Are You On Facebook?

It’s been great!   After only a few weeks, the Facebook fan page for Rainshield has grown exponentially.  There are owner/employees of the company that, honestly, we had no idea had Facebook profiles, and now they’re fans!  Our favorite homeowners are singing our praises and, quite frankly, it’s what gets us going every morning on the job.  If you’re an employee, customer, supplier, vendor – or just someone who loves what we do, come and join us there… and tell your friends.  We’re not too shy to ask.

Fan Us On Facebook

Filed under: Inside RainShield, Testimonials, community, facebook, fan, page, social media

Tear Off vs Re-cover

Q: “I have just one layer of roofing on my house. Can I add another layer?

A: Technically, Yes. Realistically, No.

The UBC (Uniform Building Code) allows for two layers of roofing on your home. However, just because you can re-cover doesn’t make it a good idea. There are simply too many good reasons to remove your old roofing.

The first reason is money. For a qualified contractor with the proper equipment, the cost to the consumer for removal and disposal of your existing roofing material is a small part of the overall cost. Often as little as 10% of your total bid.

Second, If the contractor does not have the opportunity to properly inspect the substrate, there could be small areas of wet deck, either from condensation between the roof & deck or from passive leaks. These areas will continue to deteriorate and compromise your new roof system.

A third reason is warranty. Material manufacturers severely limit their warranties for the lifespan and wind up lift when their products are installed over an existing roof.

The fourth reason is peace of mind. As contractors, we strive to meet our customers needs and requests. A quality contractor will properly explain the facts to the customer so that they may make an informed and correct decision about their project.

For questions, or to meet with a qualified contractor contact us today.

Filed under: Roofing, Services, bellingham roofing, reroof, Roofing, washington roofer

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Filed under: Uncategorized

Need a New Roof? Think Metal Roofing.

Metal roofing is not just for commercial use. Metal roofs come in many roofing profiles that mimic cedar shake, asphalt, and can even mimic a natural slate roof, hence the reason for the huge growth in popularity for this type of roofing system.  Along with adding curb appeal to your home, metal roofing materials have many ecological benefits as well.

-Sustainability

Metal roofing is unaffected by the hot-cold/wet-dry weather cycles that break down other materials. No other roofing material has greater ability to withstand a wider range of weather conditions including windstorms, hail, ice and snow. This durability can virtually eliminate the need to use future raw materials to produce roofing.

-Low weight

Metal’s low weight and high strength present an ideal way to cover and encapsulate existing asbestos roofing shingles rather than create a health risk as a result of removing the asbestos and putting it in a landfill.

–Product Safety

Metal roofing and the finishes used on it are inert, safe materials that do not pose a health risk. Furthermore, metal roofing is noncombustible, which provides additional fire protection for homes.

-Recyclability

While metal roofing is known for its extremely long life, it does have the added benefit of being 100% recyclable if it is ever removed in the future, perhaps as part of a building renovation. The steel, aluminum, and copper used in metal roofing can be recycled in their entirety—even becoming, potentially, another metal roof.

-Recycled Content

Most metal roofs have recycled content ranging from 25% to 95%. This is in stark contrast to conventional roofing shingles, which have much shorter lives and use oil-based products as their primary raw material.

-Energy Efficiency

Pre-painted metal roofing can display solar reflectance of at least 65% and thermal emittance of 80%. This can have a tremendous impact on energy usage by reducing air conditioning costs and the smog and pollution that are created by the production of that energy. Many available metal roofs are being documented to meet Energy Star requirements.

For more information on metal roofing and other roofing products contact the Bellingham roofing specialists at Rainshield Roofing and Construction Inc.

Filed under: Roofing

Is Ventilation Really That Important?

Yes, really.

Vented Attic Diagram, from BuildingScience.com

Two of the biggest problems we encounter, deck movement and deterioration, are commonly the results of poor ventilation. In the summer, too much heat builds up due to a poorly-ventilated “flat-ceiling” attic, and causes the shingles and/or deck to deteriorate prematurely. In the winter, deck-related problems are often due to condensation forming on the deck underside, which is also a result of poor ventilation. It’s important to understand that shingles failing before their time – due to inadequate ventilation – will not be protected by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Standard Attics: Ventilation can be very beneficial for roofs over standard attics, especially for those that can be ventilated at both the peak and the soffit. Just last month, Rick Smith, one of our team, was called to the home of Joel F. in Anacortes, WA. It appeared that most of the soffit material (OSB) had gotten a lot of moisture, and had started flaking apart. More often than not, it’s the result of the original contractor doing a poor installation job and installing it wet to begin with. In most cases, poor ventilation doesn’t help, either.

Cathedral Ceilings: Over cathedral ceilings, however, ventilation is more difficult to achieve and heat and condensation problems may occur. Research studying south-facing decks over cathedral-type ceilings has shown that the deck area near the peak does not benefit greatly from ventilation. This area of the roof tends to stay just as hot as an unventilated roof. In general, a roof over a cathedral ceiling will always be hotter than a roof over a ventilated standard attic. To counteract that challenge, vapor retarders, such as plastic foam insulation and aluminum-faced ceiling panels, may be useful.

In short, provide adequate ventilation, especially if you want an unreduced warranty.

Read more about it at: Moisture Problems Attic Ventilation. Then give us a call to see where your attic stands.

Filed under: Decking/Railing, Roofing, Services, attic, deck, moisture, ventilation

Keep The Best Siding On The Block

All siding we install for our customers comes with a Rainshield Inc. Lifetime Warranty. To maintain it, however, it’s necessary for them to perform cleaning and maintenance to their siding twice per year. The best times to perform that chore are Fall and Spring.

It’s necessary to maintain and clean your roof to maintain warranties. If you had siding from Rainshield Inc. installed and see any workmanship issues or concerns, it’s required that you call us, but you aren’t required to have us conduct your scheduled maintenance. However, if you prefer Rainshield Inc. to clean and service your siding, please call us when service is needed and we can quote you our current Service Call rates.

If you want to clean and service the siding yourself, we can’t stress this enough: Be aware of the dangers of climbing on ladders your roof, as that should always be performed by a competent person and done in a safe manner. Care must be taken to avoid falling accidents. Rainshield Inc. is to be held harmless of any physical damages to a homeowner and/or the roof or siding that may be associated from this advice.

With that little disclaimer out of the way, here’s the routine maintenance items needed to be completed twice a year to protect your investment:

Routine Inspection and Care Instructions:

Gutters: Clean out gutters and downspouts and surrounding areas to promote proper drainage.

Flashing: Examine all metal flashings for weather damage. Make certain they are well attached and sealed. Any damage or loose materials must be repaired by Rainshield Inc.

Patching: Dents, chips and cracks can be filled using a good quality cement patching compound (acrylic mortar compound) which can be found at your local Home Center or Hardware Store.

Caulk Replacement: When sealant is in need of replacing, carefully remove existing caulk and replace with a high quality, paintable latex caulk. For best results use a latex caulk that complies with ASTM C 834 or better. Caulking should be applied in accordance with the caulking manufacturer’s written application instructions.

Landscaping/ Hardscaping: Do not allow trees, shrubs, bushes, etc. to grow into or touch siding. Keep all plants pruned back away from surface of siding. In addition, do not allow any hardscape elements to touch siding (i.e.: wooden arbors, trellises, bricks, etc.).

Areas of Concern: Call Rainshield Inc. with any areas of concern. Know, however, that a service call will be charged if we come out, inspect the roof, and find that everything is in working order, and no defects in workmanship are present.

Foundation Vents: It is recommended that your foundation vents are on/installed during winter months; this will help prevent frozen pipes. Remove vents in warmer months; this will assist in proper foundation ventilation.

Dryer Vents: Clean out your dryer vent on a regular basis, paying close attention to where to dryer vent exits.

Service Calls: Do not allow service personnel to make cuts/penetrations into the siding, these are to be made only by Rainshield Inc., otherwise voiding your warranty.

Routine Cleaning Instructions:

Mold/Mildew: Remove using a commercial mold/mildew remover. Consult your paint manufacturer’s recommendations before applying any mold or mildew remover.

Dirt/Debris: Siding wash is available at many hardware and home center stores. Using a long-handled brush, scrub the wash into the siding and then rinse immediately with a garden hose.

CAUTION: High-pressure washing systems can result in shortening the life of the siding and peeling the paint.

Filed under: Services, Siding, cleaning, homeowner, maintenance, prep, repair, Siding, todo, warranty

How To Clean A Composition Roof

Before we even begin, a word of caution:

If you want to clean and service the roof yourself, we can’t stress this enough: Be aware of the dangers of climbing on your roof, as roof maintenance and cleaning should always be performed by a competent person and done in a safe manner. Care must be taken to avoid falling accidents. Rainshield Inc. is to be held harmless of any homeowner accessing the roof deck, and the physical damages to homeowner and/or roof that may be associated from this advice.  However, if you prefer Rainshield Inc. to clean and service your roof, please call us when service is needed and we can quote you our current Service Call rates.

Over the years, we’ve compared DIY tips and word-of-mouth cleaning tips against our own service practices, and have found the list below to be a good recommendation on the best materials and techniques to use if you elect to clean a composition roof yourself.

Tips and Tricks:

Use a soft bristle broom to remove all the leaf and pine needle litter.

Use a garden hose to wash off debris, spraying down the slope.

If you have removed the debris and still see signs of Algae (brown or black discoloration), this is the recommended solution:

• Mix a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach, 3 parts water and a pinch pf Trisodium Phosphate. (TSP)
• Apply this solution gently to the surface of the roofing, being careful to avoid damage to other parts of the building and it’s surroundings.
• Avoid scrubbing as well as other physical contact with the roof because the friction may loosen and remove granules that coat the surface of asphalt shingles. Work with a ladder whenever possible, or use “walkboards.”
• Finally, rinse the bleach solution from the roof by gently spraying the surface with water.

Observe all possible safety precautions when working on or near the roof. Besides giving special attention to ladder safety, be advised that the solution application and rinsing process makes the surface of the roof slippery and therefore hazardous to walk on. Also, if you accidentally splash any plants, rinse them thoroughly.

CAUTION: High-pressure washing systems can result in removing granules and shortening the life of the roofing system.

Filed under: Roofing, Services, cleaning, repair, roof, Roofing, warranty

How To Protect And Maintain A Composition Roof

For our customers, it’s necessary for them to perform cleaning and maintenance to their composition roof twice per year to maintain the Rainshield Inc. Lifetime Warranty. Undoubtedly in the Pacific Northwest, the best times to even attempt this are Fall and Spring.

It’s necessary to maintain and clean your roof to maintain warranties. If you bought your composition roof from Rainshield Inc. and see any workmanship issues or concerns, it’s required that you call us, but you aren’t required to have us conduct your scheduled maintenance. However, if you prefer Rainshield Inc. to clean and service your roof, please call us when service is needed and we can quote you our current Service Call rates.

If you want to clean and service the roof yourself, we can’t stress this enough: Be aware of the dangers of climbing on your roof, as roof maintenance and cleaning should always be performed by a competent person and done in a safe manner. Care must be taken to avoid falling accidents. Rainshield Inc. is to be held harmless of any homeowner accessing the roof deck, and the physical damages to homeowner and/or roof that may be associated from this advice.

With that little caveat out of the way, here’s a list of the basic things you need to do to protect your investment:

1. Avoid unnecessary foot traffic.
2. If you allow servicemen to go onto the roof, advise them to be careful. Dropped tools, heavy equipment, etc. can damage the roof. Contact us to log all such trips.
3. Do not allow service personnel to make cuts or penetrations into the roof. These are to be made only by Rainshield Inc., otherwise your warranty will be void.
4. These are the basic maintenence tasks to be performed:
   1. Clear roof of all debris (Example: branches, pine needles, baseballs, rocks, leaves).  Debris tends to retard the shedding of water. Never allow tree branches to touch or rub against the surface of the roof. The mechanical action of this rubbing can literally wear grooves into the surface of the roof or can loosen the fasteners that hold them.
   2. Clean out keyways around chimneys and valleys.
   3. Clean out drains, downspouts and surrounding areas to promote proper drainage.
   4. Examine all metal flashings for weather damage. Make certain they are well attached and sealed. Any damaged or loose materials must be repaired by us.
   5. Clean out your dryer vent on a regular basis, paying close attention to where to dryer vent exits.
5. Call us with any areas of concern. Know, however, that a service call will be charged if we come out, inspect the roof, and find that everything is in working order, and no defects in workmanship are present.

We know, with just the minimal amount of attention, you’ll be enjoying the investment of a composition roof for years to come.  For those of you about to climb the ladder, we do have some helpful tips on Cleaning Your Composition Roof.

Filed under: Roofing, cleaning, contractor, homeowner, maintenance, repair, roof, warranty

12 Reasons to Choose Metal Roofing

Metal Roof

We’ve been posting a lot lately about roofing, and for good reason.  This is the time of the year, after all of the winter weather, homeowners realize there’s a problem with their roof.  Since we’ve been talking so much about it,  inevitably there was question on why we install metal roofs.  We also offer services installing wood, shake, composite, flat tile and slate; metal, however is fast becoming a favorite across the Northwest, and here’s why:

1. Metal roofing has grown in popularity due to its flexibility, visual appeal, color, value and performance.
2. Metal roofing offers low life-cycle costs and durability.
3. Metal roofing will not rot, crack, split, warp, creep, curl, chip, peel or erode.
4. Metal roofing lets you say good-bye to peeling and tattered asphalt shingles, broken tiles, and waterlogged wood shakes.
5. Metal roofing has superior snow, water and airborne debris shedding capabilities.
6. Metal roofing is light weight and offers structural savings for both new and re-roof applications.
7. Metal roofing can be installed over existing roofing (disposal of existing roofing can be difficult and costly).
8. Metal roofing is non-combustible: metal will not burn and virtually no maintenance is required.
9. Metal roofing is ecologically sound; you save frequent and costly re-roofing.
10. Integrated roof venting systems eliminates the need for unsightly vent hoods.
11. Metal roofing can be UL90-rated and stand up to gale force winds, the industry’s highest standard.
12. Metal roofing offers the designer look along with function, beauty and long-term economy.

We proudly install Nu-Ray metal products. Look at their entire line of products at  http://www.nuraymetals.com/

Know of more reasons?  Let us know in the comments?

Filed under: Roofing, Services

Why Clean Your Gutters?

I know, for those of you that have had us clean or install gutters before, it’s an easy question. At one point, you’ve all run the risk of any of these problems. For the new home owner or property owner, this list is as much of a warning reminder as confirming the dangers you’re already aware of:

1. Foundation Problems. When gutters and down spouts clog with debris, the water diverts to the roof or the house foundation.
2. Roof and Attic Moisture. Water backing up on the roof can cause moisture in the attic or crawl space. It can also cause interior leaks that you may think is roofing related. A check of the gutters is always a first step in roof leak calls.
3. Damage to the Sides of The House. Water backing up over the gutters can run down the side of the house, damaging fascia, siding and windows.
4. Pooling As A Breeding Ground. Water pooling around the foundation can cause foundation damage and moisture in the wood. This can lead to wood rot, but more likely (drumroll)….
5. Carpenter Ants. Carpenter ants nest in moist wood including rotting trees, tree roots, tree stumps, and logs or boards lying on or buried in the ground. They can also nest in moist or decayed wood inside buildings. Wood decay is caused by exposure to leaks, condensation, or poor air circulation. Nests have been found behind bathroom tiles; around tubs, sinks, showers, and dishwashers; under roofing, in attic beams, and under subfloor insulation; and in hollow spaces such as doors, curtain rods, and wall voids. Carpenter ants may also nest in foam insulation.

They damage wood by excavating and creating galleries and tunnels. These areas are clean, i.e. they do not contain sawdust or other debris, and are smooth, with a well sanded appearance.  The damage to wood structures is variable. The longer a colony is present in a structure, the greater the damage that will be done. If structural wood weakens, carpenter ant damage is severe.

An important method for preventing carpenter ant problems indoors is to eliminate high moisture conditions that are attractive to them. Also, replace any moisture-damaged wood.

Rainshield not only cleans gutters, we install a no-clog gutter system as well. This includes:

• Seamless Gutters / K-5 Style
• 2” X 3” Gutter Outlet
• 2” X 3” Aluminum Downspouts
• Hidden Clip System (not the traditional gutter spike, this allows for a stronger gutter application and reduces the possibility that the gutter will pull away from the roofline)
• Commercial Grade Sealants
• Perforated Aluminum Gutter Guard
• Drain-guard (leaf catchers)
• Ground Drain Cap/ Downspout Adapter

We give a lifetime warranty on the system, so you will not have to clean your gutters ever again.

Filed under: Gutters, Services

See Your Dream Home In 3D

A example of Digial Canal's Virtual Image

Something we’ve used in the field for some time, and have come to value on any remodel project, is the software Digital Canal Virtual Image. It’s another tool in the truck now to us, but our remodel clients are blown away with how we can come out to a home, open the laptop and design the project in front of them to more efficiently and accurately; also, the renders are amazing! We can design additions and an interior remodel that you can see before you decide what you want to do.

• We can create a 3-D walk-through before and after (complete with interior decor models)
• We can show before and after stills of exterior renovations.
• We can create permit approved plans of your final decisions.

This way, you can easily see window, siding, decking additions and renovations before they take place, get a visual of your ideas before committing to the job, and make changes… before they cost money.

It’s really the way all remodel jobs will be planned in the future, and it’s been one of the best experiences we could give the nervous homeowner on their first – or fiftieth – remodel! Video coming soon!

Filed under: Decking/Railing, Inside RainShield, Siding, Windows and Doors, design, remodel, remodelling, rendering, software