Thurston County, WA
Siding, Roofing, Windows & Decks in Yelm, WA
Most houses in Yelm are young. Census data shows 62% were built in 2000 or later, many of them in the fast-growing newer subdivisions in this part of Thurston County. That shapes the exterior work we do here: the first round of builder-grade siding, roofing and windows is now coming due, while a smaller group of mid-century and rural homes needs a different kind of attention. Builders Service Company handles four exterior services: siding, roofing, windows and decks. The sections below cover what is typical on homes in the area, which materials fit local conditions, and how a free in-home consultation works. Our team can also plan several projects together, so the roof, walls and windows work as one system.
Homes in Yelm: what’s on them now
The median home in Yelm was built in 2004. Census figures break the housing stock down by era like this:
- 2000 or later: 62%
- 1980 to 1999: 22%
- 1950 to 1979: 9%
- Before 1950: 6%
Detached houses make up 75% of homes. Attached homes account for 9%, apartments 13% and mobile homes 3%. About 67% of homes are owner-occupied, which points to many long-term owners who keep investing in their exteriors.
Each era tends to carry its own materials. Newer homes usually went up with fiber cement or builder-grade vinyl siding and builder-grade windows, and much of that is reaching its first repaint or replacement. Houses from the 1980s and 1990s belong to the era of hardboard and composite siding, including LP siding, which has a known history of moisture failure, along with first-generation vinyl windows. Homes built between 1950 and 1979 may have cedar, T1-11 or asbestos-cement shingle siding, plus aluminum or early vinyl windows; asbestos-cement may contain asbestos and should be tested before removal. The oldest houses likely started with wood lap siding and single-pane windows, and may have lead paint.
The City of Yelm is the permit authority for exterior projects in town.
Siding in Yelm
Most siding we replace in Yelm falls into two groups. On homes built since 2000, it is often builder-grade vinyl or fiber cement reaching its first repaint or replacement. On homes from the 1980s and 1990s, it may be hardboard or LP siding, a product with a known history of moisture failure. Either way, the job is a full replacement with one of the siding types we usually recommend:
- Vinyl siding is the most versatile and least expensive option, a practical fit for tighter budgets and large wall areas.
- 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.
- Metal siding is a durable, clean-lined choice for owners planning a long-term upgrade.
- Stacked stone and stone veneer add accents on wainscots, entries, columns and chimneys, used alongside the siding above.
None of the three siding types is wood, so you trade the rot and repainting cycle of wood for panels made to shed water.
Heating cost matters here too. Census data shows 58% of local homes heat with electricity, and where heating is costly, insulated siding pays back more over time. The Evergreen Shield Siding System uses an insulating graphite membrane for a thermal resistance of R-2.0, compared with R-0.61 for standard vinyl siding.
The median home value, about $455,000, sits right at the Thurston County median. The right siding comes down to your budget, your plans for the house and the look you want, and we talk through the best option for your home during the free in-home consultation.
Learn more about siding replacement in Yelm.
Roofing in Yelm
Roofs take the brunt of South Sound weather. The region gets heavier rain than the central Sound, and moss on roofs is common. A roof replacement here needs careful attention to the details that keep water moving: underlayment, flashing at walls, valleys and penetrations, and ventilation that helps the roof deck dry out. We also talk with you about moss management, since moss holds moisture against the roof surface.
We install two main roof types, and we weigh them equally on every project:
- Asphalt shingle roofing, a familiar choice that suits most pitched roofs on newer homes.
- EDCO metal roofing, for owners who want the look and feel of a metal roof.
Both go on with the same care for sealing, flashing and ventilation. We handle roof replacement for aging or damaged roofs as well as new roof installation for remodels and additions. On older homes, we check how many roof layers are on the house before tear-off.
About 3% of local homes are mobile homes. Their low-slope manufactured-home roofs call for a different approach than a standard pitched roof, and we assess those on site.
Wildfire risk in the area is rated Low, at the 24th percentile in Washington, so fire rating is rarely the deciding factor in roof choice here. Rain, moss and how well the roof drains matter more.
The right roof depends on your home’s pitch, your budget and how long you plan to stay, and we cover those during the free in-home consultation.
Read more about roof replacement in Yelm.
Windows in Yelm
Window needs in Yelm follow the age of the house. With a median build year of 2004, most homes went up with builder-grade windows. The 22% built between 1980 and 1999 often still have first-generation vinyl windows, where failing seals are a common reason to replace.
We install Preservation 9000 vinyl replacement windows, and we are the exclusive provider of Preservation 9000 windows in Washington. Styles include:
- Double-hung and slider windows for everyday rooms
- Casement, awning and hopper windows for ventilation in kitchens and baths
- Picture, garden, bay and bow windows where you want more light or space
- Custom shapes for unusual openings
Heating fuel shapes the payback. Census data shows 58% of homes here heat with electricity and 36% with gas. Where electric heat is the main source, efficient windows offer a larger payback than in gas-heated homes. PSE is the electric utility, so check with PSE for current programs before you order.
We replace windows regardless of who made the originals, and our installers plan the work to keep the impact on your household and schedule low. During the free in-home consultation, we look at each opening and recommend the styles that fit your rooms.
Find out more about window replacement in Yelm.
Decks in Yelm
Decks in the South Sound face heavier rain than the central Sound, and boards stay wet for long stretches. That is hard on unprotected wood and makes drainage and footing a priority. We build with three materials:
- Composite decking and vinyl decking don’t rot or need staining, a strong fit for shaded yards and wet spots.
- Wood decking offers a natural look and a budget-friendly starting point, with regular sealing to keep it sound.
On any deck, we plan for drainage between boards and a slip-resistant surface, since standing water makes decking slick. Wildfire risk here is rated Low, at the 24th percentile statewide, so ember-resistant materials are seldom the main driver, though we still keep the space under the deck clear and easy to maintain.
With 67% of homes owner-occupied, many owners here plan to stay and want outdoor space they will use for years. We design each deck to fit your home and yard, adding usable room for relaxing and entertaining.
See more about deck building in Yelm.
Get a free in-home consultation
Schedule a free in-home consultation and we will look at your siding, roof, windows or deck, explain the options that fit your home and answer your questions. Our work is backed by a lifetime warranty. Ask about discounts for seniors, active military, veterans and first responders, and about financing. Contact us online or call our Tacoma office at 253-777-0866.
Yelm siding, roofing, window and deck FAQ
My Yelm home was built in the 2000s. Is its siding due for replacement?
It may be. Homes built since 2000 usually went up with builder-grade vinyl or fiber cement, and much of that siding is now reaching its first repaint or replacement. We check for cracking, warping, loose panels and moisture at the trim. If replacement makes sense, we usually recommend vinyl, the Evergreen Shield Siding System or metal siding, and we talk through which fits your home during a free in-home consultation.
How many colors does the Evergreen Shield Siding System come in?
The Evergreen Shield Siding System comes in 20 built-in, fade-resistant colors. The panels resist chipping, peeling and fading, and no repainting is needed. For newer subdivision homes that all started with similar builder-grade siding, it is a simple way to give the house its own look. We bring samples to the free in-home consultation.
What roof works best with the moss we get in Yelm?
Either asphalt shingle roofing or EDCO metal roofing can work well; the details matter more than the material. Moss on roofs is common in the South Sound, so we focus on underlayment, flashing and ventilation that helps the roof deck dry out, and we talk with you about moss management. We weigh both roof types equally and recommend one after seeing your home's pitch, condition and your plans.
My house is from the 1990s. Should I replace the original windows?
Often, yes. Homes built in the 1980s and 1990s commonly have first-generation vinyl windows, and failing seals are a frequent reason to replace them. 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, awning, picture and bay or bow, so each room can get the style that fits.
Are there rebates for new windows in Yelm?
Check with PSE, the local electric utility, for current programs before you order. Program details change, so we don't quote them. Efficient windows tend to pay back more where heating is costly, such as in homes heated with electricity. During a free in-home consultation, we can look at your current windows and help you plan a replacement that fits your budget, with financing available.
What decking material holds up best in a wet South Sound yard?
Composite and vinyl decking hold up best in wet, shaded yards because they don't rot or need staining. Wood decking is still a good choice if you want a natural look and don't mind regular sealing. Whatever the material, we plan for drainage and a slip-resistant surface. Our work is backed by a lifetime warranty, and we can design a deck to fit your home and yard during a free in-home consultation.