Siding, Roofing, Windows & Decks in University Place, WA

Mid-century houses set the pattern in University Place: 59% of its single-family homes were built between 1950 and 1979, according to Pierce County assessor records. Many of those exteriors have now been through decades of South Sound weather. Builders Service Company is an exterior contractor based in Tacoma, and we replace siding, roofing and windows and build decks for homeowners across Pierce County. Below is what we typically find on homes here, what each material has to handle, and how to start with a free in-home consultation.

Homes in University Place: what’s on them now

Census data puts the median year built for all housing at 1981, but the single-family stock is older. The Pierce County assessor counts 6,739 single-family homes with a median build year of 1971 and a median size of 1,876 square feet. Across all housing units, census figures show 42% built from 1950 to 1979, 33% from 1980 to 1999, 18% from 2000 on and 6% before 1950.

Most homes are detached houses (54%). Another 18% are attached homes such as townhouses, and 26% are in apartment buildings.

The build era tells you a lot about what’s on the walls today:

• 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: the composite and hardboard siding era. The assessor shows 14% of single-family homes built between 1985 and 1996, the years when LP siding, which has a known history of moisture failure, was common. Windows from this period are usually first-generation vinyl.
• Before 1950: likely original wood lap siding, possible lead paint and single-pane windows.

Building permits for exterior work here are issued by the City of University Place.

Siding in University Place

Only 5% of single-family homes in University Place show vinyl siding on assessor records, so most houses are still clad in older wood, panel or hardboard products. When that siding starts to swell, split or need paint every few years, replacing it usually makes more sense than another round of repairs.

These are the siding types we usually recommend, and we settle on the best option for your home during the free in-home consultation:

• Vinyl siding is the most versatile and least expensive option. It is a practical fit for large wall areas, and 44% of single-family homes here have two or more stories.
• The Evergreen Shield Siding System is our exclusive insulated composite siding, designed for the Pacific Northwest climate. With 62% of homes heated by electricity, its insulating graphite membrane deserves a look: it is rated R-2.0, compared with R-0.61 for standard vinyl siding. The composite is also built for water resistance against long wet seasons, mold and mildew, and unlike cedar it won’t need repainting.
• Metal siding rounds out the three.

Home values run about 18% above the Pierce County median, and owners of higher-value homes more often choose the Evergreen Shield Siding System or metal as a long-term upgrade. On waterfront lots, where salt air reaches the walls, we lean toward vinyl or the Evergreen Shield Siding System, installed with corrosion-resistant fasteners and flashing.

Stacked stone and stone veneer add a durable accent at entries, columns, chimneys and wainscots, used alongside any of these sidings.

Read more about siding replacement in University Place.

Roofing in University Place

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense, and South Sound roofs take heavier rain than roofs in the central Sound. That steady moisture feeds moss. A replacement here should include the details that keep water moving and attics dry: balanced ventilation, a full underlayment, and careful flashing at walls, valleys, vents and chimneys.

We install two roof types and give them equal weight when we talk through your options:

• Asphalt shingle roofing, the roof most homeowners know.
• EDCO metal roofing, the metal brand we install, for owners who want a metal roof in a choice of colors and profiles.

Pierce County assessor records show only 2% of single-family homes in University Place with a metal roof, 2% with wood shakes and 4% with tile, so nearly every other home carries a different roof cover today. Old wood shakes that have gone mossy and soft are a common reason homeowners call; swapping them for asphalt shingles or metal ends the cycle of moss and rot on wood.

Wildfire risk is rated Low, at the 54th percentile statewide, so moisture rather than fire rating usually drives the material choice here.

Every roofing project starts with a thorough inspection of the current roof, decking and flashing, followed by recommendations based on what we find. If an older roof has more than one layer of shingles, we check for that during the inspection.

Read more about roof replacement in University Place.

Windows in University Place

Window needs here follow the build era. Homes from the 1950s through the 1970s often still have single-pane glass or aluminum frames. Houses from the 1980s and 1990s, about a third of local housing, tend to have first-generation vinyl windows whose seals are failing, which shows up as fog between the panes. Drafts, rising heating bills and sashes that stick or won’t close are the usual signs it’s time.

We install Preservation 9000 vinyl replacement windows, and we are the exclusive provider of Preservation 9000 windows in Washington. Heating cost makes the case stronger in University Place: 62% of homes heat with electricity, and efficient windows pay back more where heating is costly. Electric service comes from Tacoma Power, so check with Tacoma Power for current programs.

Style choices depend on the house:

• Sliders or casements for upper floors and tight eaves, common here since 44% of single-family homes have two or more stories.
• Picture windows, bays and bows for the 10% of single-family homes with a view.
• Casement, awning or hopper windows for kitchens and baths that need ventilation.
• Garden windows over a kitchen sink, which work like a small greenhouse for herbs and plants.
• Double-hung windows and custom shapes to match the look of the original openings.

Read more about window replacement in University Place.

Decks in University Place

Decks are common in University Place: assessor records show 58% of single-family homes have one, with a median size of 326 square feet. Many of those are older wood decks, and with the area’s heavy rain and moss, rot in boards, stairs and railings is the most common reason to replace one. A rotting deck can give way, so soft spots are worth a close look.

We build with three materials:

• Composite decking and vinyl decking resist rot and need no staining, which suits wet, mossy conditions. We pay attention to slip resistance and drainage between boards.
• Wood decking keeps a natural look and costs less up front, with regular sealing to hold up in the rain.

Views shape design too. About 10% of single-family homes have a view and 2% are waterfront, so railing choices that keep sightlines open matter. Near the water, we use corrosion-resistant fasteners and hardware.

With 57% of homes owner-occupied, many owners are planning a deck they will use for years. Each project includes a thorough inspection, careful removal of the old deck, construction of the new one and cleanup of the job site.

Read more about deck building in University Place.

Get a free in-home consultation

Schedule a free in-home consultation and we’ll look at your siding, roof, windows or deck in person and talk through materials that fit your home. Call our Tacoma office at 253-777-0866 or contact us online. Financing is available, and we offer discounts for seniors, active military, veterans and first responders.