultation in Covington
Schedule a free in-home consultation or call our Seattle office at 206-430-1927. Our installations come with a lifetime warranty, and we offer discounts for seniors, active military, veterans and first responders, plus financing. For roofing, windows and decks, see our Covington home exterior services.
Covington siding FAQ
Does Covington's wildfire rating change which siding I should choose?
Usually not. Covington's wildfire risk is rated Low, at the 60th percentile statewide, below the level where we would lead with fire rating. Budget, wall area, heating and appearance tend to decide the choice here. If fire resistance still matters to you, the Evergreen Shield Siding System and metal siding are the two types we would point to, and we can walk through how each handles fire at your free in-home consultation.
What should I expect when replacing siding on a Timberlane Estates home?
Expect us to check what is under the current siding before any removal. Timberlane Estates has 798 homes with a median build year of 1977, an era when cedar, T1-11 and asbestos-cement shingles were common. Asbestos-cement shingles may contain asbestos and should be tested before removal. Once the old siding is identified, we can plan the tear-off and recommend vinyl, the Evergreen Shield Siding System or metal for the new walls.
Will new siding hold up through long wet seasons here?
Yes, all three types we usually recommend are built to shed water, and none of them is wood. The Evergreen Shield Siding System uses a composite material built for [water resistance](/waterproof-siding) against long wet seasons, humidity, mold and mildew. Vinyl and metal siding also will not rot the way older wood siding can. We look at flashing and trim details for your walls during the free in-home consultation.
Is insulated siding worth it if my Covington home heats with gas?
It can be, though the payback is larger where heating is costly. Census data shows 58% of Covington homes heat with gas and 36% with electricity. For electric-heated homes, the R-2.0 thermal resistance of the Evergreen Shield Siding System, compared with R-0.61 for standard vinyl, counts for more. With gas heat, its other qualities may matter as much as the insulation. We compare both cases at your consultation.
