814jeffw

That's not a bad idea, and I've considered it, but I built my business on doing what I do,..hard to change after 12 years,...just wouldn't feel right for me!! Brushing really isn't that hard, the cleaner does most of the work,and the phone rings and keeps the competition knocked down. But it may be something for anyone at least considering brushing to think about. At least get a feel for it. That was a good point Anthony!! Jeff

Great John, keep up the good work!! Jeff

If brushing keeps the other guy knocked down and keeps my phone ringing then that's what's important. You can only do two jobs a day if the phone is ringing. If your local competitor is brushing and the customer would prefer brushing then that competitor will be eating your lunch. Slow and steady will win the race. You (generally speaking) may be able to do two house in a day but at the end of the month the guy brush washing may have done 15 houses in 15 days and you did 8 in 4 days. In the end though the guy brushing will make more money because he sold a better overall service. That's the point I'm making I guess. Jeff

Hi Dan, I've never done it any other way than the way I do it now, so going "back" to brushing isn't an issue with me. As I said, this is not up for debate, do it how you choose. This post was meant to show those struggling with getting work an option for raising the bar higher. And, in my opinion the public in general sees brush washing as a better way of doing it, which in turn raises the bar simply because it looks like you're doing some work to get their siding clean. It can't be disputed with me simply because I know what I've seen and heard over the years. You can tell me all day long that your results are as good as mine, and I won't argue,...but I believe my phone will ring more simply because of what I'm selling. And that's what I'm talking about here, going further than the next guy to get work. Telling them you brush to get the job and then brushing only the pesky spots is deceptive and they may be disappointed in your not being totally honest, and they may not call back next time. Kinda' like the guy leaning the brush in a visible spot and using it enough to say they brushed,...which both of these things lends credence as to what I'm saying with this whole thread. If you want to put a hurtin' on your competition,... start brush washing. I won't argue your method, if your getting lots of work on a regular basis and haven't any real competition then that's great!! Just want to add: I invite customers to watch me if they want, simply to show them my method and let them see first hand that I'm not just another guy with a washer looking for the fast buck, and lets face it this business is crawling with guys like that. You have to put yourself noticeably above the others. I don't have to hide my method or use deceptive wording to get work. And I like the customer to see what they're getting. I've changed the whole way the public looks at pressure washing in my area. And it's funny because people start this up every year and think what I do is to much work,but then they kinda' just fade away. They're not willing to do a couple extra hours of work to keep their business. Jeff

Yea Rod I agree 100% on the safety issue when the use of ladders is considered, and I'm not saying to risk your neck with a particular landscape, and I have seen some ugly situations myself (not to many though),...I then will just tell the customer the situation as it is. But for 98% of MY jobs ladder use and brush washing is very feasible. But I do understand we live in different environments that call for different measures when it comes to the work we do. Jeff

I worked for an ice company in the 80's,...and once, I left the door on the back of a delivery truck unlatched, and while going up a hill I lost about 30-40 bags of ice. Those things happen. Jeff

I think she is also in big trouble for holding someone captive a long time ago, then skipped bail and was identified because of this story. Maybe she should have herself cloned so one could be in jail while the other raised the puppies. Jeff

I've never used hot water, don't even have a hot machine. Makes no difference in house washing either way. Except that it's cheaper to run a cold machine. Jeff

I hear ya',....a customer can spend money only once in most cases and any time one of those guys gets a work and does a poor job, not only does it potentially take away from your pocket, but it also leaves a bad taste in the mouth of the customer towards the washing business in general.

Sounds like you may be as fortunate as I am Dan and have the roof cleaning all to yourself there. Jeff

Man, those beside it look like aluminum siding, with the same issues. We have an Owens Corning plant here in town and I've done a few of those over the years. A couple were actually insurance jobs that Owens Corning had done for the home owners to keep them happy. Trucks in and out all day long!! Jeff

Just be sure and bid it in for what it's worth. Jeff

I remember singing "99 bottles of beer on the wall" once when I used to work in an ice house bagging ice. Jeff

"Joe Knows How To Live" by Eddy Raven.

Castrol will probably also liquefy the paint that's on the siding. Don't understand why if the house mix and/or water would make the red ink run,...then why is it sticking to the surface of the siding so bad? When you did your test spot I assume then that the red color came off as well? Maybe the paint you seen smear was oxidation, if so it may not hurt to remove a layer of oxidation to get back down to a better quality surface and remove the red in doing so. Jeff

I'm really surprised the butyl based didn't cut it. Butyl strong enough will remove good paint, I figured if the ink ran from your house wash mix, then the butyl should have cut it,....at least I would have thought. Try a SMALL test spot with some Castrol Super Clean from Wal-Mart. Just put some on a sponge full strength and go at a spot with light pressure. Shouldn't hurt the good paint but just be careful. Jeff

Not if used at proper dilution rates. If you're not familiar with butyl based just be very cautious. Start with a mix of 1 qt. of something like Castrol Super Clean or Purple Power to 3 qts. water, that shouldn't hurt anything and by looking at the pictures I'd say you're not gonna hurt anything at an even stronger percentage. Test spots. I use oxalic mixed at 1 cup per 5 gallons of water, that won't hurt that siding, but still do a test spot. Butyl based is often used for removing oxidation, just learn to use it. Jeff

Try something butyl based and if that doesn't work spray it with oxalic, the red may disappear on contact with the oxalic. Jeff

I wasn't aware they painted new concrete, but then I don't do that type of work. The best way I know to make concrete "white" again is clean it good and then spray it with oxalic. Jeff

What is the over spray? Jeff

Yea, you're right Scott, I will end it now!! Jeff

Mike, it's none of your business how I take care of my family. I really don't need a clown like you telling me how to survive. Jeff

Senseless compared to necessary. And who are you to say what hunting can provide me and my family? Worry about your own damn self!! A lot of you on here need to realize that hunting provides food for a lot of needy people. Just going to the store isn't always an option. I guess a city boy like you wouldn't know anything about that. Jeff

And you know whats''s really crazy Scott, is someday you will REALLY miss doing that kind of thing with your kids. Jeff