Case study · Ballard, Seattle, WA
A Full Siding Replacement for a Seattle Craftsman Home
The owners of a classic Craftsman in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood called us about peeling paint and an exterior that was ready for an upgrade. Tear-off uncovered extensive dry rot in the wall sheathing, and a straightforward siding replacement became a full exterior restoration.
The challenge
A beautiful home with a hidden problem
The classic Seattle Craftsman is one of the most beloved architectural styles in the Pacific Northwest. When the owners of this home in Ballard noticed peeling paint and felt it was time to upgrade their exterior, they called us for a consultation.
The homeowners knew their home’s original wood siding was at the end of its life. It was requiring constant paint touch-ups, and they were concerned about its ability to protect them through another wet Seattle winter.
During our initial tear-off of the old siding, we uncovered what the homeowners had feared. Widespread moisture intrusion over many years had led to significant dry rot in the wall sheathing, particularly beneath the windows and near the roofline. The project immediately evolved from a simple siding replacement into a full exterior restoration.
The solution
A meticulous restoration
Our team executed a multi-stage plan to restore the home’s beauty and structural integrity.
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Dry rot remediation
The first step was to address the structural health of the home. Our crew carefully removed all decayed sheathing and framing members. The entire area was then treated with an EPA-approved fungicide before we began the structural repair, rebuilding the walls with new, solid materials.
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Weatherproofing
With the structure sound, we installed a new high-performance weather-resistive barrier. Every seam was taped to create a waterproof and airtight envelope, protecting the home for decades to come.
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Trim and siding installation
We installed durable, rot-proof composite/PVC for all of the new exterior trim, recreating the home’s classic Craftsman details. The James Hardie® shingle siding then went on plank by plank, every course level and fastened to the manufacturer’s specifications.
The results
A stunning, worry-free transformation
The final result is a home that honors its classic design while leveraging modern, low-maintenance materials. The homeowners now have peace of mind knowing that their house is not only beautiful but structurally sound and fully protected from the Seattle weather.
We are so thrilled with the result. The discovery of the dry rot was stressful, but the team handled it so professionally. They explained everything, and the new siding is perfect. Our house is the best-looking one on the block now!
5 photos
The finished exterior
Fiber cement shingle siding and composite trim on the completed house. More photography from other jobs is in the project gallery.
The services this project used
Each of these pages covers how we approach that part of the work, what it costs to scope, and the questions homeowners ask most.
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Siding Installation
Full-service siding installation from planning through final walkthrough. We never re-side over existing material. Every installation includes complete tear-off, sheathing inspection, dry rot repair, and code-compliant flashing.
Installation details -
Dry Rot Repair
Complete dry rot remediation using a scientific, multi-step process. We stop the moisture source, remove all infected material plus a buffer zone, sterilize with EPA-approved fungicide, and rebuild with rot-resistant materials.
Dry Rot details -
Exterior Trim Repair
Professional repair and replacement of fascia boards, soffits, window casings, and door trim. We eliminate the moisture source, remove all rot, and rebuild with durable materials designed for the Pacific Northwest.
Trim Repair details
Think your siding is hiding something?
Describe what you are seeing and we will tell you whether it reads as surface damage or something structural — before anyone comes out.
Mon–Fri, 7:00am – 5:00pm
Get an estimate for work like this
Tell us what is going on with your trim, siding, or rot and we will get you a free estimate — most jobs are scheduled the same week.
Does your Seattle home need a transformation?
If your exterior is showing its age, or you suspect there is something underneath it, we will scope it and put it in writing. Free estimates, same-week scheduling.
Mon–Fri, 7:00am – 5:00pm · Free estimates · Same-week scheduling