Ferndale, WA (Christopher Huber, Recorder-Journal reporter) April 23, 2008
RAINSHIELD: company holds its own in tougher times
Emphasis is on quality and recycling

The recent housing market slowdown has affected plenty of residential construction-related businesses.  It hasn’t affected Ferndale-based Rainshield Roofing and Construction, Inc.

In fact, president Chuck Elashkar said, while some Whatcom County roofers, siders and window installers have cut entire work crews, Rainshield has not had to lay off any employees and is maintaining a strong workforce.

Elashkar said that although business is slower, Whatcom County residents are still seeking out quality roofers that offer good value.

The main focus of Rainshield is providing affordable roofing services to residential clients from Blaine to Seattle.  Most of their business comes from Whatcom County, Elashkar said, and about 30 percent of it is from contracts in Ferndale.

In addition to roofing, Rainshield has expanded to offer window installation, and decking and siding installation or repair, Elashkar said.

“We are finding a great need for siders,” he said.

With green building trends becoming more mainstream, Elashkar said the company, along with the industry, is proactively moving toward more environmentally friendly practices, such as recycling whatever they can, including fiberglass composite materials.

“Anything that’s recyclable, we’re recycling,” he said.
The average residential roof costs around $7,000, but Rainshield offers discounts for multiple-project contracts, like a combination of a new roof and window installation, Elashkar said.

Rainshield also works exclusively with “Low E” and Argon gas windows.  The combination of the low-emission glass and the gas between the two panes creates optimal energy bill savings, up to 40 percent lower, he said.  Argon acts as an insulator and helps hold in heat.

Elashkar said business has been tough, but by maintaining their quality product guarantees and investing in strong work crews, Rainshield has been able to keep business steady.

“We’re different.  We’re not the run-of-the-mill contractor,” he said.  “It’s these times that I think the guys that are ethical will prevail.”

For more information on Rainshield’s roofing, siding, decking or window services, visit www.rainshield.net, or call 1-888-858-ROOF (7663) to reach their Portal Way office.