New Concrete Patio

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

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!

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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:

• Leaf Screens (screens)
• Leaf Guards (solid cap)
• Rapidflow (gutter insert from Owens Corning)

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.

1. 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.
2. MOISTURE CONTROL – Keeps crawl spaces and garages, dry and free from conditions that support mold and wood rot.
3. PROTECT BACK-FILL – Top soil around the foundation is the weakest link in the foundation moisture control, preventing soil erosion can prevent foundation shift.
4. 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.
5. PROTECT PLANTS AND SHRUBS – Standing water in flower beds can kill your plants and promote plant disease.
6. PROTECTS POOLS – Keeps unwanted debris from entering into the pool.
7. 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.
8. DECORATIVE DETAIL – Gutters come is a wide variety of styles, colors and metals which can add pleasing detail while still being functional.
9. 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??

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

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.

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

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

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?

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?

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.