Whole home remodeling, Greater Seattle Area
Construction Materials for Remodeling in the Pacific Northwest Climate
The materials that last in the Pacific Northwest climate are the ones that shed water and dry out: fiber cement or cedar siding over a water-resistive barrier, double pane windows rated U-0.30 or lower, architectural shingles or standing seam metal, composite or cedar decking on sound framing, waterproofed tile showers and vinyl plank or tile floors.
This guide covers the Seattle area: the rain figures, what the Seattle code asks for and what we install, with our October 2026 starting prices. To plan your own house, Book a Consultation.
How wet is the Seattle area climate for building materials?
NOAA's U.S. Climate Normals for 1991 to 2020 (read October 2026) give Seattle Tacoma International Airport 39.34 inches of precipitation a year over 156 days with 0.01 inch or more. In the same NOAA normals, October through March brings 29.65 inches, three quarters of the total.
The NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals count about 25 nights a year at or below 32°F at the same station. So the materials that last here are the ones that keep water out, let any water that gets in drain away, and do not rot or swell while they stay damp from October to spring.
Which siding holds up in Pacific Northwest rain?
Fiber cement and cedar both hold up, as long as the wall behind them is built to shed water. We install James Hardie fiber cement lap and panel siding to the maker's instructions, and wood lap, board and batten and panel siding.
The barrier behind the siding does most of the work. The 2021 Seattle Residential Code, Section R703.1 (code page 7-7), says: "Exterior walls shall provide the building with a weather-resistant exterior wall envelope." Section R703.2 (code page 7-8) says: "Not fewer than one layer of water-resistive barrier shall be applied over studs or sheathing of all exterior walls with flashing as indicated in Section R703.4, in such a manner as to provide a continuous water-resistive barrier behind the exterior wall veneer."
On a full replacement we strip to the sheathing, fix any rot, then add new house wrap, flashing at every window and door, and the new siding.
Which windows hold up in the Pacific Northwest climate?
Double pane, low E windows in vinyl, fiberglass or wood clad frames, with a rated U-factor of 0.30 or lower. Under the Washington State Energy Code, Section R503.1.1.1, a replacement window must meet the 0.30 U-factor in Table R402.1.3. In a wet climate the frame and sill matter as much as the glass. A failed seal lets moisture between the panes, and a soft sill means water has been getting into the wall.
We check each frame and sill for rot before we quote. Where the old frame is sound and dry, a new window can go inside it. Where it is soft, the whole unit comes out to the rough opening so the framing can be repaired. Vinyl is the lowest cost frame. Fiberglass is our Mid-Range frame, stronger with slimmer frames. Wood clad is our Luxury frame, with a wood interior and a low upkeep exterior.
What roofing stands up to Seattle rain and moss?
Architectural asphalt shingles and standing seam metal are the two roofs we price. Our roof replacement pricing guide says standing seam metal lasts about twice as long as shingles and sheds moss and rain well in the Northwest. It also starts at about 1.9 to 2 times the shingle price for the same roof size.
Either way, the Seattle area roof has to meet two local conditions. Shingles must carry a wind rating for Seattle's 98 mph design wind speed, and slopes between 2:12 and 4:12 need a double layer of underlayment. For cedar shake, tile, slate and flat roof membranes compared side by side, read Top 6 Roofing Materials for Seattle Area Homes Compared.
What decking lasts in the Pacific Northwest?
Composite boards and cedar both last here, but only on framing that stays sound. Rot hides in the posts, beams and ledger, where you cannot see it from above. On a Mercer Island deck we rebuilt in 2022, the posts, joists, rim and rail boards had rotted. Replacing the structure and adding new boards and railing cost about $35,000.
We build in pressure treated wood, cedar and composite, and we are Trex certified. Our Mid-Range decks use hidden fasteners and joist protection tape over the framing. The 2021 Seattle Residential Code, Section R507.2.2.3 (code page 5-28), says plastic composite deck boards "containing wood, cellulosic or other biodegradable materials shall be decay resistant in accordance with ASTM D7032." We use listed products.
Which materials keep showers and bathrooms dry inside?
A waterproof layer behind the tile, porcelain or stone on the surface, and a fan ducted to move the damp air out. Tile and grout alone do not keep water out of the wall. The 2021 Seattle Residential Code, Section R307.2 (code page 3-44), requires shower walls "finished with a nonabsorbent surface" and says "Such wall surfaces shall extend to a height of not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) above the floor." For tile, stone and panel walls compared, read Shower Wall Finishes for a Bathroom Remodeling Project.
Every bathroom we build includes a waterproofing system, and the Seattle code requires local exhaust in every home. In a Bellevue bathroom in 2024 we replaced a fiberglass shower stall with a tiled walk-in shower behind frameless glass, for about $35,000.
Which flooring handles moisture in a Seattle area home?
Waterproof luxury vinyl plank can run through a kitchen or basement, and ceramic or porcelain tile suits entries, kitchens, baths and laundry rooms. Engineered wood and tile are our Mid-Range floors, with a moisture barrier where needed.
Two steps keep any floor flat in a damp climate. On a concrete slab we check for moisture before any plank or wood goes down. Wood sits in the house before it is laid, for as long as its maker specifies. In a Renton condo in 2024 we ran one luxury vinyl plank floor from the front door through the kitchen and into the bathrooms, for about $15,000.
How do you keep rain water away from the foundation in Seattle?
Grade the soil away from the house and send the water to an approved drain. The 2021 Seattle Residential Code, Section R401.3 (code page 4-1), says: "Surface drainage shall be diverted to a storm sewer conveyance or other approved point of collection that does not create a hazard. Lots shall be graded to drain surface water away from foundation walls. The grade shall fall not fewer than 6 inches (152 mm) within the first 10 feet (3048 mm)." Its exception covers tight lots: "Where lot lines, walls, slopes or other physical barriers prohibit 6 inches (152 mm) of fall within 10 feet (3048 mm), drains or swales shall be constructed to ensure drainage away from the structure."
Our Mid-Range roof replacement includes a gutter and downspout check. New gutters are priced in writing.
What do climate-ready materials cost in the Greater Seattle Area?
Each material choice moves the starting price. These are our October 2026 starting prices for the smallest size on each pricing page, at three finish levels.
| Work | Basic | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siding, house up to 1,500 sq ft | $35,000+ James Hardie lap | $48,000+ ColorPlus, rainscreen gap where needed | $70,000+ cedar or Hardie Artisan |
| Windows, up to 10 | $22,000+ vinyl | $30,000+ fiberglass | $40,000+ wood clad |
| Roof, 15 to 20 squares | $25,000+ architectural shingle | $35,000+ designer or impact rated shingle | $50,000+ standing seam metal |
| Deck, resurface | $15,000+ pressure treated | $25,000+ cedar or entry composite, hidden fasteners | $40,000+ premium composite or PVC |
| Flooring, one or two rooms | $10,000+ vinyl plank | $15,000+ engineered wood or tile | $22,000+ hardwood or stone |
| Bathroom, small | $25,000+ with waterproofing | $40,000+ porcelain tile floor | $60,000+ |
Sources: our Siding, Window Replacement, Deck and Flooring service pages and our roof replacement and bathroom remodel pricing guides, October 2026. Rot found behind siding or under a deck and permit fees are priced in writing.
How do these materials come together in a whole home remodel?
A whole home remodel touches most rooms at once, so the order of work matters as much as the finishes. We plan the rooms together, open the walls once, and close them once. See Whole Home Remodeling Across the Greater Seattle Area for how we plan a house as one job.
The same materials also decide how much energy the house uses. For insulation, air sealing and windows in that light, read 10 Tips for an Energy Efficient Home in the Seattle Area. The house style matters too: read Common Styles of Homes Worth Remodeling in Seattle. For work in the city, see Home Remodeling Contractors in Seattle, WA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace siding in Seattle?
Usually not. The 2021 Seattle Residential Code, Section R105.2 item 10 (code page 1-7), exempts "Replacement of siding. This shall not include structural changes, replacement of sheathing or alteration to doors and windows." If rotted sheathing has to be replaced, we file the permit before the new siding goes on.
Do I need a rainscreen gap behind new siding in Seattle?
Not for most siding. The 2021 Seattle Residential Code, Interpretation R703.1.1 (code page 7-8), says "a rain-screen or similar construction method is not required for most exterior siding and cladding". The water-resistive barrier is still required. Our Mid-Range siding adds a rainscreen gap where needed, and Luxury includes a rainscreen system.
When is the driest time for exterior work in the Seattle area?
Summer. NOAA's U.S. Climate Normals for 1991 to 2020 for Seattle Tacoma International Airport average 0.60 inches of rain in July and 0.97 inches in August. Late spring through early fall gives the most dry days. We work year round and protect the house during wet weather.
What warranty comes with the materials you install?
Our workmanship is covered for 2 years from substantial completion, and you can extend it up to 5 years for an added charge. Materials carry the manufacturer's or supplier's warranty, and we help you file a claim.
What does it cost to renovate instead of rebuild a house in the Seattle area?
A tear down and rebuild is priced after a site visit, because the lot sets the cost. Keeping the house, our full home remodels start at $200,000+ for a whole home refresh and $500,000+ for a gut renovation. For the rebuild side, read How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Seattle?
