Home Weatherization & Energy Efficiency Procedures

Posted on June 21, 2011 by admin

There are many different procedures to weatherize your home. Some of the more common weatherization items are:

Duct-work: Poorly sealed duct-work can account for 20% of heat loss. By sealing supply and return air ducts, you can greatly improve a home’s efficiency by keeping conditioned air in the home. A mastic type product is used to properly seal old duct-work to make them air tight. Duct tape is not used since it is not suitable for this purpose.

Cracks, Gaps & Holes: In older homes, there are many places for air and water to leak in. This is especially true around doors, windows, pipes and wiring that penetrate the ceiling and floor. Depending on the size of the penetration or crack, products like spray foam, caulk, weather-stripping, door sweeps, and so on, can be used to help minimize infiltration.

Insulation: Proper insulation is necessary in walls, floors, and ceilings. Depending on the construction type and what is trying to be accomplished, both blown in type insulation and fiberglass batts can be used.

Recess Light Fixtures: These types of light fixtures, which are also called can lights or high-hats, leak large amounts of conditioned air into unconditioned attic space and also allow hot attic air to enter the home. It is necessary to air seal recessed lighting fixtures.

Water Heaters: Protect water heaters and pipes from corrosion and freezing. Install insulation jackets to water heaters that are located outside of conditioned space.

Fan Dampers: Install or replace dampers in exhaust ducts to prevent outside air from entering the house when the exhaust fan or clothes dryer is not in use.

Moisture Barriers & Flashing: Depending on the situation, install crawlspace moisture barriers, repair roofs, fix flashing or replace skylights and solar tubes.

Entry Doors & Windows: Depending on the situation, and the home construction, installing storm doors and storm windows and also new entry doors and windows can be beneficial.

HVAC Systems: Updating split systems with package units and re-do associated duct-work as needed.

Now is the perfect time to get you home ready for an Energy Efficient winter. Don’t wait for the cold weather to return, Contact Rainshield now for more information or to schedule a weatherization appointment.

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Seasonal Repairs & Home Improvements…

Posted on April 14, 2011 by admin

…Are Just a Phone Call Or a Click Away!

When you need an affordable handyman for a simple repair or a more complex home improvement, call the professionals at Rainshield Handyman Services. We can help you care for and preserve the value of your largest investment- your home.

A few of the services we offer:

  • Bathroom: Tile Repair/Replace
  • Carpentry: Interior and Exterior
  • Doors: Installation/Repair
  • Drywall
  • Electrical
  • Fencing
  • Painting
  • Remodel
  • Senior Safety: Installation of grab bard & handrails; wheelchair ramps

Click here to fill out our online contact form or call 877.349.8888 to schedule an on-site appointment today.

Posted in Decking/Railing, Gutters, Handyman, Roofing, Services, Siding | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Weatherization

Posted on April 4, 2011 by admin

Rainshield Inc. is dedicated to providing high quality Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Services. Our services include insulation of existing walls, attics, and crawlspaces, dense packing perimeters, water pipe and heat duct insulation translation, vapor barrier removal and replacement, air sealing of all chimney stacks, tub and chase ways, proper ventilation of attic area to allow appropriate air flow and reduce air ventilation. In addition, Rainshield offers services in Roofing, windows and siding. We can assess and identify the best solution for your home or office!

When it comes to saving energy, Rainshield Inc. is recognized by homeowners, landlords, utility companies and governmental agencies as a leader in pricing, quality, service and technology. We offer the latest weatherization and insulating products and services. By insulating, air sealing, and weatherizing with Rainshield Inc., you will make your home or office more comfortable, quieter and less expensive to heat or cool!

 

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Looking for new Siding..

Posted on March 27, 2011 by admin

If your ready to update the exterior look of your home, check out James Hardie siding products.
They offer a wide range of colors, textures and styles to get the right look for your budget; while giving your home the fire and moisture protection it needs.

Contact us today for a quote or to answer any siding questions you may have.

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Implement a roofing maintenance program and get “more bang for your buck”

Posted on March 17, 2011 by admin

A good roofing maintenance program will:
1) Extend the life of your roof
2) Contain or reduce repair costs
3) Provide more predictable use of your budget
4) Manage, insure or decrease liability

Extend the life of your roof:
The biggest benefit of a roofing maintenance program is that it extends the life of any roof 25-50% and occasionally 100%. The longer you can make your roof last, the more you increase your savings and lower the lifecycle cost.

Contain or reduce repair cost:
373 homes that had an aggressive roofing maintenance program, reduced costs by 60%.

Annual Roofing Expenditures
66% Decrease

Manage, insure or reduce liability:
BCPS Corp. engaged in a roof maintenance program and reduced leaks from 850 to 40 annually!

Contact us with any questions regarding our Roofing Maintenance Program Continue reading →

Posted in Gutters, Roofing, Services, Siding, Uncategorized, Windows and Doors | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Biggest cause of roofing problems?

Posted on March 9, 2011 by admin

While you would think that weather is the biggest cause of roofing problems, it is not. It is a big contributor, yes, accounting for 19% of all problems on roofs. But the biggest issues with every roof originate from one thing: human error.
The biggest problem with your roof is the fact that the industry is full of unskilled and untrained workers and even supervisors. 45% of all roofing companies are brand new, three years or younger.

And in that same period, 41% of all roofing companies went out of business.

As a home owner picking the right contractor makes a big difference

• Look for a company who has been around for at least 20 years. The harsh reality is 96% of companies don’t last 10 years.
• Do they self perform? Many of the larger companies subcontract jobs to smaller contractors; significantly increasing your risk of work performed by unqualified crews and contractors.
• Who do they employ? Do they screen for illegal immigrants? Do they check for drug use? Random drug testing reduces work related injuries by up to 51%.
• What about safety? 35% of all roofing companies have been fined by OSHA for safety violations in the last 12 months. Home Owners can be held liable by the plaintiff with awards exceeding 1 million.

Why Rainshield Roofing?
• Over 23 years in business
• Expertise in all major roofing systems
• Provide and install some of the highest rated materials and components including “green” materials
• The best trained teams in the industry
• Drug testing and background checks
• Fully licensed
• 1 million in insurance
• Service Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island and King Counties
• 24/7/365 Emergency Response
• In House Service Call Technicians
• Standard 3 day non-emergency response
• One number to call
• Effective, customer specific communications from beginning to end
• On schedule as promised
• 88% of new leads by referral
• Recycle 100% of waste
• Offer 365 Days No Interest Option

Contact us today for a free roofing inspection.

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*See us at the Home Show*

Posted on March 2, 2011 by admin

Now is a great time to start planning any remodeling or home improvements you may want to tackle this Spring.

Need inspiration?
Don’t miss the Whatcom County Home & Garden Show this weekend.
While you’re there be sure to stop by booth #228 to visit us.
We have plenty of ideas for roofing, decking, windows and doors.
Our highly trained techs will be ready to answer all of your questions regarding our services and the materials we carry that will suit your needs.

Not sure what condition your roof is in after the latest wind storm?
Make sure to sign up for a FREE 22 point roofing inspection. We’ll come out and inspect your current roof and let you know what shape it’s in.

Don’t worry if you won’t be making it to the home show this weekend. You still have an opportunity to get a FREE 22 point roofing inspection.
Just call our office or fill out the contact us form online
http://www.rainshield.net/Contactus.htm

Whatcom County Home & Garden Show
March 4 – 6, 2011. Held at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds in Lynden.
Friday March 4 ~ 10am – 8pm
Saturday, March 5 ~ 10am – 8pm
Sunday, March 6 ~ 10am – 5pm

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Need a New Roof? Think Metal Roofing.

Posted on May 25, 2010 by admin

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.

Posted in Roofing | Leave a comment

Is Ventilation Really That Important?

Posted on March 22, 2010 by admin

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.

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Keep The Best Siding On The Block

Posted on March 5, 2010 by admin

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.

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