Rainy Day Roofing & Exteriors

Rainy Day Roofing Earns Coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award

2010-06-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

Rainy Day Roofing Earns Coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Rainy Day Roofing has been awarded the prestigious 2009 Angie’s List Super Service Award!

The Super Service Award, now celebrating its 11^th year, is reserved for companies who have achieved and maintained a superior service rating on Angie's List – the nation’s leading provider of consumer ratings on local service companies – throughout the past year. Fewer than 5 percent of the companies on Angie's List meet the eligibility requirements to be considered for the award.

“Our Super Service Award winners are the cream of the crop when it comes to providing the best customer service,” said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List.

“We’ve worked hard to gain the trust of our customers, so it’s gratifying to receive this vote of confidence from Angie's List,” said Josh Hopewell, owner of Rainy Day Roofing.

About Rainy Day Services
Rainy Day Roofing began offering professional roofing and gutter services in 1999. A family owned business located in Allen, TX, their goal is to improve the community by providing professional repair, improvement, roofing and remodeling solutions for their residential and commercial clients. For more information please visit http://www.rainydayservices.com

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have maintained a total and overall grade of "A;" have received a minimum number of reports; and are NOT in the Angie's List "Penalty Box.”

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2009 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

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Angie’s List is where thousands of consumers share their ratings and reviews on local contractors and companies in more than 500 different categories. Currently, more than 1 million consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them find the right contractor or company for the job they need done. Members have unlimited access to the list via Internet or phone; receive the award-winning Angie’s List magazine, which includes articles on home improvement and maintenance, consumer trends and scam alerts; and they can utilize the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Get more information about Angie’s List at http://www.angieslist.com View the latest Angie's List News Releases in our Press Center and read Angie’s blog at http://www.angiehicksblog.com.

What Is This Customer Saying About Us?

2010-06-15T12:08:00.000-05:00

We just replaced this fence in Allen, Texas. It looks awesome! The cedar wood is pre-stained and is board-on-board. We used steel posts, which we then capped in cedar. We installed a 2'x6" pressure-treated bottom board, a 2"x8" cedar cap board, arched fascia trim, decorative corbels, and arched gates. She and her husband are very happy!

If you want the best looking fence in your neighborhood and you live in Allen, Plano, McKinney, Frisco, or the Dallas, Texas area, call Rainy Day Services at (866) 596-2030.

Patio Cover in Plano

2010-04-06T07:10:00.001-05:00

One project always seems to add to another, and this one is no different. After we installed a new patio slab, our customers needed a patio cover to enjoy their backyard. Here are some of the pictures of that project.
This process involved cutting into the roof to connect our new rafters to the existing rafters, installing a temporary post and connecting our new beam to the existing beam. Once those things were in place we installed our new rafters, decking, felt, and roll roofing. We made sure to create a good connection to avoid roof leaks. After that we installed the fascia, patio ceiling, gutters, and brick around the wood post. Finally, we painted the entire structure to match the home. The finished project looks great! If you or someone you know needs a patio structure, please call Rainy Day Services at (972) 747-7734.

New Concrete Patio

2009-11-22T08:00:00.002-06:00

After we converted our clients' patio to a new living space, they needed another patio. So here are the pictures of that project:

We installed form boards and set the rebar

The we poured the concrete.

If you need a new patio or want to extend your existing patio slab, call Rainy Day Services at (972) 747-7734 for a free estimate.

Patio Room Conversion

2009-11-21T21:17:00.003-06:00

This is a project we just completed. We converted the patio into an extra room. First we had to frame out two new exterior walls. Then we removed the sliding door that led from the living room to the patio. We installed a new metal exterior door in its place. We removed one window and created a cased opening to lead from the existing bedroom into the new space. We removed a bathroom window, framed over the opening, installed sheetrock, applied skip trowel texture in the bathroom to match, and installed a bathroom exhaust fan. In the new space, we sheetrocked all the walls, textured, installed baseboard, one window, a light fixture, and painted it. On the exterior we installed Hardiboard siding, a new storm door, and painted to match the rest of the siding.

CEILING FRAMING - NEW A/C DUCT, ATTIC ACCESS OPENING, LIGHT FIXTURE

RELOCATED ELECTRICAL, INSTALLED TEMPORARY OSB OVER DOORWAY

RELOCATED ELECTRICAL, EXTERIOR FRAMING, OSB SHEATING, AND NEW WINDOW

NEW HARDIBOARD SIDING, ELECTRICAL BOX, DOORWAY

TWO NEW EXTERIOR WALLS AND WINDOW

BATHROOM WALL - REMOVED WINDOW, FRAMED AND INSTALLED SHEETROCK, TEXTURED, AND PAINTED

NEW CASED OPENING FROM BEDROOM TO NEW SPACE

CASED OPENING IS TRIMMED OUT

CEILING SHEETROCK INSTALLED, TEXTURED PAINTED, AND TRIMMED OUT

EXTERIOR PAINTED AND STORM DOOR INSTALLED

NEW WALKWAY FROM EXTERIOR DOOR AT LIVING ROOM TO BACKYARD

REMOVED SLIDING DOOR, INSTALLED FRAMING, INSTALLED NEW EXTERIOR DOOR, NEW SHEETROCK, TEXTURED, AND PAINTED

If you are looking to create a new space or modify an existing one call Rainy Day Services today for a free estimate at (972) 747-7734.

Roof repair needed in The Colony Texas. This roof is worn out!

2009-09-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

This is a short example of a roof that needs some TLC. Due to its age, many nails are starting to poke up through the shingles. There has also been a lot of foot traffic and someone put a ladder on the roof which gouged several shingles. Now the roof is leaking and the decking has rotted out. Inside the room below, the sheetrock, insulation, and wood floors were ruined. If you haven't had roof maintenance performed in a couple of years, PLEASE DO IT NOW. Don't let it get this bad. If you need a reliable roofing contractor to help you out, please call Rainy Day Roofing & Exteriors at (866) 596-2030 or go to http://www.rainydayservices.com

Bad Gutter Installation in Allen, TX

2009-09-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Although these gutters are only a year old, they weren't installed right! The corners were sealed with latex caulking. This is a problem because the caulking doesn't bond well to the aluminum and these corners leak. If not repaired soon, the fascia (wood behind the gutters) will start to rot out. If you need gutters, make sure you go with a pro. Call Rainy Day Roofing & Exteriors at (866) 596-2030 or go to http://www.rainydayservices.com for more information.

What was this Denton Texas roofer thinking? What a mess!

2009-09-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm still not sure if this was a DIY gone wrong or a roofer who had "one too many". Either way, this is not right. You would think with all the tar they put on this vent that it would keep the water out, but nope, it still leaks. Don't get ripped off. Ask for pictures of the completed work before you pay for something (if you are unable to check it out yourself). If you need roof repairs or replacement, call Rainy Day Roofing & Exteriors at (866) 596-2030 or go to http://www.rainydayservices.com

Emergency roof repair for leaking chimney in Dallas Texas

2009-09-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, permanently repairing a roof is not an option. If it's raining most of the sealants used won't bond well to the shingles. In those cases, installing a tarp of felt paper is a good alternative. If you need plastic installed over your roof, call Rainy Day Roofing & Exteriors at (866) 596-2030 or go to http://www.rainydayservices.com

Old Rusty Gutters in Richardson Texas

2009-09-18T08:00:00.001-05:00

These gutters are the original galvanized gutters and they are in extremely poor condition. They are also not sloped correctly in a few areas causing them to hold water, leak, and damage the fascia and soffit. If your gutters look like this, you definitely need new ones. Call Rainy Day Roofing & Exteriors at (866) 596-2030 or go to http://www.rainydayservices.com

Roof leak in Plano Texas ruins ceiling and narrowly misses GRAND PIANO!

2009-09-17T09:32:00.001-05:00

This roof leak was caused by a "dead valley" - where a valley terminates directly into a wall. Since the flashing behind the wall was not installed correctly, the water was able to splash behind the wall and up and over the flashing. Then it traveled down the decking to the sheetrock where it caused the damage you can see. It also soaked the carpet and pad and missed messing up the piano by about 6"!

Call Rainy Day Roofing & Exteriors for a free roof assessment to make sure your house doesn't end up in this situation. 866-596-2030 or go to http://www.rainydayservices.com

Rain, Rain, Rain, and More Rain

2009-09-14T21:49:00.000-05:00

What at a crazy week it has been. It feels like we're living in Seattle...But that's the way Texas is. Hot one day, raining the next, cold the day after that, etc. I have to admit I like the rain, though.

We are all familiar with the saying, "Save your money for a Rainy Day". And what it really means is "Be Prepared" (the Boy Scott Motto).

So I'd like to make you aware of a PROPRIETARY SOLUTION TO YOUR ROOF LEAK PROBLEM:

The Do it Yourself Rainy Day Roofing Emergency Roof Leak Containment System:

If you have these components ready to go at the first signs of a leak, you can save yourself some serious money on interior repairs (i.e. sheetrock, insulation, carpet, wood flooring, etc).

On a serious note, If you do have a roof leak or sustained interior damage, please call us. We are happy to help you and will do a great job for you. Our estimates are free and we are just a phone call away. (866) 596-2030 or info@rainydayservices.com

New Roof Project in Plano Texas

2009-09-09T11:45:00.000-05:00

Check out this quick overview of one of our recent roof projects:

If you need a roof replacement estimate, please call us at (866) 596-2030.

More Shoddy Roofing Workmanship in Dallas, Texas

2009-09-02T22:09:00.000-05:00

We were asked to evaluate this roof in McKinney, Texas. The homeowner has received several conflicting statements about the condition of the roof. Unfortunately they were also taken advantage of by the roof repairman in the past. Check out this video:

Call Rainy Day Roofing for a FREE roof evaluation at (866) 596-2030 or go to www.rainydayservices.com

Shower Remodel in Plano, Texas - Completed

2009-08-26T21:18:00.005-05:00

The last component of this project was installed today. The shower door. Check it out! If you don't want to completely replace your shower or tub, but would like to update the appearance of your bathroom space, a new shower door may be just what you need.

I have also posted some additional photos of the shower project for you to look at.

Our customers are extremely happy with the finished product!

Call Rainy Day Services at (972) 747-7734 for a free bathroom remodeling estimate. www.rainydayservices.com

Shower Remodel in Plano, Texas

2009-08-21T01:05:00.005-05:00

Our clients in Plano called us with a situation that many people are facing. Their mother has been living with them for a while and she is beginning to have difficulty getting in and out of the bathroom. A few months ago we changed out the commode with a taller unit. This time around, though, we did something a little bigger.

We removed the tub, relocated the drain line, installed a pan liner with tile base, built a bench seat, installed soap and shampoo inset shelves, installed new faucet and removable shower head, and installed two handrails. The new brushed nickel shower door will be installed next week, but I wanted to show you what's finished so far.

Here you can see the 36" and 18" grab bars as well as the inset shelves.

This is a good shot of the bench. It is 18" deep and 18 1/2" high. Very convenient for someone who has difficulty moving around.

If your shower stall or tub isn't meeting your family's needs, please call Rainy Day for a free estimate. (972) 747-7734.

BATHROOM REMODEL IN GARLAND, TEXAS

2009-07-21T07:34:00.001-05:00

Our clients in Garland had a very small master bathroom and closet. Their goal was to enlarge both of them. So here's what we did. Removed the wall separating their bedroom and garage and built the closet out into the garage. We then removed the wall that separated their bathroom from the old closet and created a large bathroom. Since their electrical panel was in the closet, we had to relocate that to the outside wall. We then relocated the plumbing drain and water lines to so we could add a jetted tub, shower, and new vanity.

They purchased this free standing vanity with granite top. We installed it.

Here you can see the "wood" tile we installed.

We installed river rock around the tub and shower and a frameless shower panel. We relocated the electrical service, installed these light fixtures, and hung the mirror.

We built a "pony wall" to separate the commode from the rest of the bathroom. We installed tile to all the walls. We also added recessed shelving for storage. Access to the new bathroom is through a pocket door.

If you are ready to update your bathroom, call Rainy Day today for a FREE estimate at (972) 747-7734

New wood floors in Plano living room

2009-07-20T09:20:00.005-05:00

We just completed this project last week. Our clients had worn out carpet in their living room and dining room and they were ready for a new look. Our project consisted of removing the carpet, installing new engineered wood and shoe mold, and painting the walls.

One of the unique features in their living room was this fireplace built out volcanic rock. There was a concern about how the wood would be finished out around the hearth extension because it so uneven. Our wood installers did a great job and the fireplace is now more defined.

If you are ready to change out your floors or paint, call Rainy Day at (972) 747-7734 for a FREE estimate.

Hail Damage Dallas, Roofing Dallas, Roofing Allen, Roof Fort Worth, Ft Worth Roof, Missing Shingles

2009-04-22T13:58:00.000-05:00

Here is another quick video of what hail damage looks like. You will also see why many of the ridge (peak) shingles blew off the house when the last storm came through town. If your roof has hail damage, is missing shingles, or if you have a roof leak, call Rainy Day Roofing & Exteriors at (866) 596-2030 or visit the website at http://www.rainydayservices.com

Roofing Dallas, Hail Damage, Storm Damage, Roof Leak Ft Worth, Roofing Plano, Roofing Allen

2009-04-22T13:53:00.000-05:00

This video shows two conditions. One is what's called a "Dead Valley". A regular valley is a valley is where two slopes come together and the water runs down and dumps into your gutter or yard. Usually the volume of water can be compared to a small river...A Dead Valley doesn't drain off the roof. Instead it terminates (or dead-ends) into a wall. I still haven't figured out why the designers of some buildings though dead valleys were a good idea. Most of the time they aren't flashed correctly and water leaks occur. The solution can range from $500 to $1,000 depending on the size of the valley and the type of wall you have. Basically the bottom portion of the valley is removed as well as the bottom section of siding. Any metal flashing is also removed. A new section of metal valley flashing or self-adhesive roll roofing is then installed at the base of the valley and lapped up the wall approx. 18". This will ensure that water splashing up the wall will not get behind the flashing. The shingles and siding are then reinstalled.
The second part of this video shows what hail damage looks like. When hail hits your roof, it loosens the granules (little rocks) and cracks the asphalt. The granules are blocking the sun's UV light and over time, the absence of the granules will cause the asphalt to deteriorate. As the asphalt breaks down, the fiberglass mat is exposed and water will start to leak in. Some hail damage is severe enough that it will go through the shingles and the plywood and cause leaks right away. If your gutters have dings in them (or your car that you leave in the driveway does) there's a good change that your roof sustained hail damage too. Call Rainy Day Roofing & Exteriors at (866) 596-2030 for a free roof evaluation or visit the website at http://www.rainydayservices.com

Siding Repair, Dry Rot, Wall Repair, Painting, and Composite Siding in Plano and Dallas Texas

2009-04-22T13:36:00.001-05:00

We were asked to evaluate a siding repair at this house. As you will see in the video, dry rot has occurred in several areas. Since the owner is selling the house, the most cost-effective repairs are desired. One company recommend chiseling out all the dry rot and filling in the voids with Min Wax or some other substance. While filling the voids with Bondo or putty may work in some situations, we recommended replacing the FOUR main damaged sheets, on this house for two reasons: First, any filler that you use will not match the texture or appearance of the surrounding siding, plus the amount of filler needed on this project may end up costing more in labor alone! Second, the real estate transaction may fall through and the homeowner would end up having to repair it again. If something is worth paying for, shouldn't you expect quality? Otherwise you are just throwing money into the wind. I know it's hard to justify spending a lot of money (or even a little extra) on a house you are about to sell, but do you want to be the cussword in the new owner's house as he walks around and compains about all the cheap stuff you did? You know he'll tell all your neighbors (who you may keep in contact with after the sale) too. That would be awkward....My parents taught me to treat others the way I want others to treat me. I think the same thing goes for this kind of situation. Who knows, maybe the guy you're buying your next house from will put in a little extra effort to make sure you are getting a quality product too. If you need help with exterior repairs, call Rainy Day Roofing & Exteriors at (866) 596-2030 or visit the website at http://www.rainydayservices.com

Patio Concrete Slab Replacement and Repair in Fort Worth and Dallas, TX (Texas)

2009-04-21T13:38:00.002-05:00

One of our customers in Ft Worth (Fort Worth) Texas had a patio that sloped the wrong way. Every time it rained, water leaked into his house. Over time, his door frame rotted out and the baseboards and sheetrock inside sustained water damage. He hired us to remove the concrete slab, regrade the dirt to create a better slope, and install a new concrete patio slab. If your patio slab or driveway are not working properly and need replacement, call Rainy Day Roofing & Exteriors for a free estimate at (866) 596-2030 or visit the website at http://www.rainydayservices.com

Gutter Installation in Dallas, TX

2009-04-20T20:20:00.009-05:00

This is a quick overview of the Rainy Day Gutter System. To see it in more detail visit our website at www.rainydayservices.com or call Rainy Day Roofing & Exteriors today for a free gutter estimate. (866) 596-2030. We install roofing and gutters in Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Fort Worth, Arlington, Denton, and everywhere in between.

Wall, Siding, and Window Problem in Dallas, Texas

2009-04-20T11:50:00.006-05:00

If you live in a 2 story house and don't have a tall ladder, chances are there are problems you just don't know about. This video shows how water can penetrate into your house around an improper siding and window installation. It's hard to believe, but some installers take shortcuts! You can see that the siding does not connect properly along the side of the window. What's more is that the connection was never sealed, so now when it rains, water leaks in. Plus, the siding is starting to rot out. If you don't have a tall ladder, or suspect that you may have issues with your siding or windows, call Rainy Day Roofing & Exteriors for a free estimate to repair your siding at (866) 596-2030. Or visit them at http://www.rainydayservices.com

See What Causes Most Roof Leaks In Dallas, Texas

2009-04-20T08:52:00.002-05:00

Nine out of ten roof leaks are caused by the same thing - plumbing vent problems! Here's the situation: A roof is installed and the plumbing vent boots are replaced. (Plumbing vents are the PVC pipes that stick up out of the roof). After 3 to 4 years, the rubber boot around the PVC pipe begins to deteriorate, rot, crack, split, and wear out. The next time it rains water travels straight down the PVC pipe into the attic and the next thing you know there's a water stain on your bathroom ceiling. There are two ways to correct the leak. One is to seal around the PVC pipe where the pipe and rubber boot meet. This will work if the boot is not badly cracked or split. However, if the the rubber boot is in very bad condition it will need to be replaced. Sometimes, some of the shingles need to be replaced around the vent too. If you have roof leaks, call Rainy Day Roofing & Exteriors for a free estimate at (866) 596-2030. Or visit them at http://www.rainydayservices.com

Rotted Chimney Trim and Siding in Plano, Texas

2009-04-20T07:54:00.002-05:00

If your house has damaged trim or siding, you need to address it now. See how rotted chimney trim and improper siding installation can lead to roof leaks. Call Rainy Day Roofing & Exteriors for a free estimate to repair your chimney trim and siding at (866) 596-2030. Or visit them at http://www.rainydayservices.com

Bird Nest in Exhaust Vent

2009-04-20T07:53:00.002-05:00

The typical house has several exterior vents in the soffit (eave) or wall. These vents are used to exhaust the air out of the bathrooms and kitchen. Some houses have a fresh air vent for the fireplace. If your house has these vents, you definitely want to make sure that the vents have a proper cover installed. Vents without covers, screens, or louvers can allow birds to build nests and rats to climb in. Both of which can create a health hazard. Call Rainy Day Roofing & Exteriors for a free estimate to repair your vents at (866) 596-2030. Or visit them at http://www.rainydayservices.com

Shoddy Roof Workmanship Exposed

2009-04-17T13:21:00.008-05:00

This is a roof I looked at in Plano, Texas. The roofer used mix matched shingles on the entire house. Each slope has a different color and style. One slope actually has a mixture of two different shingles. Several shingles were torn around vents, some shingles are missing, nails are exposed and were not sealed, flashing was not done correctly around the chimney, and the ridge caps are not installed correctly. Unfortunately the homeowner is trying to sell his house and may end up replacing his roof again....The 2nd time in 6 months!

Dryest winter in north Texas since 1976

2009-03-16T08:52:00.003-05:00

Was watching the evening news and I was blown away but the little scrolling banner at the bottom during the weather. The New's said this is the driest winter in north Texas since 1976. I knew it was a dry winter since 2 bedroom and 1 bath room door where sticking and not latching properly. About 3 years ago I had a tree removed that was about 3 ft from the foundation in that area, it was approx 45-50 ft tall. The tree people told me that I had to remove the tree because it was causing the foundation to lift and causing the doors to not close properly. Now that trees roots are rotting and the foundation is settling back down and the dry winter was also not helping. Seems the foundation settled down too much; however the recent rains have swelled the the dirt and the foundation in the troubled area is now it the proper position. The solution it would seem is to either have foundation piers added or try the low tech and low cost alternative of soaker hoses. Soaker hoses, placed in the right area and setup with a timer that will water the affected area and keep the moisture level at an even keel. Too wet or too dry and the doors close or will not latch properly. I may wind up needing foundation piers in the end but I will try the low tech solution first. The trick is going to be keeping the area from getting too wet this spring, I am also going to add gutters and use the downspouts to push the water away from the affected area so I can control the moisture level at the foundation at as much of a constant as possible. I am going to add a flower bed with about 4 inches of mulch to help keep the moisture in the dirt and hide the soaker hoses. Now the hoses will be dual-purpose, water the flowers and the foundation.
So if you see cracks in your bricks or sticking doors and windows, you may be suffering the affects of the north Texas soils. Swells when wet and shrinks when dry, or I like to call it the bucking bronco dirt. An architect I know told me the dirt here can move as much as 18 inches, I thought 6 to 8 inches at most. If you have the same issues as I am having you can add gutters and try the low tech solution but keep in mind you may need piers added to your foundation.

Spring cometh and with it, come siding and painting.

2009-02-26T13:10:00.004-06:00

The weather here is just like spring, it reached 86 degrees today. Correspondingly, I have seen an increase in requests for siding repair and exterior painting. This is to repair the damage of winter or winters and summers past, the Texas sun is hard on paint and the rains can do a number of the siding as well.

Due to this increase in requests I though it a good idea to explain some of the ins and outs of siding repairs and painting.

First we will discuss siding.
During the late seventies, all the eighties and even early nineties, siding was mostly a product called Masonite. There have been a large number of class-action lawsuits against the manufactures as it rots anywhere it was cut or had a nail put in it. Now do not get me wrong, I have it on my house and it is just fine. I am lucky as I keep my well painted and it is mostly in dry areas. I have seen it so bad, we had to replace or overlay all the old siding with new siding or cover it with vinyl siding.

So if you have Masonite and need repairs what are your options.
1. Repair the areas affected with any product you can get hold of that has the same or a similar style and profile. Cover the damage with trim if possible, IE Hide it.
2. Replace or overlay the entire siding with a new siding product.

Repair is usually the cheapest and can be at best a temporary fix. Sometimes it is impossible to find the profile of your current product in the exact size and shape. This can lead to the patched look or a quilt pattern look. But lets not forget to address the actual cause of the siding/trim rot. Was it water from a sprinkler aimed improperly, was it water from the roof ? Can adding gutters help? Can adding proper drainage help? This questions are the same for replace or overlay.

Replace or overlay works like this, repair the damaged or missing siding with OSB board, then overlay that with optional foam insulation sheets. This allows you to get insulation where there is none or add to what you already have. Once the areas are repaired and the optional insulation is applied you can overlay them with the new siding product.

This begs the question, what do I replace it with that will not rot?
The simple answer is with a concrete fiber board from James-Hardie. It does not rot, holds paint like a dream and is easy to install. Comes in a wide variety of styles and profiles for siding and trim. The only complaint I have it that it does not have profiles for some of the more popular Masonite profiles and thus cannot always be used for a seamless repair of the Masonite sidings. Now is James-Hardie the only concrete fiber board? No, there are others but they invented it and therefore are the best at it.

Vinyl siding never needs painted, it can be cleaned with a garden hose, it is weather and rot proof. It can even be installed with insulation in it or under it, to add more R-value to help with the raising cost of electricity.

There are other siding products out there and you may find they work better with your type of home or installation. Louisiana-Pacific makes several products they claim are better than the concrete fiber board, but they are still too new to really have been time an weather tested.

Now we can talk about paint.
There are too many companies out there that make paint, so pick the one your father used and stick with them. Not all paint is created equal, but there are things to look for. Warranty, company name, BBB complaints and quality. Sears has a good name for paint and so does Sherwin-Williams. If the quality of the paint is good, it will last, right? Wrong, if the surface is not prepared properly to accept the paint; and he paint is not applied properly, then you will not get the years out of the paint warranty and it will fade, chip or peel.

The proper preparation includes these steps:
Pressure wash surface to be painted - This removes dirt, grim and any loose bits of paint.
Scrap the areas that the bits of paint came of off and prime them. (This step take time)
Replace any bad siding, wood or trim, caulk it in and prime it. (some products come pre-primed)
Tighten up any loose boards, trim etc.
Remove and re-caulk all areas where the caulking failed.
Make sure temperature and humidity are right, not to hot, not to cold, not to humid.
Now you can paint and the paint will hold and last. Never thin your paint.

Spraying VS Brush and roller.
Spraying gives a nice even coat and with modern latex paints and with the right sprayer, this works great.
Brush and Roller in the right hands give a nice even coat, and can have the added benefit of "working the paint onto the surface". (The repeated brushing back and forth or in different directions to "work the paint" onto the surface.) This way often uses more paint thus you get a thicker coat. It is better, it really depends on who does the job and what type of material you are painting. Two coats of sprayed on paint work just as one coat of brushed in most cases.

What type of paint should I use?
Flat or Satin?
Flat can be chalky or have a white film of powder on it over time and may not repel water as well as Satin. Satin is the best paint, as it is washable and will repel water better than a flat paint.

Saving Energy

2009-02-25T11:17:00.004-06:00

I just got this months National Geographic magazine in the mail and wow was I blown away with this article titled "Saving Energy". I have blogged and written a couple of nice presentations about ways to save money, but this really hit home. I am on the right track with my presentations and the suggestions contained therein.
Click the title to read the National Geographic article on the web.

Here are some simple facts from the article:
A gallon of gas adds 19.6 lbs of CO2 to the atmosphere
A Kilowatt-hour of electricity adds an average of 1.5 lbs of CO2
100 cubic feet of natural gas adds 12 lbs of CO2

The average American household produces 150lbs of CO2 a day

We really can save the planet by simply using less or making the most out of what we have by using it more efficiently. If we will commit to changing our life style a little, spending a few dollars to upgrade or replace worn out appliances. Replacing old style light bulbs with CFL's etc. We can reduce our carbon foot print as families and then as a nation. All of the ideas and suggestions presented in the article and my presentations will pay for themselves in time. You spend some now, but you will get it back later as the savings pile up. The real payoff is the reduction you will make to your CO2 output per week, per month and per year.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single small foot step. May we all take small steps toward our goal, each one reducing our CO2 footprint and saving the money to pay for the next step.

Spring will soon be in the air and the trees will bloom.

2009-02-18T09:26:00.007-06:00

When the trees in Texas bloom, so do the allergies. Your nose runs and your eyes water and you get the ladder out to clean the gutters. You maybe asking what one has to do with the other. The answer is the amount of leaf bud casings, flower debris, twigs and leafs that will soon fill up and clog your gutters after a spring storm. The pollen from the trees is bad enough, to add insult to injury the trees will shed twigs and all manner of debris onto your roof and this will wash into your gutters every time it rains.

To treat the allergies see your Doctor, to treat your gutters, call us. At Rainy Day Services we offer gutter repair, installation, cleaning and three ways to stop your gutters getting clogged with tree debris. Any of which can be retro-fitted onto your existing gutters, no need to replace your perfectly good gutters just to add leaf protection.

The three ways to stop debris getting into your gutter are:

If you have gutters you know how valuable they are at keeping you home and foundation dry. You also know the joys of cleaning them out and that there is no need to have to do that chore anymore with any one of the above products.

But why do I need gutters on my home? You may ask.

FOUNDATION PROTECTION – Limits the movement of active north Texas soils underneath the foundation by controlling the amount of water that enters at the foundation base.
MOISTURE CONTROL – Keeps crawl spaces and garages, dry and free from conditions that support mold and wood rot.
PROTECT BACK-FILL – Top soil around the foundation is the weakest link in the foundation moisture control, preventing soil erosion can prevent foundation shift.
SHIELD WINDOWS DOOR AND SIDING – Most durability issues arise from water intrusion though windows, doors and siding. With gutters you can direct water flow away from sensitive areas and protect your home.
PROTECT PLANTS AND SHRUBS – Standing water in flower beds can kill your plants and promote plant disease.
PROTECTS POOLS – Keeps unwanted debris from entering into the pool.
PREVENTS SPLASH BACK – Gutters help keep siding and masonry clean by preventing splash back of dirt and grass or other items that can stain or grow mold. It also keeps the rain water off the siding which can rot or crack.
DECORATIVE DETAIL – Gutters come is a wide variety of styles, colors and metals which can add pleasing detail while still being functional.
RAINWATER COLLECTION – Collecting rain water is the simplest “Green” way to water you lawn and is easy and inexpensive. Gutters help you to concentrate the water to rain barrels or other storage medium.

The number one reason people call us for a cutter installation, is their foundation company recommends it to help keep the foundation moisture level stable. Thus the doors stop sticking and the cracks do not reappear around doors and windows.

The number two reason is leaf protection, for the gutters they already have.

Some houses have gutters from the builder, but only on the front and back. Sometimes even this is just part of the front and part of the back. We can add only to the parts that do not have gutters and will customize your gutter system to fit your homes needs and budget.

We have 21 colors to choose from and we do copper. We do the standard OG gutters and 1/2 round gutters, we do square downspouts and round downspouts. There are even a number of very nice decorative elements available to make your gutters stand out from the crowd. Call us today for your free gutter estimate, designed by proven professionals. 866-596-2030

Want to add more light, without electricity??

2009-02-16T10:20:00.005-06:00

Do you have an interior room that needs more light, but you do not want to use electricity to get that light? No where or way to add windows?

There are 2 alternatives open to you:
Sky light
or
Solar tube
Both are simply a special window on the roof that lets in light.

The Sky Light is a great addition to a large interior room but is needs an attic or vaulted ceiling, with the roof above to work. Sky lights are great for single story buildings or for adding light to a room upstairs. They can be a messy addition, and not always energy friendly. You may need to get a structural engineer involved to add a large sky light and or move the HVAC system in your attic to make room for it. Sky lights can be the standard bubble type or the flat type, they can open for fresh air or even have shades to block light as needed.

The Solar Tube is a great addition to a large interior room, however it does not need much attic space and can be run through a second story closet to light up a first floor room. The solar tube is a shiny metal tube (middle) with a small glass dome at the top and a diffuser (lens) a the bottom. The sun light enters through the dome, reflects on the shiny metal tube, and exits through the diffuser to add the warn glow of natural light to your room. There are add-on kits that can damper the light as needed, allow the venting of fresh air or even have a bulb to allow for light at night. They come in various sizes and depending on the area to be lighted you can have several without much mess. In fact they often only take a few hours to install and the dust and mess are a bare minimum.

Solar tube facts:

It provides exceptional lighting. The light output is incredible, providing as much light as you would expect from a skylight many times its size.
It is cost-effective. Tubular Daylighting Devices (AKA TDD) cost considerably less than other daylighting options, such as windows and skylights, including both product and installation costs.
Installing it is fast, clean and easy. They require no structural reframing, tunneling, drywalling or painting. A professional can install the product in less than two hours.
It can go almost anywhere. The compact and flexible design of TDDs allow them to be installed in just about any room, including rooms without direct roof access and smaller spaces where daylighting would usually not be an option.
It is “Green.” TDDs allow you to switch off electric lights during the day, which provides savings on energy bills and also reduces environmental pollution.
It is actually good for you. It has been shown in several prominent studies that increasing daily exposure to natural light can enhance mental and physical well-being, boost concentration and energy levels and a variety of other unexpected perks.

The best option is which ever one fits your needs and home the best. I have a sky light in the master bath and want to add the tube light in the living room. You may need one or the other, or as in my case both.

Some companies make both sky lights and solar tubes, we install both and have qualified installers for all major brands. We can replace your broken or cracked bubble sky light, or can change it to flat sky light. We can install the solar tube even if there is a 90 degree turn, and still get you that true natural light you need. We are a complete roofing and remodeling company.

Call today for your free estimate and start enjoying natural sun light in your home, like you never thought possible. Rainy Day Construction Services866-596-2030

Severe Storm Season is Fast Approaching

2009-02-11T06:21:00.005-06:00

The large storm system that moved across North Texas last night is another reminder how powerful Mother Nature is. It's also pretty cool how advanced technology has become. My wife and I were watching the weather report at 9:40pm. We started hearing the tornado sirens and the news reporter said the storm was going to hit us in Allen at 9:48. He showed the rotating winds icon on the weather map and it looked like it was coming straight for us. We got our 3 little kids out of bed and carried them downstairs to the most interior part of our house. We closed all the nearby doors and sat and looked at each other. The wind started picking up and we could hear the rain beat against the windows. So that the children wouldn't be scared, we began singing church songs. After a while the storm died down and a little after 10:00 I went and looked out the windows and turned the news back on. They showed the storm had passed by us and was heading next to Wylie.

I'm thankful my family was safe last night. And I'm glad our TV reception didn't go out (we just switched from Direct TV to AT&T U-Verse).

I'm also glad we had the ability to see the storm approach and had plenty of warning to prior to the event so we could take action.

These storm systems are nothing new - they happen every year. But I would encourage us all to not get lazy about heeding the warnings. Property can be replaced if damaged, but the important things like family and our health/ safety cannot. So, as we enter this stormy season keep your eye on the weather, keep your family close by, and take action when action is needed. And by the way, if you did sustain damage last night or want to be proactive and have your roof checked out - call a professional.

Announcing Flooring Show Rooms.

2009-02-10T08:41:00.003-06:00

We are proud to announce we have teamed up with Dal-Tile and ProSource to provide a complete flooring solution to our customers. We now have several professional showcase centers to provide you the best service and selection of porcelain tile, ceramic tile, natural stone, wood, engineered wood, laminate, carpet, custom area rugs, vinyl and granite countertops.

Dal-Tile for Tile & Stone
PLANO Location
1300 E. PLANO PKWY#APLANO, TX 75074
(Plano Pkwy & Ave K)
M-F 7:30AM-4:30PM
(972) 578-1600

McKINNEY Location
2010 REDBUD BLVD #200MCKINNEY, TX 75069
(Redbud & 380)
M-F 7:30AM-4:30PM
(214) 726-0143

DALLAS Location
2320 LBJ FRWAY #100DALLAS, TX 75234
(635 & I-35)
M-F 9AM-5:30PM Sat 9-2
(972) 484-0334

ProSource for all Types of Flooring & Granite Countertops
ALLEN
25 Prestige Circle
Allen, TX 75002
(Just north Bethany & Greenville)
M,W,F 8AM-5PM
T, Thurs 8AM-7PM
(972) 521-5115x304(Thomas Darnell)

CARROLLTON
3361 Boyington
Carrollton, TX 75006
(Keller Springs & Midway)
M,W,F 8AM-5PM
T, Thurs 8AM-7PM
(972) 250-4040x202 (Marian Hodges)

You do not need an appointment at any of the showcase centers. However it would be a better shopping experience, if they know you are coming and so you can have a professional products specialist there ready to answer all your questions. Just let them know you are working with Rainy Day Construction Services when you call and when you arrive. If you would like a Rainy Day sales representative to be there, or to help you set an appointment, just call our office at 866-596-2030 and we will be glad to assist you in anyway we can.

Once you have picked out your new flooring we can have of professional installers, install your new floor. We are licensed, insured and BBB rated excellent. Our installers are trained in the best installation pratices of each flooring type, so your floor will last and retain its beauty.

Thanks again for choosing Rainy Day Construction Services. We look forward to working with you.

It is getting close to that time of year...Foundation Vent Covers

2009-02-06T10:35:00.003-06:00

Do you hate having to remove the foundation vent covers off your house each spring and install them again each winter?

If you have a Pier and Beam home you will have foundation vents, most are designed to have a cover placed over them in the winter. This prevents the cold air from blowing under your house and making the floors cold or let in drafts. I have noticed that some people do not cover theirs and wonder way the floors are so cold or the heating bill is so high. Others would like to cover theirs but cannot find the covers or the bolt is missing to thread the cover on with.

In either case this new product will solve all your foundation vent issues. It is an automatic vent that needs not power to open and close. It uses a Bi metal coil, that opens and closes the vent without electricity. When the temperature reaches 70 Degrees F, the vent is opened fully to provide fresh air intake. When temperature drops to 40 Degrees F, the vent closes to conserve energy and protect pipes. It has a bug screen to keep out wasp, etc and a large attractive screen to keep out rodents. See picture below.

It installs into the wood, metal or brick skirting around the Pier and Beam foundation.

This little 8x16 inch beauty ends the need to install or remove the foundation vent covers and the hassle of remembering where you stored them. Have them installed today and check that twice yearly chore off your list.

It's Been 10 Years for Us Now

2009-01-31T14:00:00.005-06:00

Well, it's hard to believe that 10 years ago my wife and I started Rainy Day. When we first began, we offered gutters, home repairs, and home inspection services. Within a year or so we started replacing roofs. As we grew and received more feedback from customers it became clear to me that we were not diversified enough. I felt that most of my customers didn't want to have to make multiple phone calls to unknown companies every time they wanted to start a new project around their home or office. I saw an opportunity to better serve our customers. So I decided to hire capable crews in a variety of specialties.

We now have a very nice portfolio of projects we can complete for our customers. Roofing, gutters, painting, fences, drywall, concrete, remodeling, brick & stone, patio covers, arbors, windows, doors, build-out; the list gets bigger every year. It's important to note, though, that although we have expanded our offerings, we still focus on the core business of providing quality service and keeping our customers happy. We must do a good job at this because we grow consistently every year from referrals as well as repeat business. Last year alone we completed close to 900 projects. We also became an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor and have earned an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau.

I read a study recently that said according to the Small Business Administration about 96% of contractors go out of business within the 1st 2 years of starting. The other part said that 80% of the customers who filed complaints regarding home improvement companies had gone with the CHEAPEST BID. These are scary statistics! I wonder if there is a correlation????

Imagine how many people have been laid off recently who are considering starting a home improvement company. All they really need is a truck and hammer right? Sure, they can do the work cheap because they have no overhead (like insurance). They may not be in a position to pay their suppliers and crews on a timely basis (which could result in liens being filed against your property). They can underbid everyone in town because they are working for their survival - not to provide a lasting solution to your problems. They may be thinking that as long as they can bring in some money until they get a "real job" they're fine.

Now, some of these people will have a high quality of skill, no doubt about it. And some will be the nicest folks you'd ever meet.

But here's the critical question: Why make someone's survival your problem?

Do you really want to allow someone into your home (or business) who is still going through the learning curve? A major reason businesses fail within the 1st 2 years is because of the huge "learning curve" that they go through. Issues like forgetting to include materials or labor charges in estimates, under-estimating taxes, not knowing what to do if an unforeseen circumstance arises, figuring out how to do a particular type of project, etc. Sometimes it takes time to work out the kinks. Do you really want your home (or business) to be the guinea pig?

And even if everything goes smoothly, what happens when the owner of the company finds a "real job" and you begin to have questions or problems. It may take a while to get someone out to your property because they can only come after they get off work. Or worse yet, consider the possibility that you can't get in touch with them. Now you're stuck.

We've all read stories about homeowners who paid money to have work done that either didn't get done or was done incorrectly, and we've all said at one time or another, "I'd never let that happen to me." As 2009 progresses and you are inundated with enticements from "part-time contractors" I hope you will remember that price alone should not be your only consideration. There is great value in working with companies that take care of their businesses, their employees, and most importantly their customers.

I hope you have a great 2009 and I look forward to helping you solve your problems.

Josh Hopewell

Want to save money on electricity costs?

2009-01-30T11:10:00.003-06:00

The are several ways if you click on the link in the title of this article you will get a to the point PDF of ways to save on electric use.

The main way to save is to use less, this is true of anything. Well compact flourescent light bulbs are getting cheaper and there are tons of CFL calculators out there on the web that can show you the ROI (Return on Investment) of purchasing and using CFL's. Lowe's sells a 7 pack that with tax is less than $10. In less than 1 year these bulbs will pay for themselves in electricity saving and after that is just savings. Pure saving is what going green is all about, we are saving money, saving the environment and most of all saving the future for our children.

There is another article on the blog about fire safety, it is worth a read an may save you more than money, it may well save your families life.

Try these educational/informational items about attics & insulation, windows, gutters and roofs.
If you find these items helpfull please post your comments and if you have additional ideas I would love to hear them.

My direct email is James@rainydayservices.com.

Ever wanted to hide your boring Vent-a-Hood?

2009-01-30T10:54:00.005-06:00

Ever wanted to hide your boring Vent-a-Hood cover over your cook top?

Well a client did and she gave us her design idea and we built it. It is on hinges so it can flip up for easy access to the control knobs or for cleaning

It looks great and was exactly what she wanted. If you can dream it, we can build it.

This was a fun project and really it is what we do. We have fun while helping people with projects large or small. It brought a huge smile to her face to see her idea built and work just like she wanted it to. Call us today if you have a dream or home improvement idea that needs fulfilled.

Fire safety tips and making your home a safer place.

2009-01-27T09:31:00.009-06:00

I recently attended a fire safety workshop and was amazed at how little I knew about fires and smoke detectors. I have listed some of the basic facts I learned and some links to get more information; this is to help you research the best ways to protect your family in the event of a fire.

1. Have a escape plan and designated meeting place and practice the plan. Here is a link to a grid sheet you can use to draw your floor plan to help you plan your escape routes. Once you have the plan review it once every 3 months. Have practice runs to make sure everyone knows the plan and can follow it. If you have a two-story home you will need two sheets and you may want to invest in a escape ladder or two.
2. Did you know there are several type of fire detecting devices? I was unaware that there are different types of smoke detectors for different types of fires. Most likely you only have one type in your home and you may not have enough units. I have an older home and when I bought it it only had one smoke detector in the hall and it was the ionic type. I have since added several more smoke detectors. You need more than one smoke detector in your home. I have one in the hall, one it the kitchen and one in the garage. Recently built homes have one per bedroom and one per major common area.
3. Replace your smoke detector if it is older than 6 years old, as this is all the manufactor usually warranties them for. If it is less than 6 years in age, vaccum it out to make sure it is dust free. This is a good to do every 6 months when you change the smoke detector batteries. I do this when we set the clocks forward or backward for daylight savings time. Be sure to dispose of your used batteries properly as a used battery will still have some power in it and can be the cause of a fire. Check with your cities trash pickup and they will inform you of the best way to recycle or dispose of household batteries.

The first and most common is the "Ionic" smoke detector, it detects small and invisible ionized smoke particles from fast burning fire or my wifes cooking. This one is the most common and all builders install them per local construction code.
Second is the "Photo Sensitive" smoke detector, it detects large dark smoke particles. Like from burning plastic, carpet or furniture; anything made from an oil-based synthetic fiber/material. Slow burning or smoldering fires make this type of smoke and the ionic does a very poor job or sensing these types of fires if at all.
Third is the "Heat Sensor" which detects heat at 135 degree farenhieght and then sounds an alarm. This detects the heat from a fire but not the smoke, however if used in conjunction with the above 2 types of smoke detectors, you should be covered in any type of fire and or heat generating event.
Fourth is not really a fire safty device but I like the idea of covering all the bases. This is a combo carbon-monoxide and explosive gas detector. Even if you have an all electric house the carbon-monoxide detector is a good idea.
Fifth is to be able to fight the fire if you see it in the small stages, but remember you can replace stuff but not people. Get out and call the fire department from a neighbors home. The added protection of a A-B-C type fire exstinguisher is a inexpensive and smart addition to your home. I have several, one in the master bedroom, one in the kitchen (where most fires start) and one in the garage. I keep a baseball bat by the bed as well, it works for burglars and smashing windows to escape the house if needed.
Sixth is there are several options to power the above listed detecting devices. There is 110 volt, batteries or a combination of both. 110 volt is wired to the house electric supply or plugged into an outlet. The battery is great if you do not have the wiring, but you must remember to change it before it dies. The best is the combination, you can get the security of the electric grid and the backup power of the battery if the power fails.

Try this link to Kidde website for more information and products. They have detailed information on all the lastest fire safety products and even ladders for the second floor windows.

Keep in mind that the fire rarely is the killer, neither is the smoke. What kills most people is the lack of oxygen, the fire uses up all the oxygen and and you expire. You need oxygen to live and so does a fire, if you are asleep and the alarm does not go off. Because you have the wrong type of detector for the type of fire or you forgot to change the battery; you are going to be a statstic. Be sure to protect yourself and your family, in as many ways as possible. Let us hope and pray we never have to use any of the above suggested equipment.

Based on this new found knowledge, I have purchased and installed, dual ionic and photo-sensitive smoke detectors and heat detectors for the hallway and kitchen. I also purchased a dual carbon-monoxide, explosive gas wall plug in detector and placed it in the hall where the gas water heater and gas furnace are. I also purchased a new larger A-B-C fire exstinguisher for the kitchen. I did not get any escape ladders since I have a 1-story ranch style home. This was small investment less than $300, for peace of mind and a good nights sleep.

I visited with an person from the insurance industry and she was unaware of the above information, but did have 4 more tips for help you stay safe in your home.

Never leave home with the clothes dryer running.
Unplug your coffee maker, never leave it plugged in.
Unplug your toaster, never leave it plugged in.
Last but not least, is not a fire safety tip but insurance claim tip. Purchase a simple water detector ($12-$25) at Home Depot and place it in the pan at the base of your water heater(s) and the lower pan of your HVAC system(s). This will alert you if your water tank is leaking or your primary drain pain line is plugged.

The items above are the most common claims the insurance industry gets in relation to fire and water leaks, with the exception of roof leaks.

What projects or improvements get me the most return?

2009-01-26T09:00:00.003-06:00

What remodel projects or home improvements get me the most return on my investment?

The big three are:

Kitchen
Bath(s)
Painting (Exterior and Interior)

I would like to suggest, in this day and age of high energy costs, also from a buyers point of view, some additional items be added to the list. These are things I like to see or know about having been replaced in a used home with some age (over 5 to 7 years old). I can find no studies to show stat's on these, but I would feel more comfortable purchasing a home that had these items new, than one that had these items old/older.

Water Heater
HVAC System
Carpet
Roof & Gutters

When they get a used car ready for the lot, they replace the tires if needed, always clean the oil off of the engine, detail the interior and wax the exterior. But are the motor and transmission sound (strong), are the miles on the odometer the real miles, and does the air blow cold in the summer and hot in the winter?

When people get a used house ready for the market, they often paint the exterior and interior, clean or replace the carpets and spruce up the flower beds. You get an inspection that says everything seems to be working. But how old and inefficient is the water heater, the HVAC system or the roof? Is the new carpet of good quality and are the shingles on the roof in good shape? Does this house need gutters and are they properly installed?

Keep all your receipts and manuals to prove the recent replacement of a water heater, HVAC, roof or gutter system. These items will help the buyer to know you cared for your home and rest assured that the systems are new/ or "newish" and what brand and quality were installed.

My Grandma always shopped at Sears. She said, "I never mind paying more for quality, it saves me money in the long run." She was a wise lady and taught me that sometimes to save/make money you have to spend money. Going with the cheapest estimate is not always the best way to choose a contractor for these improvements. Check how long they have been in business and make sure they are going to still be around if you have issues. Are they licensed and insured? See if they have a BBB rating, check with the local chamber of commerce. For a list of other things to check before choosing your next contactor click here. I talk to hundreds of people each year and most have a horror story to tell, either first hand or second hand of some underhanded contractor.

Tell us your story, good, bad, or ugly. Change the names to protect the innocent and if we like you tale we may use it in our newsletter.

Cost of electricity getting you down?

2009-01-23T09:20:00.003-06:00

Cost of electricity getting you down?

Then tame the beast, put your home on an electricity diet. You can reduce your homes electricity consumption if you download this PDF file from Rainy Day Services. There are several inexpensive ways shown to cut your electricity consumption. The main ones are switching from incandescent to fluorescent bulbs. Lowes has them on sale 7 bulbs for $9.00+tax. They save on electricity and pay for themselves, after that you are in the $aving$ Zone. Unplug or power off all unnecessary or less often used items, such as cell phone chargers, laser printers, monitor's, PC's, VCR's, DVD's and video games. All these items are either electricity hogs or vampires, using a small amount of electricity but added togther can really add up. Replace your thermostat with an electronic one that is programmable so when you are not home you are not heating and cooling the house as much, thus using less electricity. Check out the TXU website for a host of ideas. Saving electricity can be as simple as lowering the temperature in the house in the winter and raising it in the summer. I use every idea I can find and have found that average billing helps to keep those "surprise large electric bills" to a more modest sum I can handle each month. If you have other suggestions or web sites that can really save the green by going green, let us know.

Ever come home to ankle deep water on the floor?

2009-01-22T08:56:00.005-06:00

Have you ever come home to ankle deep water on the floor? If you have you will never let a few dollars stand in the way of that happening again. This time bomb that I am referring to is your clothes washer. The hot and cold water supply hoses that come with the unit when you bought it are usually black rubber like the one below. The rubber variety only cost about $4 each and can stretch and get a bubble in them (like on the Tom and Jerry cartoons) and then it can and will burst, if not replaced. If you are not home when this happens you will come home to ankle deep or deeper water, a large water bill, an insurance claim and about 6 to 8 weeks of clean up and disruption of your life. There is a simple way to lessen the chances of this happening and it only costs about $40 for the pair of metal braided hoses (silver ones below). You can install them easily yourself or call a professional.

The simple way to prevent this is to replace the hoses that come with the new washer, like I have done, with the braided metal kind. Check your washing machine supply hoses today or you might wish you had tommorrow.

Still worried about the metal braided hoses failing? Check this item out, it might just be what you are looking for. This unit will automatically turn off the water when the washer is not is use and comes with an optional water sensor that you place on the floor to detect if the washer is overflowing, or if a hose has burst and it will turn off the water supply.

We encourage you to post your own helpful tips, if we like your tip we will add it to our monthly newsletter.

Do you have bumps and thumps in your attic?

2009-01-21T11:14:00.008-06:00

Do you hear odd bumps, thumps and scurrying noises in your attic? Most likely you do not have ghosts but a rodent or a family of rodents. The calls all start the same way, says a professional animal control officer. In his blog he talks about the reasons why rodents like rats and squirrels like to live in attics . If you hear noises, you can do a quick walk around your home looking for areas, like the ones shown below, that show animal damage and how they are getting in. The best thing to do before calling a repair specialist is to call your pest control company. If you do not have one try Berrett Pest Control located in Richardson, Texas. The reasons for this is first you need to determine if the noises are truly a rodent and then have the rodent(s) removed. You do not want to trap a rodent in your attic by sealing it's access holes because it will find/create a new way out or possibly get into your home through the ceiling. Once you have removed the threat you can have the necessary repairs made to seal the access holes/points.

The best repairs are rodent proof, such as metal flashing in the trouble spots and then covering this with a concrete fiber board (hard as a rock), as your siding. Copper is a good metal to use (expensive) as most rodents do not like the taste.

Of course the best way is to to limit the rodents access to your roof, by keeping your trees trimmed back at least 8 to 10 feet from the shingles. You can also keep bushes and shrubs trimmed back and not allow them to touch your roof line. This is a good practice, as trees and shrubs can rub the grit off of shingles or damage them at the edge of the roof causing water to drip onto your fascia and cause rot or potential roof leaks. Try to limit access to water or food sources, most likely in the form of pet food left in bowls and water bowls.

Remember that rodents like to chew wire casing, so get rid of them as soon as possible and then seal them out. Have your attic inspected for any wiring damage as most attic fires are caused by faulty wiring.

If you find this helpful, please post a comment or offer up your suggestions that have worked for you.

Patio Extension (concrete with patterned brick)

2009-01-16T09:49:00.002-06:00

Customer wanted a patio extension of poured concrete with a patterned brick top.

We removed the dirt, built the forms, installed the re-bar, poured the slab, installed the patterned brick top and repaired the downspouts.

Call us today for your patio or deck needs. We can pour a concrete slab, Patterned concrete (stamped), install field stone, tiles, brick or any other type of covering you would like to dress-up your patio or deck. We repair sidewalks and driveways. We repair failing brick and stone edging around your flower beds and trees. We build brick and stone mailboxes and can get the cast stone house numbers that look so nice to showcase your home.

Quick summary of a few recent jobs

2009-01-16T00:37:00.004-06:00

I hope you've found the projects we have posted to be informative and interesting. We have been in business for 10 years but have only been blogging for a few months so if you have a particular need for something like an outdoor kitchen installation in Dallas, Texas or replacement windows, or a commercial roof repair, but don't see it listed on our site, don't fret! We can still help you.

Here's a quick summary of some of the jobs we've performed within the past month or so but haven't posted yet:

We replaced a pine fence along the back of a client's house in Cypress, TX. (Cypress is just north of Houston). One of the challenges was maintaining a level top even though the ground had a definite slope. We used pressure-treated wood posts and pine pickets. We also replaced this particular client's roof because sustained damage when Hurricane Ike came in last fall. This home is approximately 2,500 square feet.

Another project we recently completed was in Seabrook, Texas (south of Houston). This client's home flooded when the Hurricane hit. We replaced about 30 sheets of drywall, textured, and painted the entire house - walls and ceilings. This home is approximately 2,000 square feet.

We replaced the roof on a 25 year old rental property. The house is about 1,400 square feet.

We have a customer in Fairview, Texas (just outside Allen) that had a unique project for us. She asked us to build a decorative cover to fit over her vent-a-hood (above the stove). We will post pictures of this later so you can see the finished product.

We installed several hundred feet of wrought iron fencing on a property in Fairview.

We have replaced a lot of missing shingles due to the severe storms we have encountered over the past few months.

We repaired multiple leaks on a 5,000 square foot Pre-School in Richardson, Texas (between Plano and Dallas). We added roof drains to this flat roof and patched it up with hot asphalt and commercial roll roofing.

We have repaired holes in roofs and fascias where squirrels have chewed through.

We installed a metal roof on a barn for a family in McKinney, TX. They liked it so much they had us come back six months later and install a metal roof on their other barn. Before we could do that, though, we had to rebrace a major portion of the attic framing.

We are currently in the process of renovating the storefront of a commercial building in Downtown Plano. We removed the front windows, performed some framing repairs, and brought our electricians in to rewire a significant part of the lighting. We just finished the exterior siding and are in the process of installing stucco to part of the exterior. This project is looking good and we will post the pictures soon.

We have a customer in Fort Worth who has a very steep shingle roof. We replaced all the ridge shingles and installed ridge venting on the entire house (the house is about 6,000 square feet). We also repaired and cleaned out the gutters. Inside the home, we repaired two bathroom ceilings and the laundry room ceiling where the roof had leaked previously.

We installed heavy duty screening to some chimney caps for a customer. He was tired of squirrels and birds using his chimney caps for a home. The screen will keep those animals out for a long time!

We installed storm doors, weather stripping, chair rail molding, leaf screens, and gutters.

We have repaired numerous roof leaks too.

We have repaired a few ceilings where service people from other companies have stepped through the ceiling when they were in the attic. Although, this is not fun for the company that stepped through the ceiling or the customer, we have been able to solve their problem quickly and professionally.

We have also provided proposals for a wide variety of projects. Here are a few just to give you an idea of other work we can do:

Replacing approximately 5,500' (that's over a mile!) of wood split rail fencing with vinyl split rail fencing around a large subdivision in Parker, Texas.

Installing lighting to several monument signs at a subdivision entrance.

Building a new access driveway.

Installing roof windows with automatic blinds.

Replacing a wood shingle roof on a 7,000 square foot home in Plano. The customer wants to install Radiant Barrier Plywood Decking and 30 year composition shingles. This is a very lovely home and the finished product will look great.

Paint the interior of a 6,000 square foot home in Plano. Many of the rooms have wallpaper and it will need to be removed and new texture applied before that painting can be started. There is also water damage in several of the bathrooms. We anticipate having to repair sheetrock and the subfloor.

Install new tile in several bathrooms and kitchen.

Extend a concrete patio, build an arbor, and relocate and air conditioner.

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As you can see, we work on a wide variety of projects. And we can handle both residential and commercial. If your building or home needs some attention, please give us a call at (866) 596-2030.

Shower Mix-it and Tile Repair

2009-01-15T08:56:00.003-06:00

Customer had no hot water in the shower and some loose shower tiles below the mix-it knob. we sent our plumber out and it was discovered the mix-it valve was corroded up and we might be able to replace the valve stem assembly. Owner choose not to try to fix the issue with a patch, but to replace the entire mix-it valve assembly. He fixed it right and got the new look he wanted.

We installed the new mix-it valve and replaced the loose tiles and it looks and works like new. No more cold showers and piece of mind that the job was done right the first time.

Call us today for all your tub/shower re-caulking, loose tiles, re-grouting or bath remodeling needs.

Closet Remodel

2009-01-14T09:32:00.001-06:00

Client replaced their HVAC unit and when they did this it was placed in the attic. Old unit was removed leaving them nice 3'x4' closet with a large hole in the floor and holes for the old duct work.

We helped them to reclaim this unused space by repairing the floor, repairing the old duct work holes, painting and installing shelves.

Call us today if you need flooring repairs, drywall repairs, painting or shelves installed. We can help you to get the most from your closet spaces and garage.

Exterior Door Replacement

2009-01-13T09:01:00.000-06:00

The client had an exterior door from the garage to the backyard. The door was not sealing against the weather properly because it was out of sqaure, rotting at the bottom, missing its door sweep and about 3/4 of an inch too short. In this case the only option was to replace the entire door with a new pre-hung steel door.

Call us today to replace or repair your sagging doors, we have a weather stripping specialist that can repair or replace any type of weather stripping. This inexpensive update to your exterior doors can save you money on your heating and cooling bills. Improperly sealed doors, weather stripping, threshold or doorsweeps can be as much as 30% of your heating and cooling costs.

Old Door

We replace the old door with an exterior steel door, installed properly it can seal against the weather and will securely protect the owner's property.

Call us today for you free estimate for door replacement or weather stripping.

Shower Stall Remodel

2009-01-12T09:00:00.005-06:00

The owner had a faux marble shower stall with a fiberglass pan. He wanted a custom tile pan, with custom tile pattern, frame-less glass shower doors and a multi-head shower system.

As you can see in the photos we built him just what he wanted and to his design specifications.

Call us today to schedule a free estimate and we can get build your dream shower for you.

Note: The shower pan is fiberglass, the shower enclosure glass is framed, the walls are faux marble and there is only one shower head. The shower is a 3ft x 4 ft shower stall.

This is the new plumbing for the shower, it has valves for two shower heads, one fixed on the wall and one that is either fixed or hand-held.

The owners pattern and personal style have been created in tile, the custom tile pan is wonderful.

Here is a close-up view of the valves that control the 2 shower heads.

Completed with the clean lines of a frame-less glass shower enclosure and no metal outlines.

chimney mortar cap

2008-12-09T09:52:00.000-06:00

As you can see, this chimney mortar cap has deteriorated and is chipping. We removed the loose sections of mortar and resurfaced the cap as needed.

BEFORE PICS

AFTER PICS

Exterior Wall Expansion

2008-12-08T15:51:00.008-06:00

Before picture right hand side

Before picture middle

Before picture left hand side

This house has metal framing. Part of our project entailed installing a new 2"x12" header to support the new wall. The entire project included removing windows, siding, and walls. We framed a new exterior wall approx. 5' farther out. We installed house wrap, new windows, a new door, and Hardiboard siding.

Framing new wall for windows.

Installed OSB decking to exterior of framing.

Framing complete.

This is the interior view of the new wall.

This is the interior view of the wall and ceiling.

Installing house wrap.

After picture right hand side

mailbox repair

2008-10-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

We work with several HOAs throughout the Metroplex. The stone on this community mailbox came loose and we were hired to fix it.

BEFORE

AFTER

We have several suppliers and can locate brick and stone to match most projects we come across. If you need stone or brick repair on your mailbox or on the front of your building call Rainy Day Services at (866) 596-2030.

tankless water heater

2008-10-13T09:45:00.003-05:00

This customer had a 50 gallon water heater that unfortunately ruptured and flooded part of her house. Rather than install a new 50 gallon water heater, she opted to replace it with a tankless water heater. We worked with the plumber and installed ceramic tile in the closet to prevent damage should water ever leak in this closet again.

If you are interested in tankless water heaters* or ceramic tile, call us at (866) 596-2030.

* We don't install tankless water heaters but can refer you to licensed plumbers who do.

Chimney siding project

2008-10-10T09:04:00.000-05:00

This Plano customer had a large hole in the chimney siding (bottom right corner). In addition, the siding was old and severely weather damaged. We removed the siding and installed new Hardiboard siding and trim, caulked, and painted it.

BEFORE

AFTER

If your chimney siding needs to be replaced or repaired, call Rainy Day Services at (866) 596-2030 for an estimate.

Balcony soffit repair

2008-10-09T08:52:00.004-05:00

This customer in Stonebriar (Frisco) had a leak at their front balcony, which in turn damaged the soffit (underside of the balcony). We replaced the material with Hardiboard siding, caulked, and painted it.

BEFORE - damage is along the front edge

AFTER

If you have soffit damage or other wood/ siding repairs, please call Rainy Day Services at 9866) 596-2030 for an estimate.

Siding Replacement

2008-10-08T08:53:00.001-05:00

As you can see in this photo the bottom edge of the siding is weather damaged. We removed the siding, installed new siding, and caulked and painted it. One issue that comes up every once in a while is rotted framing behind the siding. Since it's concealed there is no way to know if it is damaged until the siding is pulled off. In addition to framing repairs, insulation and sheetrock may also need to be replaced.

OLD SIDING REMOVED

NEW SIDING AND TRIM INSTALLED

SIDING AND TRIM PAINTED AND DOWNSPOUT REATTACHED

If your siding is looking worn out, call Rainy Day Services at (866) 596-2030 for an estimate.

Changing table installation

2008-10-07T08:56:00.000-05:00

The term "handyman project" refers to a wide variety of projects. It could include changing light fixtures, adjusting doorknobs, caulking trim, repairing gates, touch-up painting, or a hundred other things. Here's an example of one of our handyman projects.

We installed a changing table in the restroom of children's tutoring facility in Plano. If your place of work needs a changing table or other handyman services, please call Rainy Day Services at (866) 596-2030 for an estimate.

BEFORE

AFTER

Church Siding Project

2008-10-06T09:00:00.003-05:00

This church in Anna got hit with some high winds recently and they lost a large amount of siding across the front of their building. We were hired to replace the missing siding with Hardi siding.

Here you can see the finished siding install. We installed the new siding on the left side of the cross.

When the project was completed, we painted the entire wall so all the siding would match (the lighting isn't very good in this photo). Call Rainy Day Services today at (866) 596-2030 for an estimate to replace any siding or trim around your church, house, or office.

Chimney Rebuild

2008-10-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

Do you have siding falling off your house or does it look rotten? This house is McKinney had nasty siding. It was hanging off the house and some of it had fallen to the ground. After we removed it, we discovered rotted and damaged framing. We replaced framing, therma-ply insulation board, installed new siding, caulked, and painted.

Before

Before and after with new framing

New framing

New siding being painted

If you need siding or painting at your home or office, call Rainy Day Services at (866) 596-2030.

Tub Skirt Plumbing Holes

2008-10-04T09:00:00.001-05:00

This customer had a tub with an out of date, leaking faucet. Unfortunately, when the plumber arrived to replace it, the holes in the marble were too small to accommodate the new plumbing fixtures. We were hired to enlarge the holes.

As you can see, the new pipe does not fit in the existing hole.

After the hole is enlarged, the pipe fits easily.

If you have an out of the ordinary project and you're not really sure who to contact - call Rainy Day Services at (866) 596-2030.

Metal Door and Wood Frame Repair

2008-10-03T09:00:00.001-05:00

Is the caulking around your exterior door starting to crack or pull away from the brick or siding? Is the wood frame itself damaged by pets or rain? Here is a small job we just finished. We re-caulked the door frame and painted it. The metal door also had some dents in it. A little Bondo, sanding, and paint, and the door looks as good as new.

Before and After (right side)

Before and After (left side)

Before and After with 1st coat of paint(pink stuff is Bondo) We painted a 2nd coat on this door, which concealed the repair even more, unfortunately do not have a photo...

If you need something as simple as a door repair or as large as a remodeling project, please call Rainy Day Services at (866) 596-2030.

Mystery Leak Found

2008-10-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

We have a client in Allen who has had a leak over their downstairs kitchen sink for quite a while. Initial thoughts were that it was coming from the bathroom upstairs but that turned out not to be the case. We decided the best course of action would be to cut out the sheetrock above the sink and inspect the ceiling space. It turns out the problem had been there since the house was built. Evidently, the electrician or other contractor needed to drill a hole through the ceiling joist. When he did, he drilled through the PVC pipe too. This PVC pipe is a plumbing vent and its purpose is to help water drain properly from toilets, sinks, tubs, etc. Without getting real technical, this hole is the source of the problem. We recommended our client contact the builder for warranty repairs.

If you are having difficulty locating a leak or need help with other home improvement projects, please call Rainy Day Services at (866) 596-2030.

Shutters and Door project

2008-10-01T09:00:00.001-05:00

Here's a house we just worked on in Fairview's Heritage Ranch Community. We built these cedar shutters in our shop, painted, and installed them. Shutters really do add a nice touch to the front of your home.

We also painted the front door to match.

If you would like to learn more about installing shutters to your home or any other type of home improvement project, please call Rainy Day Services at (866) 596-2030.

Coppell Church Roof and Gutter Repair

2008-09-30T16:19:00.003-05:00

This is a very nice facility in Coppell, TX. Unfortunately, they have been dealing with roof and gutter issues since construction.

The last "roofing" contractor they had came out and installed roof tape along this 40' long wall. It didn't fix the problem, though. We ended up having to remove the tape and shingles all along this wall (and 3 other walls) and repair the flashing underneath. Then we installed new shingles.

In this photo you can see that the gutters are full of water. Normally, commercial gutters are installed in sections and sealant is applied where the sections meet. The builder didn't do that here, though. Instead, the builder installed 3-4 layers of flashing tape inside the gutters. The problem with this was that as the tape aged, it became unsticky. Water then found its way underneath the tape and became trapped between the tape and the gutter. Because the water was trapped it wouldn't drain. Instead, it just leaked into the church. We spent 2 days removing tape from the gutters and then sealed the inside of the gutters with professional gutter sealant.

This flat roof was also leaking when we started. We installed roof patches (using hot asphalt) and solved the problem.

It would be easy for us to always recommend the absolute cheapest fix to a problem, but because we stand behind our work, we want to make sure the solutions we offer will actually solve the problem. Two days after we repaired the roof and gutters the Dallas area had a 4" rain. The church had only 1 leak. We returned to check it out and discovered that we had missed sealing one joint in one of the gutters. We took care of the issue, it's rained since then, and no other issues have been reported.

If you are having issues with your commercial building and need someone to give you actual solutions, call Rainy Day Services at (866) 596-2030.

6' Cedar Fence

2008-09-29T12:01:00.000-05:00

If your house is under 7 years old, chances are you still have a "builder" fence. Builder fences are typically 6' high, with wood posts, and have pine pickets. Most of the time they are unstained. These fences look great for about 2 weeks after installation, however, they begin to gray over time. The posts warp and when the wind picks up the posts can snap off at the ground. This customer was tired of the hassle that accompanied her pine builder fence. Instead of spending money trying to bring it up to working condition, she opted to replace it with a new cedar fence with steel posts. Once the fence was up, we stained and sealed it to preserve it for years to come.

If your fence is starting to lean, rot, or otherwise look bad, please call Rainy Day Services today at (972) 747-7734 for an estimate.

Patio Structure

2008-09-26T11:34:00.000-05:00

When it comes to back patios and decks, the lack of shade can be a major deterrent to spending time outside. If a cedar shade structure isn't right for your property, you may want to consider a steel structure.
Here are some photos of a project we completed recently. We welded the steel frame and installed steel roof panels. The roof was pre-painted and we painted the rest of the structure to match. Now, rain or shine, this client can actually enjoy the time they spend on their deck.

If you would like additional information about a shade structure for your home please call Rainy Day Services at (972) 747-7734.

New Driveway and Sidewalk

2008-09-25T11:04:00.003-05:00

If you live in the country, chances are you may have a gravel driveway or no driveway at all. You may just have a few step stones connecting you from your house to a detached building. If you're tired of dealing with the mud and dust and mess, installing a concrete driveway or sidewalk may be just what you need. One of the important things to consider when installing concrete is drainage. In other words, where is the water going to go (since the dirt and grass won't be able to absorb it anymore)? We make sure this is planned out ahead of time and we grade our installations to make sure the water goes where it is supposed to go.

Here are a few terms you may not be familiar with:

Form board - board/ frame that is used to outline where the concrete will go and it holds it in place - the top of the form will be the top of the concrete
Form stake - wooden stake used to keep the form board in place
Rebar - metal rods used to add strength to the concrete and hold it together
Exposed aggregate - surface finish on concrete where the pebbles (aggregate) are visible
Expansion joint - an intention joint left in the concrete. All concrete cracks, but an expansion joint is installed to isolate the cracks and prevent them from spreading over the entire surface.

BEFORE - We formed up a sidewalk to connect the front and back porches to this customer's driveway and barn.

AFTER

Here we had to slope the concrete slightly to match up with the bottom step.

BEFORE

AFTER

The lines going across the driveway are expansion joints.

If a new driveway or sidewalk is in your future plans, please call Rainy Day Services at (972) 747-7734 for an estimate.

If you saw this coming - would your house be ok?

2008-09-24T17:07:00.002-05:00

Don't procrastinate the day of your repairs!

If your roof is missing shingles, loose siding, broken doors, or window - call us today!

Rainy Day Services is here to help. (866) 596-2030.

Bathroom remodel in Allen

2008-09-24T09:00:00.001-05:00

Does your shower have 4" square white tiles with discolored grout? Is your shower door rusty? Well, check out what we did with our clients who had a bathroom just like that too.

This is no standard shower stall anymore. We replaced their old 4" builder tile and grout with new 12" wall tiles, 4" diamond cut tiles, 1" mosaic border tiles, and endcap tiles. We also replaced the shower pan, shower head, faucet, and soapdish.

Here you can see the new bathtub we installed complete with faucet and border tiles.

This photo shows the 16" floor tiles we installed.

If your bathroom needs a makeover, call Rainy Day Services today at (972) 747-7734 for an estimate.

Mobile Home Underskirting

2008-09-23T10:41:00.005-05:00

If you know anyone who owns a mobile home, they will tell you one of the main headaches is dealing with the undeskirting always coming loose. Typically, the builder installs a vinyl material that warpes and comes loose over time. This house was no different. We replaced the broken and missing vinyl with steel panels. We installed TREK composite and rot-free boards along the ground and attached the steel panels to the TREK. We also installed these new foundation vents. This paneling shouldn't go anywhere for a long time.

Owens Corning Press Release

2008-09-23T10:22:00.004-05:00

RAINY DAY SERVICES NAMED OWENS CORNING PREFERRED ROOFING CONTRACTOR

Allen, TX, September 17, 2008 – Rainy Day Services has been named a Preferred Roofing Contractor by Owens Corning, America’s most recognized brand of roofing shingles. As an Owens Corning Preferred Roofing Contractor, Rainy Day Services has demonstrated a commitment to adhere to industry best practices and standards and is an established business within the communities it serves.

“We’ve worked hard to gain the trust of our customers, so it’s gratifying to receive this vote of confidence from Owens Corning,” said Josh Hopewell, owner of Rainy Day Services.

Rainy Day Services offers roofing services throughout the DFW Metroplex. All Owens Corning Preferred Roofing Contractors have a minimum of three years experience, a clean profile with the Better Business Bureau, and all required state and local licenses.

“The Preferred program takes the guess work out of finding a contractor,” says Jeff Carpenter, Owens Corning Contractor Development Leader. “Preferred Roofing Contractors have a demonstrated track record of dependable, quality workmanship and they are backed by one of the most trusted name in roofing.”

About Rainy Day Services
Rainy Day Services began offering professional roofing and gutter services in 1999. A family owned business located in Allen, TX, their goal is to improve the community by providing professional repair, improvement, roofing and remodeling solutions for their residential and commercial clients. For more information please visit http://www.rainydayservices.com/.

About Owens Corning
Owens Corning (NYSE: OC) is a leading global producer of residential and commercial building materials, glass fiber reinforcements and engineered materials for composite systems. A Fortune 500 company for 53 consecutive years, Owens Corning is committed to driving sustainability through delivering solutions, transforming markets and enhancing lives. Founded in 1938, Owens Corning is a market-leading innovator of glass fiber technology with sales of $5 billion in 2007 and 19,000 employees in 26 countries on five continents. Additional information is available at http://www.owenscorning.com/.

Siding replacement at historic building in Dallas

2008-09-23T09:04:00.010-05:00

Here's a job we completed for the Garden Gate Floral Shop near downtown Dallas. They had a large amount of rotted siding along the back of their building. The doors also suffered water damage and started coming apart. Their roof was leaking as well. We came up with a total package to solve their problems. We installed gutters to help divert the majority of water causing the problems. We replaced the rotted windows (the windows turned out to be wooden doors instead) with new vinyl-framed windows. We had to track down wooden siding to match the historic siding on the building. We caulked and painted the new siding. We replaced two doors with new steel doors. We also replaced a missing porch post and routed it to match the other posts. This is one of those jobs that just comes together.

As you can see here, the siding and window frame is rotted. Imagine the amount of water that leaks into the walls of the building every time it rains.

This is the after picture of the same area with new cedar siding and vinyl windows (energy efficient).

The new cedar siding should last for many decades to come.
Due to the height of the structure we installed scaffolding.

As you can see, we replaced the door, the siding, the windows, caulked and painted, and installed gutters. The gutters matched the trim paint perfectly. The new steel doors will keep the rain out and provide extra security and energy efficiency.

We installed the post on the left. It's hard to see in the picture, but we routed (made grooves) in the top and bottom of the post to match it to the others.

If you know anyone who has rotted siding, damaged doors or windows, or a leaky roof, have them call Rainy Day Services at (972) 747-7734.

Chimney Rebuild Project

2008-08-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

Remember the severe wind storms we had this spring? Our client's chimney fell over because it was improperly braced. As you can see, the siding seems to be intact. Unfortunately the original builder didn't brace it correctly in the attic.
We framed a new chimney (adding the approporiate bracing in the attic), reinstalled the flue and cap, installed new Hardiboard siding, painted, and flashed the chimney.

This chimney isn't going anywhere for a long time! If you or someone you know needs chimney or siding work, please call Rainy Day Services at (972) 747-7734 for a free estimate.

Cedar arbor in Heritage Ranch

2008-08-08T10:00:00.000-05:00

Heritage Ranch is a great adult neighborhood in Fairview, Texas. While our clients have a very nice home, they had absolutely no relief from the sun when sitting at their back patio. We designed this arbor for them and had to work diligently with the city and HOA to obtain permission to build it. As you can see, it was worth it!

We installed ceiling fans and painted the completed structure.

Our clients love this new outdoor getaway!

If you or someone you know would like a free estimate on an arbor or shade structure, please call Rainy Day Services today at (972) 747-7734.

Floor Tile Project

2008-08-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

As you can see in this photo, the master bathroom has vinyl flooring. Our client wanted a fresh, new look.
We installed the new ceramic tile with a diagonal pattern.

We reset the commode and installed a new wax ring.

If you aren't sure you want to do a tile project yourself, please call Rainy Day Services today at (972) 747-7734 for a free estimate .

Monument Sign for Pre-school

2008-08-06T09:18:00.000-05:00

Over the past few years we have done a lot of projects for Apple Creek Pre-school in Allen. We have repaired their roof, installed gutters, remodeled one of their offices,

replaced several sections of their brick screening walls,

and most recently built a monument sign at their parking lot entrance -

Apple Creek has been a great customer and we can't wait to see what they'll have us do for them next. If you need a monument sign or brick screening wall (or know someone who does) please call us at (972) 747-7734.

Another kitchen remodel in Plano, TX

2008-08-05T17:01:00.000-05:00

This Plano kitchen remodel was a lot of fun.

1. We removed the countertops, backsplash, and plumbing fixures.

2. We built a new cabinet to hold a microwave and double oven. We were able to match the doors and style of the existing cabinets built almost 30 years ago.

3. We refinished all the cabinets.

4. We installed granite counters and new appliances.

5. We installed a new tile backsplash, complete with decorative splash behind the range.

6. Decorative backsplash - includes pewter tiles.

Recent remodeling work

2008-08-05T16:24:00.001-05:00

Well, it's been a busy summer here at Rainy Day Services. I wanted to update you on some of the recent projects we have completed. Here is a kitchen remodel in Allen, TX.

1. We removed and hauled off the cabinets, countertops, and plumbing fixtures.

2. We built custom cabinets and an island for additional workspace.

3. We installed new Solid Surface countertops, undermount sink, tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances.

Now our client not only has a beautiful kitchen, but the solid surface counters make it healthier too. For more information on how your home can be made more beautiful and healthier, please call us today at (972) 747-7734.

Customer Survey Results are In!

2008-05-05T15:56:00.000-05:00

We had our weekly team meeting this morning and discussed our progress as a company. We survey all our clients to find out what they like and/ or didn't like about their experience with Rainy Day Services. The comments are very helpful, and I'd like to share some of the results so you will know what others have to say about Rainy Day. When asked about the overall Quality of Service they received 93.5% reported satisfaction (varying from extremely satisfied to satisfied).

Here are some of the other things that were surveyed:

1. Courtesy of Office Staff 99% satisfaction rating
2. Courtesy of Workers 98.33% satisfaction rating
3. Promptness of the Workers 95% satisfaction
4. Convenience of using Rainy Day 94.17% satisfaction rating
5. Having work completed within the time frame 93.34% satisfaction rating
6. Clean-up of job site 96.66% satisfaction rating
7. Fairness of the charges 94.16% satisfaction rating

"The work was done neatly, cleanly, efficiently and correctly. The workman had suggested a better way of solving the problem once he saw the insides of the work (unable to be done til some demolition was done). The workman arrived, set up, and started working. The cost of repair was reasonable given the work that was done. We have used this company for about 6 years and will continue to do so!!!!" - siding repair

"Job was well done. No damage to flowers etc. around the house. Everything picked up and gone within 2 days" - new roof

"Tile looks great" - tile in bathrooms

"It was done in a timely manner and the finished result is wonderful!" - paint

"They let me know when my repair was delayed a day. They did exactly what was explained with no hidden charges"

"One stop shop for many services"

"They did a great job and one that I would be afraid to even attempt"

"Very professional and quick turnaround"

Obviously we are not a perfect company but we are honestly striving to become better. Whether you need a new roof, bathroom remodel, exterior paint, or small home repair. If you want to do business with a company that actually cares about its reputation and the clients it serves, I encourage you to call Rainy Day Services today.