Siding, Roofing, Windows & Decks in Steilacoom, WA

Steilacoom is the oldest incorporated town in Washington, and part of the town is a historic district. Many houses here have been standing for decades, and the right exterior work depends on how old a home is and what it is wearing now. Builders Service Company is an exterior home remodeling contractor serving the town with siding, roofing, window and deck replacement, and we approach each project with the house’s age and setting in mind. This page covers what’s typical on local homes, how each of the four services fits them, and how to get started with a free in-home consultation.

Homes in Steilacoom: what’s on them now

Pierce County assessor records list 2,926 single-family homes in town, with a median year built of 1974 and a median size of 1,756 square feet. Census data puts the median for all housing a few years later, at 1978. By era, 9% of single-family homes were built before 1950, 52% from 1950 to 1979, 24% from 1980 to 1999 and 15% since 2000. About 63% of housing units are detached houses, 20% are attached homes and 16% are apartments.

Each era leaves its own mark on the exterior. Mid-century houses commonly carry 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. Homes from the 1980s and 1990s belong to the era of composite and hardboard siding, and 18% of local homes were built from 1985 to 1996, the years LP siding was common. That product has a known history of moisture failure. The oldest houses, those built before 1950, likely still have original wood lap siding and possibly lead paint under later coats.

Assessor ratings place only 2% of homes in fair or worse condition.

The Town of Steilacoom is the permit authority for exterior projects here.

Siding in Steilacoom

Pierce County assessor records show vinyl on only 8% of Steilacoom homes, so most houses still wear the wood, panel or hardboard siding they were built with. Houses from 1985 to 1996, 18% of the local stock, deserve a close look: that was the LP siding era, and those panels have a known history of moisture failure. Older wood siding tends to show its age through rot and moss in a wet climate.

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

• Vinyl siding is the most versatile and least expensive option. It suits budget-minded projects and large wall areas, and with 42% of homes at two or more stories, wall area adds up quickly.
• The Evergreen Shield Siding System is our exclusive insulated composite siding, designed for the Pacific Northwest climate. Its composite material is built for water resistance against long wet seasons, humidity, mold and mildew. An insulating graphite membrane gives it R-2.0 thermal resistance, compared with R-0.61 for standard vinyl, which matters where 60% of homes heat with electricity.
• Metal siding is the other premium choice.

Home values in town run 23% above the Pierce County median, and owners of higher-value homes more often choose the Evergreen Shield Siding System or metal. Stacked stone and stone veneer accents pair well with any of the three on entries, columns, chimneys and wainscots.

These are the types we usually recommend; the best option for your house is something we settle together during a free in-home consultation. Learn more about siding replacement in Steilacoom.

Roofing in Steilacoom

Steilacoom sits in the South Sound, where rain runs heavier than in the central Sound and moss grows readily on roofs. That shapes how we approach a reroof: moss management, attic ventilation, solid underlayment and careful flashing at valleys, walls and roof edges. Every roof we install gets the same attention to proper sealing and ventilation.

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

• Asphalt shingle roofing, a familiar choice that suits most house styles and budgets.
• EDCO metal roofing, an alternative for owners who prefer the look and character of a metal roof.

Pierce County assessor records show how local roofs are covered today: 2% metal, 2% wood shake and 5% tile. Old shake roofs tend to hold moss and rot, problems a metal or asphalt replacement avoids. With a median build year of 1974, many homes have likely been reroofed before, so before we price a job we check how many layers are already in place and the condition of the roof deck underneath.

Wildfire risk is rated low here, at the 52nd percentile statewide, so fire rating is rarely the deciding factor. The choice between asphalt and metal usually comes down to appearance, budget and how much moss and debris the roof collects.

Read more about roof replacement in Steilacoom.

Windows in Steilacoom

More than half of Steilacoom’s single-family homes went up between 1950 and 1979, and houses from those decades commonly have aluminum or early vinyl windows; the oldest homes may still have single-pane glass. Replacing them cuts drafts and helps keep indoor temperatures steady.

We install Preservation 9000 vinyl replacement windows, and we are the exclusive provider of Preservation 9000 windows in Washington. Matching the style to the house makes the biggest difference:

• Historic homes: in a town with a historic district, double-hung profiles that match the originals keep the look right. We check what approvals apply before ordering.
• View homes: 21% of homes have a view, and picture windows or bay and bow units make the most of it.
• Upper floors: with 42% of homes at two or more stories, sliders and casements work well under tight eaves and on second floors.
• Kitchens and baths: casement, awning and hopper windows open easily for ventilation.

Heating fuel matters too. About 60% of homes heat with electricity, and the payback from efficient windows is larger where heating is costly. Electricity here comes from the Town of Steilacoom utility, and homeowners can check with the utility for current programs.

Other styles we install include garden windows and custom shapes. Find out more about window replacement in Steilacoom.

Decks in Steilacoom

Decks are common in Steilacoom: Pierce County assessor records show 60% of homes have one, with a median size of 298 square feet. The South Sound’s heavy rain and moss are hard on any deck surface.

We build with three materials:

• Composite decking and vinyl decking hold up well in rain and shade. Neither rots or needs staining, which suits a climate where moss grows readily.
• Wood decking gives a natural look at a lower starting cost, but it needs regular sealing to stand up to wet seasons.

In a wet climate, slip resistance and drainage deserve as much thought as the surface material. We plan board spacing and slope so water runs off rather than pooling.

About 21% of local homes have a view, so railing choice is worth discussing; the right design keeps sightlines open from the deck and the rooms behind it. With 63% of homes owner-occupied, many owners plan a deck for the long term, which favors materials that will look good for years with little upkeep.

Start planning your deck building in Steilacoom.

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 it. We offer a lifetime warranty, financing, and discounts for seniors, active military, veterans and first responders. Contact us online or call our Tacoma office at 253-777-0866. Washington contractor license BUILDSC027JN.